Clear cups (one for each experiment)
Water
Alka-Seltzer tablets (one per cup)
Recording Sheets (for noting observations)
Prepare the Experiment:
Fill each clear cup with water, ensuring there is enough to submerge the Alka-Seltzer tablet.
Add Alka-Seltzer:
Drop one Alka-Seltzer tablet into the cup of water.
Observe the Reaction:
Watch the Alka-Seltzer tablet dissolve and observe the fizzing and bubbling reaction.
Record Observations:
Have students record their observations on the provided sheet, noting any changes in the water and the reaction’s characteristics.
Discussion:
Discuss with students how the fizzing reaction simulates the process of chemical weathering, as the tablet reacts with the water, breaking down into smaller particles. Explore how this experiment helps them understand the impact of chemical processes on materials.
Reflection:
Ask students what they learned about chemical reactions and how the Alka-Seltzer experiment helped them understand the concept of chemical weathering.