MISSION 11 · CHEMISTRY DISCOVERY
Can one simple filter sort a messy mixture into different parts?
3 · Investigate Water
Your new skill: Separate particles while distinguishing filtration from purification.
Revisit the skill you will reuse: Previous main-path mission
Match the names to your parts before you build. New parts appear when you first need them. You can point, say the name or show a grown-up.
This container holds and mixes liquids. Its mL marks help us measure volume: how much liquid we use.
Look for: Find the scale and the mL label. One millilitre is a small unit of liquid volume.
Before using it: Put it flat, look at the water level from the side and use readable markings. Ask for a measuring cup if the kit marks are unclear.
Your turn: Point to the 10 mL line without adding powder.
A mixing stick moves liquid and powder together so we can compare how mixing affects a result.
Look for: Find the clean stirrer named in the materials.
Before using it: Use a clean stick for each sample, or rinse and dry between samples. Never taste it.
Your turn: Rehearse a gentle stir in an empty container without splashing.
A funnel guides liquid through a narrow opening. With tissue inside it, we can try separating some particles.
Look for: Find the wide top and narrow stem.
Before using it: Support it securely and pour slowly. Filtering visible particles does not make water drinkable.
Your turn: Point to where trapped particles might stay.
Tissue has tiny spaces between fibres. Water can travel through them; layers can also trap some particles.
Look for: Find the same tissue type for both strips in a comparison.
Before using it: Keep tissue type and water amount the same when testing strip width. A filter result is not water purification.
Your turn: Feel dry tissue, then predict what a damp edge might do.
These visible particles help us follow movement or see what a filter catches.
Look for: Match the small glitter and larger beads named in the mission.
Before using it: Use only small amounts in a tray. Keep away from eyes and mouth; collect particles in the bin rather than washing them down the drain.
Your turn: Predict whether the same filter will catch a bead and every tiny glitter piece.
A tray catches spills, cups hold samples or form a model, and a dry workspace protects our tools.
Look for: Choose the exact container and dry surface in the mission list.
Before using it: Experiment cups stay separate from food and drinks. Keep electronics away from liquids and clean up before storing parts.
Your turn: Show where a spill would land and where electrical parts will stay dry.
A video demonstration will appear here when it is ready. You can follow the written step now.
Before we build, match these names to the parts in front of you. Beaker or measuring cup. This container holds and mixes liquids. Its mL marks help us measure volume: how much liquid we use. Find the scale and the mL label. One millilitre is a small unit of liquid volume. Put it flat, look at the water level from the side and use readable markings. Ask for a measuring cup if the kit marks are unclear. Mixing stick. A mixing stick moves liquid and powder together so we can compare how mixing affects a result. Find the clean stirrer named in the materials. Use a clean stick for each sample, or rinse and dry between samples. Never taste it. Funnel. A funnel guides liquid through a narrow opening. With tissue inside it, we can try separating some particles. Find the wide top and narrow stem. Support it securely and pour slowly. Filtering visible particles does not make water drinkable. Tissue and paper strips. Tissue has tiny spaces between fibres. Water can travel through them; layers can also trap some particles. Find the same tissue type for both strips in a comparison. Keep tissue type and water amount the same when testing strip width. A filter result is not water purification. Glitter and beads. These visible particles help us follow movement or see what a filter catches. Match the small glitter and larger beads named in the mission. Use only small amounts in a tray. Keep away from eyes and mouth; collect particles in the bin rather than washing them down the drain. Tray cup and dry workspace. A tray catches spills, cups hold samples or form a model, and a dry workspace protects our tools. Choose the exact container and dry surface in the mission list. Experiment cups stay separate from food and drinks. Keep electronics away from liquids and clean up before storing parts. Pause and point to the part that will do the main job in this mission. If it is missing or looks different, ask a grown-up before building.
WHAT YOU'LL USE
Kit list: match the named parts to your box and its component cards. Home list: gather these before starting; some may also be supplied in your kit. Reuse components between missions. Stop and ask a grown-up if an essential part or label is missing.
BEFORE YOU BUILD
Never drink the starting mixture or filtered liquid. Pour slowly and keep the funnel supported.
YOUR REWARD
PREDICT BEFORE YOU BEGIN
Will two tissue layers make filtration faster or slower than one layer?
YOUR CHALLENGE
NEW POWER-UP
Separate particles while distinguishing filtration from purification.
You have just practised compare wet fronts without promising a particular winner. Now: separate particles while distinguishing filtration from purification.
BUILD PATH
STEP 1 OF 8
Place the funnel securely over the empty beaker.
A video demonstration will appear here when it is ready. You can follow the written step now.
Place the funnel securely over the empty beaker.
WHAT'S REALLY HAPPENING?
A tissue filter can trap beads and some suspended particles. Dissolved substances and very fine particles may pass through. Filtered experiment water is never safe to drink.
Water treatment uses several carefully controlled steps, not just one filter.
FAIR-TEST CHALLENGE
Compare one tissue layer with two layers while keeping mixture amount, funnel and pour rate the same.
WHEN IT DOESN'T WORK YET
WHAT YOU SEE LIKELY REASON TRY THIS FIRST Nothing drips through The tissue may be folded too thickly or clogged. Use one fresh layer and pour a smaller amount. Tissue tears The liquid was poured too fast or the tissue was unsupported. Replace it and pour down the side slowly. Many beads enter the beaker The tissue moved away from the funnel wall. Refit the filter so there are no gaps.
CLEAN, RESET AND STORE
Place trapped solids and tissue in the bin as directed. Pour liquid down the sink. Rinse and dry the funnel, beakers and stick.
NEXT SKILL
Design and repeat one safe comparison using earlier methods.