Molecule Races

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In this activity, learners investigate whether changing temperature can make molecules move differently. Learners place scented cotton balls inside balloons, put the balloons in covered boxes, and compare the smell from boxes kept in warm and cool locations. By using their sense of smell to compare the two boxes, learners explore how temperature can affect how quickly scent molecules move through materials.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
5 to 10 minutes
Learning Time:
30 to 45 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$10 - $20 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 4 - adult
Resource Type:
Activity
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • 2 small covered boxes of the same size (a shoebox or something similar works well)
  • 2 round balloons
  • 2 cotton balls
  • Mint flavor extract (or vanilla, almond, etc.)
  • 1/4 tsp. measuring spoon
  • Medicine dropper (optional)
  • Hand balloon pump (optional)

Keywords

Subjects

  • Physical Sciences
    • Heat and Thermodynamics
      • Heat and Temperature
    • States of Matter
      • Gases
    • Structure and Properties of Matter
  • Life Sciences
    • Human Senses and Perception
      • Smell
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations
      • Gathering Data
  • Engineering and Technology
    • Engineering
      • Metallurgy and Materials Engineering

Informal Categories

  • Food and Cooking

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • smell

Culture, ethnicity, and gender

Other

Components that are part of this resource:

Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

  • Penn State University; The Franklin Institute

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, Penn State University, 2021

Funding Source:

  • National Science Foundation, DMR-2011839

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