Students investigate the mysterious powders

Students in science have been using what they've learned about chemical and physical changes to determine the identities of several mystery powders. Students have carefully observed changes of certain white powders when they are mixed with other chemicals or altered physically. Students have developed a protocol to help determine which white substance can be identified based on recorded observed changes. Students are required to determine the identity of three unknown powders by the end of the week. You can read more about this project from the science website.

Students conducting an iodine test with the known white powders. Iodine will react with starches and create a new black substance. 

White powders can be identified under the microscope by reviewing the crystalline structure. Students can use a stereo microscope to see the crystals in the laboratory.

Adding heat to the different substances will reveal which of the known white powders are flammable. Students can use this chemical property to help identify the unknown substances.