Physical vs. Chemical Properties Interactive Simulation | Physical Science | Grades 6–8

This Interactive Simulation has grades 6–8 Middle School Physical Science students run a hands-on classroom model of Physical vs. Chemical Properties.

Driving question: "How can quantitative physical property measurements and qualitative reaction indicators distinguish between physical mixtures and chemical transformations?" Objective: Measure mass, volume, and density to identify unknown solid samples, and test chemical reactivity with indicators to detect evidence of chemical change and mass conservation.

What's inside: objective and background, a materials list (1 digital balance accurate to 0.1 grams…; 1 100 mL graduated cylinder filled with…; 3 unknown solid test cylinders (Copper,…; 2 100 mL plastic bottles with screw-on…), an 8-step protocol, a data table, 4 analysis questions, and teacher notes.

Resource type: Interactive Simulation (.docx). Format: editable Microsoft Word lab handout with approximately 610 words (~5 pages).

Classroom use: a team investigation in a Middle School Physical Science course. Grades 6–8.

Format note: These files are delivered in Microsoft Office formats (Word and/or PowerPoint). If you open a worksheet that includes tables in Apple Pages or another non-Microsoft app, table formatting may not display correctly. For best results, use Microsoft Word or PowerPoint (or upload the file to Google Docs). If you run into any formatting issues, contact us and we can send a PDF version.