Learn on PengiAmplify Science (California) Grade 5Chapter 5: How can East Ferris turn wastewater into clean freshwater?

Session 2: Chemical Reactions

Key Idea.

Section 1

Creating Something New

Key Idea

How do we remove invisible pollutants from water? We can use a chemical reaction.

A chemical reaction happens when two or more substances mix and change into something entirely new. The original ingredients rearrange their atoms to form a new substance. This new material has a completely different identity from the starting materials.

Section 2

Looking for Evidence

Key Idea

How can you tell if a chemical reaction happened? You have to act like a detective and look for evidence.

Signs of a reaction include:

  • A sudden change in color.
  • Bubbles appearing (which means a gas was made).
  • The mixture getting hot or cold on its own.

These clues tell you that a new substance has formed.

Section 3

Changing Properties

Key Idea

The most important part of a chemical reaction is that the properties change.

Imagine a pollutant that is poisonous and liquid. If we react it with a cleaner, it might turn into a safe, solid powder. The new substance (the powder) has different properties than the old substance (the poison). This change makes it possible to separate the bad stuff from the water.

Lesson overview

Expand to review the lesson summary and core properties.

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Section 1

Creating Something New

Key Idea

How do we remove invisible pollutants from water? We can use a chemical reaction.

A chemical reaction happens when two or more substances mix and change into something entirely new. The original ingredients rearrange their atoms to form a new substance. This new material has a completely different identity from the starting materials.

Section 2

Looking for Evidence

Key Idea

How can you tell if a chemical reaction happened? You have to act like a detective and look for evidence.

Signs of a reaction include:

  • A sudden change in color.
  • Bubbles appearing (which means a gas was made).
  • The mixture getting hot or cold on its own.

These clues tell you that a new substance has formed.

Section 3

Changing Properties

Key Idea

The most important part of a chemical reaction is that the properties change.

Imagine a pollutant that is poisonous and liquid. If we react it with a cleaner, it might turn into a safe, solid powder. The new substance (the powder) has different properties than the old substance (the poison). This change makes it possible to separate the bad stuff from the water.