Mixing Science Potions: Suspensions vs. Solutions

SciShow Kids

In this engaging episode of SciShow Kids, host Jessi explores the chemistry of mixtures by pretending to make magic potions using common kitchen ingredients. The video demystifies what happens when different substances are combined, moving beyond the concept of 'magic' to introduce the scientific principles of how matter interacts. Through clear visual demonstrations, students observe how solids behave when mixed with liquids, leading to the discovery of distinct types of mixtures. Key scientific themes include the properties of matter, mixing and separating substances, and the specific definitions of suspensions and solutions. The video introduces foundational chemistry vocabulary—specifically 'suspension,' 'solution,' and 'dissolve'—and provides concrete criteria for distinguishing between them. It explores how particle size affects mixing, why some things settle or separate while others don't, and how filtration works as a method of separation. This resource is highly valuable for early elementary science classrooms as it models the scientific method: asking questions, conducting experiments, observing results, and drawing conclusions. The use of clear glass jars and everyday materials (sand, sugar, oil, water) makes the experiments easily reproducible in a classroom or home setting. Teachers can use this video to introduce a unit on matter, to demonstrate observation skills, or as a hook for hands-on mixing and dissolving experiments.