Identifying the Mystery Bag Chemical

Whether one Is a scientist or detective, the process of solving any mystery (or problem solving) Involves a combination of essential steps that Include Investigating, making observations, recording these observations or test results, analyzing the results, and drawing conclusions based on the results. 

As students perform various chemical tests to Identify the mystery bag chemical, they will discover that some test results reveal more Information about the properties of the unknown chemical than others. For example, the results of the Iodine test will quickly reveal a notable property of this chemical It turns purple-black when Iodine Is added, thereby Identifying it as cornstarch. 

Some students may use other test results to support their conclusions. Or, they may identify the chemical Incorrectly. Once again, keep In mind that getting the right answer Is not as important as basing conclusions on actual test results. 

Note Because this is the first test In which students formally apply their skills to a new problem, they may need more of your guidance than in the past few tests. Lessons 14 and 16 also are application lessons, both of which will provide further opportunities for students to work Independently. 

1 Record Sheet 13-A Mystery Goo Test Results Table 

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