What Variables Affect Solubility?

Abstract

This simple but effective laboratory exercise helps middle school students understand the concept of solubility through hands-on experience with a variety of liquids and solids. As they explore factors that affect solubility and saturation, students gain content mastery and an understanding of the inquiry process. The exercise also enables teachers to authentically assess student performance on several levels. The authors have discovered that students and teachers benefit from using such an interactive, hands-on approach.

Key Words:

• middle school
• science inquiry
• solubility
• solute
• solvent

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Kathryn Leyva

WILLIAM P. BAKER is an associate professor and biomedical sciences coordinator at Midwestern University in Glendale, Arizona. Dr. Baker's expertise includes science education, biotechnology, and genetics. His research interests center on instructional methods for teaching science that enhance achievement and critical thinking. KATHRYN LEYVA graduated with a doctorate in biology from Northern Arizona University in 1996. She is currently an assistant professor in the Department of Microbiology at Midwestern University. Dr. Leyva's responsibilities include teaching microbiology and immunology, as well as supervising student research. She is active in the education division of the American Society for Microbiology.