Inquiry-based Solubility Investigation Lesson Plan Purpose: Students will develop a list of questions about solubility and then choose one question to investigate. As a class, students will make a list of factors that affect the solubility of a substance. Engage: Define solubility as the quantity of a particular substance (solute) that can dissolve in a particular amount of another substance (solvent). Solubility is typically expressed as mass per volume, for example grams of salt per liter of water (g/L). Formative Assessment: Have students work in table groups to develop a list of at least 5 questions about solubility. Possible stems are listed below. Why does _____? How does _____? What if _____? What could be the reason for _____? What would happen if _____?

How does _____ respond to _____? How does _____ compare to _____? Does _____ when _____? How could we find out if _____?

Discuss the lists of questions with the whole class. Explore: Have students work with their table group to choose a testable question about solubility that can be answered using the materials on the table at the rear of the room. They will then design and implement a procedure to answer the testable question. They should record information related to procedures, data collection, and conclusions in science notebooks to share with the class later. Suggested items for solubility investigation: Hot, cold, and room temperature water

Rock salt Measuring cups

Ice Granular sugar Measuring spoons Seltzer water Powdered sugar Clear plastic cups Rubbing alcohol Sugar cubes Plastic spoons Vinegar Sweet & Low or Splenda Masking tape and markers Table salt Baking soda Pitcher Kosher salt Graduated cylinders Time is limited during the investigation, so students might want to investigate a specific rather than a broad question. Students need to have data and results by the end of the working period. Explain: Discuss the following questions with the whole class: What did your group learn about solubility?

What procedure did you use?

Elaborate: As a class, have students make a list of factors that affect the solubility of a particular substance. (Teacher can contribute items from the list below as needed.)

identity of solute and solvent presence/absence of other solutes temperature pressure (only relevant for gases dissolving in liquids) agitation (stirring) size of solute particles (coarse chunks or fine powder)

Evaluate: Formative Assessment Technique RERUN In your journal, write 1 or 2 sentences for each letter of the acronym:

Recall: Summarize what you did. Explain: Explain the purpose of the investigation. Results: Describe the results of the investigation and what they mean. Uncertainties: Describe what you are still unsure about. New: Write at least 2 new things that you learned from this investigation.

Formative Assessment Techniques from:

Keeley, P. 2008. Science Formative Assessment. Corwin Press. Lesson plan designed by Sabrina Powell, Ph.D.