aidemia--modules-lessonstartideas_type	Give a creative idea how to begin a lesson
Which subject	Science
What age group	Year or Grade 7
What topic	Chemistry
Quantity	1
Any other preferences

Exciting Chemistry Adventure: The Mystery of the Disappearing Ink

Introduction to the Lesson

Welcome, young scientists! Today, we’re going to embark on a thrilling adventure in the world of chemistry! But first, let’s set the stage for our exploration. Imagine you are detectives in a mysterious case that involves a magical substance: disappearing ink.

The Setup

What You Need

To kick off our lesson, gather around and prepare to use your powers of observation! I have a bottle here filled with a special liquid that seems ordinary. However, when I apply it to this piece of paper, something strange happens.

The Challenge

Your mission: Analyze and observe how this magical disappearing act occurs! But wait! Before you get too excited, let’s think about a few questions:

• What do you think disappearing ink is made of?
• What happens to the ink after we write with it?
• Can you think of any chemical reactions that could cause ink to disappear?

Engaging the Class

The Experiment

Now, let’s carry out a simple experiment! To demonstrate how we can create our own disappearing ink, I will mix together some household ingredients. Let’s combine baking soda and water to create our own disappearing secret message.

Materials Needed:

• Baking soda
• Water
• A cotton swab or a small brush
• White paper
• A heat source (such as a lamp or an iron)

The Process

1. Create the Ink: Mix one tablespoon of baking soda with a few drops of water to make a paste.
2. Write Your Secret Message: Use the cotton swab or brush to write a message on the white paper.
3. Make the Ink Disappear: Once the message dries, hold it close to a heat source. Watch carefully as your message magically reappears!

Discuss the Science

The Chemistry Behind It

Once everyone has successfully created their disappearing ink and observed how it works, let’s come together to discuss the chemistry involved. Here are some key points to explore:

• Chemical Reactions: The baking soda reacts when heated, revealing the secret message due to a change in color.
• pH Changes: Ask the students how the pH level might change during the reaction and how that could affect what they see.
• Heat and Chemistry: Why does adding heat to the mixture cause it to change? What other chemical reactions involve heat?

Conclusion

Now that we’ve discovered the magic of chemistry firsthand, are you excited to dive deeper into the wonders of chemical reactions? Today’s adventure is just the beginning of understanding how substances interact in our everyday lives.

Let’s continue our exploration of chemistry, and who knows what other fantastic mysteries we might uncover together!