Separate mixtures using properties
Separate mixtures using properties using supplied evidence and a solved model.
About 18 minutes, plus any extended practice
Supplied materials
- All measurements and observations below are supplied classroom examples. They are not data from actual learners or a claim about a particular real site.
- Paper, drawing space or a browser document.
- Reference card A: separates by different particle sizes. Reference card B: retains insoluble particles from liquid.
- Assessment case 1: Which scientific label fits the specifically described step or feature? Supplied case: Large stones mixed with small sand.
- Assessment case 2: Which scientific label fits the specifically described step or feature? Supplied case: Insoluble sand suspended in water.
- Assessment case 3: Which scientific label fits the specifically described step or feature? Supplied case: Iron pieces mixed with nonmagnetic sand.
- Assessment case 4: Which scientific label fits the specifically described step or feature? Supplied case: Nonvolatile salt dissolved in water.
- Assessment case 5: Which scientific label fits the specifically described step or feature? Supplied case: Pebbles larger than sieve openings.
- Assessment case 6: Which scientific label fits the specifically described step or feature? Supplied case: Undissolved particles retained by filter.
Learn the idea
A mixture contains substances that can retain distinguishable properties. A separation method must match those properties. Supplied observations replace any actual mixing or heating.
Sieving means separates by different particle sizes. Filtration means retains insoluble particles from liquid. Magnetic separation means removes a magnet-responsive component. Evaporation recovery means leaves nonvolatile dissolved material as solvent evaporates.
For sieving, look for the clue “separates by different particle sizes.” For filtration, look for “retains insoluble particles from liquid.” More than one process can happen in a real situation. Answer about the one described in this question.
- Read or listen to the four science words and what each means. Say how the first two differ.
- Choose two of the short cases. Point to the clue that helps you choose a science word for each one. You may draw or say your answer.
- Answer each practice question. Say which clue helped you, then check the explanation.
- Use the extra task to make two examples that show different science words. Draw or say what makes each one fit.
See the method in action
Worked reference-card problem: a card states “separates by different particle sizes”; a second states “retains insoluble particles from liquid.” The first fits sieving and the second fits filtration. The reason is the described function or change, not the order of the cards or a favorite name. If their descriptions exchange places, their category labels exchange too. Keep the supplied descriptions attached to the correct case.
Check your reasoning
Your answer is temporary and is not saved to an account. Download your current answer before leaving or reloading. Written work on paper or in another app stays in your own file.
Helpful tips
- Use the feature “separates by different particle sizes” to justify sieving; do not sort by the name alone.
- Distinguish filtration (retains insoluble particles from liquid) from a different process occurring in the same situation.
See the answer and explanation
sieving
The answer is sieving. In the notes, it means “separates by different particle sizes.” A mixture contains substances that can retain distinguishable properties. A separation method must match those properties. Supplied observations replace any actual mixing or heating.
Take it further
Create one new case showing sieving and one showing filtration. Expected: the first explicitly shows “separates by different particle sizes”; the second explicitly shows “retains insoluble particles from liquid.” Explain the distinction by drawing, speaking or writing. A label without a matching feature is incomplete.
Nothing here is saved to an account or sent to a teacher. The answer download includes your current choice and any checked feedback. It does not include choices from the separate More practice section. Download that section separately.
More practice: try new cases
Choose an answer for each problem. Explain your method on paper, then use the feedback to decide what to revisit.
Your choices are temporary. Feedback appears after you check all the answers.
Nothing here is saved to an account or sent to a teacher. Keep your own notes or download them before leaving. The score describes these questions; it does not certify subject mastery.
Check the subject sources
These LifeStarter passages, scenarios and exercises are authored for this Academy with AI assistance and review. External resources keep their publishers’ terms. A grade label suggests a starting level; it does not establish alignment with your school’s complete requirements.