Mystery Powders

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In this activity on page 2 of the PDF (Get Cooking With Chemistry), learners conduct chemical tests on certain powders used in cooking. After completing the tests, learners try to figure out the identity of a mystery powder. Learners record their observations on a chart. Note: you will need an adult helper for this activity.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
5 to 10 minutes
Learning Time:
45 to 60 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$10 - $20 per student
Age Range:
Ages 8 - 14
Resource Types:
Activity, Experiment/Lab Activity
Language:
English

Materials List (per student)

  • 2 sheets of paper
  • Pencil
  • Wax paper
  • Masking tape
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Cornstarch
  • Cream of tartar
  • Water
  • Tincture of iodine
  • Vinegar
  • Red cabbage
  • 9 small plastic cups
  • 4 droppers
  • Zip-closing plastic bag
  • Measuring spoons

Keywords

Subjects

  • Physical Sciences
    • Chemistry
      • Chemical Reactions
      • Acids and Bases
      • Solutions
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations
      • Gathering Data
      • Formulating Explanations
      • Communicating Results

Informal Categories

  • Crime Science
  • Food and Cooking

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • see color
  • read
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

  • American Chemical Society

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, American Chemical Society, 2000