5-PS1-4
The standard
Conduct an investigation to determine whether the mixing of two or more substances results in new substances.
Next Generation Science Standards
What this standard means
Students need to plan and run simple mixing tests, then use evidence to decide if a new material formed. They should observe properties before and after mixing, such as color, smell, temperature, bubbles, solids forming, or ability to separate the materials again.
Mastery looks like a careful investigation with measured amounts, a fair setup, recorded observations, and a claim backed by evidence. Students often think any change means a new substance formed. Push them to compare dissolving salt in water with mixing vinegar and baking soda, where gas is produced.
Ways to teach it
- Hands-on: Mix vinegar and baking soda, salt and water, and iron filings with sand, then record before-and-after properties in a data table.
- Prompt: Which mixture gave the strongest evidence of a new substance, and what observations support your claim?
- Quick check: Show three observation cards, bubbles, melting ice, sugar dissolving, and ask students to label likely new substance or not.
- Real-world connection: Read a pancake recipe and identify which ingredient combinations cause changes during mixing and heating.
Plan a lesson for 5-PS1-4
Generate a complete lesson plan aligned to this standard, with objectives, activities, and materials. Free, no account needed.
Related standards
- 2-PS1-1
Plan and conduct an investigation to describe and classify different kinds of materials by their observable properties.
- MS-PS1-2
Analyze and interpret data on the properties of substances before and after the substances interact to determine if a chemical reaction has occurred.
- HS-PS1-3
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- MS-PS2-5
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