MODULE 1: PROPERTIES OF MATTER
Lesson 4: Mixtures and Their Characteristics
Learning Outcomes:
1. Define mixtures
2. Described how mixtures are formed
3. Classified mixtures as homogeneous and heterogeneous based on their observable characteristics.
Lecture:
A mixture is made up of two or substances or materials that are put together by physical means. In
forming mixtures, no new substances and or materials are formed because mixing materials or
substances together does not change the physical properties of substances or materials. All phases of
matter can be physically and one or more phases of matter can be observed in mixtures.
Three basic characteristics of mixtures are as follows:
1. Composition of the mixture is variable. For example, the components of the mixture of marbles, paper
clips and buttons can differ or vary.
2. Components retain their original characteristics. Marbles, paper clips, buttons, sugar and saw dust do
not lose their appearance, texture, color and shape after they are mixed together.
3. Components are easily separated by physical methods. Since no chemical reaction takes place when
mixing marbles, paper clips, and buttons as well as mixing with saw dust, it is possible for these materials
to be separated.
Mixtures Classification
1. Homogeneous - those that appear single phased. The particle size of the components is too small to be
seen by unaided eye and the mixture appears transparent or clear.
2. Heterogeneous – those where the particles of one or more components can still be differentiated from
the rest of the mixture by the unaided eye.
Prepared by: GRACIE ANN M. DY – EED 5 Instructor
Reference: Teaching Science in the Elementary Grades
(Chemistry and Biology)
MODULE 1: PROPERTIES OF MATTER
Lesson 4: Mixtures and Their Characteristics
Activity 1: Forming Mixtures
What you need:
• 10 marbles, 10 paper clips, 10 buttons
• 2 small plastic jars labeled A and B with lids
• Sugar
• Saw dust
• spoon
Procedure:
1. Place equal number of marbles, paper clips and buttons in jar A and jar B. Add a spoonful of sugar and a
spoonful of saw dust only in jar B.
2. Cover each jar and shake to mix the contents. Observe each jar. What was formed? How do you compare
the appearance of materials mixed in jar A and jar B? Within your group, discuss what mixture is and
how mixtures are formed.
3. Complete the table below.
JAR Items Mixed Together How do the different materials in jars look like
after they were mixed?
Marble, paper clips, buttons
A
Marble, paper clips, buttons,
B sugar, saw dust
Prepared by: GRACIE ANN M. DY – EED 5 Instructor
Reference: Teaching Science in the Elementary Grades
(Chemistry and Biology)
MODULE 1: PROPERTIES OF MATTER
Lesson 4: Mixtures and Their Characteristics
Activity 1: More on Mixtures
What you need:
Table salt, brown sugar, pebbles, white sand, starch, water, 5 glasses, stirrer, table spoon, white paper.
What to do:
1. In a clean empty glass, place one teaspoon sugar and one teaspoon pebbles. Shake them together. Can
you still distinguish the sugar from the pebbles?
2. Half-fill a glass with water. Add one teaspoon of salt. Stir. Look very well inside the glass. Can you still
see the salt? What do you think happened?
3. In another glass, combine water and starch. Cover and shake them together. Describe what was formed
inside the glass.
4. Mix equal amount of water and cooking oil in another glass.
What you have found out:
1. Which combination made s solid mixture? Which mixture is a liquid mixture?
2. In which mixture can you distinguish the components? In which mixture can you not distinguish the
components?
Prepared by: GRACIE ANN M. DY – EED 5 Instructor
Reference: Teaching Science in the Elementary Grades
(Chemistry and Biology)
