Moisture Makers

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In this outdoor activity, learners compare the moisture released from different kinds of leaves and from different parts of the same leaf, by observing the color change of cobalt chloride paper. Learners consider how plants release water, what different kinds of leaves have in common, and whether a particular leaf's top or bottom side releases more water.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
4 to 24 hours
Learning Time:
45 to 60 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$10 - $20 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 8 - 18
Resource Types:
Activity, Experiment/Lab Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • cobalt chloride crystals
  • table salt
  • water
  • mixing bowl
  • spoon
  • white typing paper
  • clothesline and clothespins
  • scissors
  • ziplock bags or other airtight containers
  • pencils
  • transparent tape
  • plastic lids or containers
  • Action Cards (page 5 and 6 of PDF)
  • index cards
  • watch
  • hand lenses (optional)
  • cobalt chloride paper (instead of making your own)

Keywords

Subjects

  • Earth and Space Science
    • Earth Processes
      • Weather and Climate
  • Life Sciences
    • Cells
    • Diversity of Life
      • Plants
    • Evolution
      • Evidence for Evolution
  • Physical Sciences
    • Chemistry
      • Chemistry of Life
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Asking Questions
      • Conducting Investigations
      • Gathering Data
      • Formulating Explanations
      • Communicating Results

Informal Categories

  • Nature and Environment
  • Outdoor Activity

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • see color
  • read
  • be mobile
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves teamwork and communication skills
  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, The Regents of the University of California, 1982