Chemical Reactions Investigation (6th - 8th)

When substances change, a chemical reaction may occur, resulting in the formation of new substances. Not all changes, however, produce new substances. How do you know when a chemical reaction has occurred? In this investigation, you will distinguish between physical and chemical changes, examine evidence that proves a change is chemical, and use chemical equations to determine if matter is conserved.

Standards Alignment:

Texas TEKS (New Standards):

• 6.6.E – Identify evidence of chemical reactions
• 7.6.C – Distinguish between physical and chemical changes
• 8.6.B – Identify atoms involved in chemical reactions
• 8.6.E – Law of conservation of mass

NGSS (Middle School Physical Science):

• MS-PS1-2 – Analyze data to determine if a chemical reaction has occurred
• MS-PS1-5 – Apply the Law of Conservation of Mass
• PS1.A – Structure and properties of matter

Teacher Key Included