Activity Overview
There are different methods of separating mixtures, all of which use properties of the mixed substances, including filtering, evaporation, and distillation. In this activity, students will identify four methods of separating mixtures and indicate when the method should be used. This is a great way to introduce students to the different methods before stepping into the lab to complete their own separation experiments.
Methods of Separating Mixtures
- Filtering
- Evaporation
- Distillation
- Chromatography
- Magnetism
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a spider map describing and illustrating the different methods of separating mixtures.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify four different methods of separating mixtures in the title boxes.
- Write a sentence describing each one and then illustrate the practical application using a combination of scenes, characters, and items. Alternatively, use Photos for Class to find an image to represent the separation method.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 5 Points | Emerging 3 Points | Beginning 0 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Examples | There are at least four cells each giving a method of separating mixtures. | There are at least two cells correctly giving a method of separating mixtures. | There is a least one cell correctly giving a method of separating a mixture. |
| Illustration | The storyboard cells clearly illustrate the separation methods. | The storyboard cells relate to the separation method examples, but are sometimes difficult to understand. | The storyboard cells do not clearly relate to the separation method examples. |
| Description | All the separation methods have a clear description that contain good scientific vocabulary. | At least two of the separation methods have a clear description. | One of the separation methods has a clear description. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
Activity Overview
There are different methods of separating mixtures, all of which use properties of the mixed substances, including filtering, evaporation, and distillation. In this activity, students will identify four methods of separating mixtures and indicate when the method should be used. This is a great way to introduce students to the different methods before stepping into the lab to complete their own separation experiments.
Methods of Separating Mixtures
- Filtering
- Evaporation
- Distillation
- Chromatography
- Magnetism
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a spider map describing and illustrating the different methods of separating mixtures.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify four different methods of separating mixtures in the title boxes.
- Write a sentence describing each one and then illustrate the practical application using a combination of scenes, characters, and items. Alternatively, use Photos for Class to find an image to represent the separation method.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 5 Points | Emerging 3 Points | Beginning 0 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Examples | There are at least four cells each giving a method of separating mixtures. | There are at least two cells correctly giving a method of separating mixtures. | There is a least one cell correctly giving a method of separating a mixture. |
| Illustration | The storyboard cells clearly illustrate the separation methods. | The storyboard cells relate to the separation method examples, but are sometimes difficult to understand. | The storyboard cells do not clearly relate to the separation method examples. |
| Description | All the separation methods have a clear description that contain good scientific vocabulary. | At least two of the separation methods have a clear description. | One of the separation methods has a clear description. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
How Tos about Ways to Separate Mixtures
Design a simple classroom demonstration for separating mixtures
Show students how to separate a mixture using easy-to-find materials. Hands-on demonstrations make abstract concepts real and memorable!
Gather common household items for the demonstration
Collect items like sand, salt, water, coffee filters, magnets, and clear cups. Readily available supplies save time and make science accessible for everyone.
Prepare a sand and salt mixture as your sample
Mix a small amount of sand and salt in a clear cup. This classic mixture is easy to separate and helps students see each step clearly.
Demonstrate separation by filtering and evaporation
Add water to dissolve the salt, then filter the mixture using a coffee filter to remove the sand. Evaporate the water to recover the salt. Each step highlights a different separation method covered in your lesson.
Engage students with questions and discussion
Ask students to predict what will happen at each stage and discuss their observations. Active participation boosts understanding and retention.
Frequently Asked Questions about Ways to Separate Mixtures
What are the main methods for separating mixtures in a classroom setting?
Filtering, evaporation, distillation, chromatography, and magnetism are the main methods for separating mixtures in classrooms. Each uses different properties, such as particle size or magnetism, to separate substances effectively.
How do I teach students about separating mixtures with hands-on activities?
Engage students by having them create a spider map describing and illustrating each separation method. Use real-life examples and encourage students to use images or drawings to show each technique in action.
What is the difference between filtering and distillation when separating mixtures?
Filtering separates solids from liquids using a filter, while distillation separates substances based on boiling points by heating and condensing. Filtering is best for particulates; distillation works for liquids with different boiling points.
When should I use chromatography to separate mixtures in middle school science?
Chromatography is ideal for separating colored substances or identifying components in inks, dyes, or plant pigments. Use it when you want to demonstrate how mixtures can be separated based on solubility or movement through a medium.
Why is teaching magnetism as a separation method important for students?
Teaching magnetism helps students understand how physical properties, like magnetic attraction, can be used to separate mixtures. It also connects science concepts to real-world recycling and mining applications.
More Storyboard That Activities
Elements, Compounds, and Mixtures
- evaporation • technicolor76 • License Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)
- Gerty Theresa Radnitz Cori (1896-1957) and Carl Ferdinand Cori (1896-1984) • Smithsonian Institution • License No known copyright restrictions (http://flickr.com/commons/usage/)
- Image taken from page 269 of 'A treatise on the distillation of Coal-Tar and Ammoniacal Liquor, and the separation from them of valuable products. [Translated from the German.]' • The British Library • License No known copyright restrictions (http://flickr.com/commons/usage/)
- smartie chromatography • Siyavula Education • License Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)
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