Mixture Separation Challenge Lab

Problem: There is a mixture of sulfur, iron pieces, sugar, and wood shavings mixed together in a container. You need to devise a way to separate all four items so that you can put each item in a separate container with no other substances mixed with it. 

Devise an experiment: You and your table group are to brainstorm and devise a step by step process to separate each mixture from each other. Remember that each substance must be COMPLETELY separated from each other.  You can use anything in the room to devise your plan (but of course you need to ask Ms. Cotta first!). If you have any questions on how something works or if we have a certain tool, just ask.

Procedure: Write down your step by step procedure of how your team will separate the mixture. Make sure that Ms. Cotta has all the supplies you need to carry out your experiment.

1. Steps (each step precisely laid out and what is the purpose):

1.

2.

And keep going to until you mixture is separated into sugar, iron, wood & sulfur!

2. Now that you have attempted to separate the mixture, would you change any of the steps or how could you alter the method to improve your collection of the different substances?

3. What is the name for this kind of mixture? What makes it this kind of mixture?

4. What would happen in this activity if we used chemical changes instead of physical changes?