Mystery Powder Report

By Asa

 

Dear School Board,

We found out what was in the Mystery Powder in the schoolyard at Dexter School.   It was Corn Starch, Baking Soda, and Salt. This is how we found out.

There are three indicators: PT to find base, PR to find acid, and iodine to find starch. Vinegar also causes some products to fizz. If something turns pink with PT, it's a base. If something turns yellow with PR, it's an acid. If something turns blackish-bluish with iodine, it's a starch.

We found Salt was in the mystery powder by looking at it, feeling it, and smelling it. We found Baking Soda was in it by testing it with PT. Earlier in the unit, we tested Baking Soda alone with PT. It turned pink, showing it was a base. When we tested the mystery powder with PT, it turned pink, showing it was a base. The powder had Baking Soda in it.  We had more proof though. When we tested it with vinegar, it bubbled; showing the powder really did have Baking Soda!

Now I'm going to tell you how we knew corn starch was in the mystery powder. Before, we tested corn starch with iodine. It turned blackish- bluish, showing it was a starch. When we tested the mystery powder with iodine, it turned blackish-bluish. It was a starch, and had corn starch in it! So- the mystery powder contained corn starch, baking soda and salt.

I think the powder got on the schoolyard when a truck from the Best-Buy Bakery, carrying cooking supplies like baking soda, corn starch, salt, sugar, and flour turned a sharp turn. Apparently, the baking soda, corn starch, and salt fell out. It was a windy day, so the powders quickly spread across the field next to where the truck was stopped.

It was our pleasure to serve your school. If you ever need our help again, please contact Mrs. Tate and we will go to work!

                                                                                                                           Sincerely,                                                                                  

Asa

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This page last updated: 08/28/04 .