Investigation of Physical Properties
Objective: To observe and describe the physical properties of both dry and wet Chia seeds.
Science Terms:
hydration– to fill with water
physical properties– Characteristics used to identify something; physical properties include: color, size, shape and texture.
relative size- A comparison of the size of an object to something with a familiar size; as big as grain of sand, or as big as a grape, etc..
Materials: Each material is linked to a supplier
Chia seeds (flax seeds also work) (For enrichment investigations, get white and black seeds)
Materials
chia seeds (flax seeds also work)
2 small plates
magnifying lens
Procedure:
1. Sprinkle about 1/4 teaspoon of dry Chia seeds in two separate plates.
2. Using a magnifying lens, observe the dry seeds in each saucer.
a. With words and drawings record a description of the Chia seeds. Include, color, shape, and relative size.3. Using your fingers, touch the dry seeds. Rub the seeds between your fingers.
b. With words, describe these physical properties determined by touching the Chia seeds, as are they soft or hard; wet or dry; smooth or rough; slick or sticky.
4. Use an eye dropper to let 10 drops of water fall on the dry seeds in one of part of the divided plate. (Keep one set of seeds dry.)
Use a toothpick to stir the water and seeds. Repeat this procedure three times so that about 30 drops of water are added to the seeds.
5. Using a magnifying lens, observe the wet and the dry seeds.
c. Record any physical differences between the wet and the dry seeds?
6. Using your fingers, touch the wet seeds.
d. With words, describe the physical properties determined by touching the Chia seeds: soft or hard; wet or dry; smooth or rough; slick or sticky.
Summary:
How do the physical properties of the dry Chia seeds compare to the physical properties of the wet Chia seeds?
Enrichment (
1. Measuring and comparing the Length and Width of Black and White Chia seeds.
3. How to Design a Science Project: Chia Seed Germination
Big Book of Science Experiments
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