Do the Mystery Samples Contain Life?

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In this activity (on pages 13-16 of the PDF) learners investigate three mystery samples to see which one contains life. The three samples are sand, sand and yeast, and sand and antacid. During the activity, learners add sugar (food) and warm water to the samples, and observe that the sand (non-living) does not change, the yeast (living) starts to produce bubbles continuously, and the antacid (non-living) bubbles and then slows to a stop. The difference between a chemical reaction that runs down and a chemical reaction maintained by a living organism can be discussed.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
10 to 30 minutes
Learning Time:
30 to 45 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
1 cent - $1 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 4 - 14
Resource Types:
Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • 3 clear containers
  • 1 container of warm tap water
  • 3 tablespoons of sand
  • 3 teaspoons of sugar
  • 1/2 packet of active dry yeast
  • 1 fizzing antacid tablet, crushed
  • hand lenses
  • 3 small sheets of paper
  • 1 spoon
  • White board, chalk board, or large piece of chart paper and chalk or markers

Keywords

Subjects

  • Earth and Space Science
    • Astronomy
  • Life Sciences
    • Diversity of Life
      • Protists and Fungi
  • Physical Sciences
    • Chemistry
      • Chemical Reactions
      • Chemistry of Life
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Source Collection

  • Science After School Consumer's Guide

Rights:

Funding Source:

  • NASA, NAG5-13028