This engaging Grade 4-5 science passage, 'Will It Mix? Understanding Solubility,' introduces students to the fundamental concept of solubility and how certain substances dissolve in liquids to form solutions. The passage clearly explains key vocabulary such as solubility, solvent, and mixture using real-world examples like sugar in water and oil in salad dressing. Students will explore why some things mix easily while others do not, with emphasis on scientific processes and practical applications. The passage is designed to meet NGSS science standards and includes an audio integration for improved accessibility. Additional activities include a multiple-choice quiz, glossary, Spanish translation, and writing prompts that encourage students to connect science to everyday life. This resource is perfect for classrooms, remote learning, or science centers looking to reinforce the understanding of mixtures and solutions.
Written by Workybooks TeamPublished by Workybooks
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Sugar is the solute and water is the solvent. Image by Towfiqu barbhuiya / Pexels.
Solubility is the ability of a substance to dissolve in a liquid, like water. When a substance dissolves, it breaks apart and spreads out evenly in the liquid. The liquid that does the dissolving is called the solvent. The substance that gets dissolved is called the solute.
For example, when you stir sugar into water, the sugar disappears because it has dissolved. Sugar is the solute and water is the solvent. Together, they make a solution, which is a type of mixture where everything is mixed so well, you can’t see the separate parts.
Not everything dissolves in water. If you pour oil into water, the oil stays on top. This means oil is not soluble in water. Substances that do not dissolve are called insoluble. Sand is another example of something that is insoluble in water. When you mix sand and water, the sand just sinks to the bottom.
Solubility is important in many parts of life. When you make lemonade, the sugar must dissolve in the water to taste sweet. In nature, rivers carry dissolved minerals that help plants grow. In medicine, some pills need to dissolve in your stomach so your body can use them. Scientists test solubility to find out which substances can mix and which cannot.
Temperature can also affect solubility. Sometimes, substances dissolve better in warm liquids than in cold ones. That’s why sugar dissolves faster in hot tea than in iced tea.
Interesting Fact: Some fish can only live in water with certain dissolved minerals. The right solubility helps keep their homes healthy!
What is a solvent?
A liquid that dissolves another substanceA solid that sinks in waterA gas that floats in airA color in a solution
What happens when sugar is stirred in water?
It dissolvesIt floatsIt sinksIt changes color
What is a mixture?
A combination of substancesA type of animalA dissolved gasA single liquid
What happens to oil in water?
It floats on topIt dissolvesIt sinksIt disappears
Why does sugar dissolve faster in hot tea?
Temperature affects solubilityHot tea is sweeterSugar is heavierHot tea is thicker
Which is an example of something insoluble?
Sand in waterSugar in waterSalt in waterJuice in water
All substances dissolve in water.
TrueFalse
What does 'dissolve' mean?
Mix completely and disappearFloat on topChange colorBecome solid