![DSC_0448](http://conservatorylab.org/wp-content/uploads/DSC_0448.jpg)
Ms. Schibuk’s middle school science class is doing a physical science unit focused on exploring what it means to study a material “scientifically,” and also looking specifically and the scientific, ecological, and social issues surrounding different types of toxic materials. This is a multi-part lab in which the students are working to determine the chemical and physical properties of liquids and solids. Students began with a mystery mixture that was meant to represent some type of industrial sludge.
![DSC_0441](http://conservatorylab.org/wp-content/uploads/DSC_0441.jpg)
In the first part of the lab they worked to separate the different components of the mixture, which had two liquids and a variety of solids. Now that they’ve separated the substances, the class is studying the chemical and physical properties of each solid and liquid. Today, they focused on finding the density, a key physical property, of the solids and liquids. Next week, Ms. Schibuk’s class will study some of the chemical properties of the substances.