Which solids dissolve in water? Pupils test sugar, salt and sand in a KS3 virtual experiment and record their findings on a one-page printable worksheet.

When sugar dissolves, pupils can no longer see the grains. How can they tell the sugar is still there? This online chemistry practical brings together three pieces of evidence pupils can use to explain their answer: what they see in the beaker, what the balance reads and what the particle model shows.

What pupils do

Predict which solids will dissolve and whether stirring will change the total mass.

ÌÇÐÄVlogt each solid using 100 g of water and 5 g of sugar, salt or sand. Record observations and compare the balance readings before and after stirring.

Use the on-screen particle models to sketch sugar and water alongside sand and water. Compare where the particles of each solid end up.

Identify the solute, solvent and solution, calculate the mass of the sugar solution and check the answer in the lab.

Explain how they know sand is insoluble. Finish with a challenge that asks them to use their own balance readings as evidence that dissolved sugar is still present.

Where it fits in your scheme of work

Use this practical alongside White Rose Science when introducing solutions in the Year 7 separation techniques unit. For Exploring Science, including Exploring Science International, it supports work on mixtures, solutions and solubility. For AQA Activate, use it when teaching dissolving and separating mixtures, or revisit it when pupils need practice explaining observations using particles.

What’s included

The online virtual experiment comes with a one-page printable PDF worksheet containing prediction questions, a results table, two particle-diagram boxes, a scaffolded mass calculation and a written challenge. Project the lab for a whole-class investigation while pupils complete the sheet on paper, or assign it for independent practice or home learning.