Rocket was in such a rush to clean the workshop that he peeled the labels off three jars. Now each jar holds a plain white powder.
"Salt, sugar and baking soda," he groans. "But which is which?"
Raven holds up a jar to the window. "They all look the same," she says. "What else could we notice?"
Rocket reaches for a spoon. Quick as a blink, Nova zips over the jars. "Never taste a mystery powder," she says gently. "Scientists use tests instead. Would you like a hint?"
"Yes," Rocket says, setting the spoon down. "A safe hint, please."
A property is something you can observe or measure about a material.
Scientists use properties like clues to identify materials. One clue is rarely enough, so they test several.
Never taste or smell a mystery material up close. Safe tests use your eyes, tools and careful steps.
| Property | Question it answers |
|---|---|
| Color | What color is it? |
| Hardness | How easily can it be scratched? |
| Reflectivity | Is it shiny, or dull? |
| Response to magnets | Does a magnet pull on it? |
| Solubility | How much of it dissolves in water? |
| Conductivity | How well does heat or electricity move through it? |
| Statement | True or false? |
|---|---|
| Tasting is a safe way to identify a mystery powder. | ? |
| Solubility is a property. | ? |
| Scientists usually test more than one property. | ? |
Detectives plan before they act. Rocket and Raven make a list of safe tests.
They can look at color and shine. They can test how each powder dissolves.
They can never taste. A plan keeps the lab safe and fair.
Nice start, detective. You know what properties are. Tomorrow we will test one with a magnet.