Ignition Pack - Mix & Flow of Matter Unit

Ignition Pack is a curriculum-based comprehensive learning resource that supports the teaching of a whole unit of science, and engages students in learning fundamental scientific concepts through exploration, experimentation and critical thinking.

The Grade 8 Mix & Flow of Matter Ignition Pack is made up of:

  1. Online teaching resources (including lessons, PowerPoints & videos), and
  2. An easy to use, durable kit that contains hands-on materials for completing classroom activities.

All the teaching resources in the Ignition Pack have been carefully developed to:

  • Fully integrate interactive digital tools with real-world, hands-on activities to meet student needs.

  • Appeal to diverse learning styles and support various teaching approaches.

  • Address knowledge outcomes for this unit and many of the skills and attitudes outcomes for Grade 8 Science from the current Alberta Program of Studies.

Each Ignition Pack is built-to-order and ships within 6 to 8 weeks from date of purchase.
Contact us if you have questions about the packs or prices?


Physical Kit and Online Access

Ideal for grade 8, Mix and Flow of Matter Unit pack provides 20-25 instructional hours, each of the seven unit sections has a suite of resources with common elements:

  • Introductory Videos: Students feel better prepared to learn when they know what to expect.  In these videos, host Brian MacCarl introduces students to the concepts and key vocabulary of each section topic in a fun and engaging way.
  • Lessons: These comprehensive PowerPoint presentations use illustrations and examples to provide opportunities for classroom discussion and exploration of key concepts.
  • Activities: Hands-on activities and experiments give students the chance to explore the science concepts of each topic through active investigation. They are accessible on the Ignition Pack website and in the Activity Book.
  • Real World Videos: These videos feature scientists, educators and artists who demonstrate real-world applications of the science presented in each topic and make meaningful career connections for students.
  • Cards: The Discussion Cards and Discovery Cards engage students with thought-provoking questions and the Definition Cards support students with learning and reviewing new science vocabulary.
  • The Science of Oil Sands: This six-part series gives students another real world example. Many of the practical applications of the concepts taught in this unit are illustrated through oil sands technologies.
  • Teacher's Handbook: This handbook explains how to use all of the Ignition Pack resources, including a summative assessment in the most impactful way.
  • Physical Kit: This kit contains many of the specialized items needed for a variety of the activities, including all the cards & mystery boxes.

The unit begins with an introduction. There is an activity for students to become more familiar with the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS), as well as review of Discussion Cards, Vocabulary Cards and Discovery Cards.

Following the introduction, the unit is broken into seven sections:

    Section 1: The Particle Model of Matter is approximately 80 minutes long and includes: 

    1. Introduction Video: This short video is an introduction to the concepts and terminology of this topic.
    2. Lessons: The Particle Model of Matter (Part 1 & 2). These lessons introduce how matter behaves, particle motion and the states of matter.
    3. Real World Example: The Science of Ice Cream. Who knew science was used in making ice cream? Did you know that you can get a PhD in ice cream science?
    4. Activity: The Mystery Box. Scientists make models when they can't see what is actually happening. Use this fun activity to promote critical thinking and show the process behind making models of concepts.
    5. The Science of Oil Sands (Part 1 of 6): This series of presentations will help students understand how the principles presented in this unit are being used in one of Alberta’s prominent industries - the oil sands.

    By the end of section 1 students should be able to:

    • Relate the properties of mixtures and solutions to the Particle Model of Matter.
    • Compare densities of materials.
    • Explain differences in the density of solids, liquids and gases using the Particle Model of Matter.

    Section 2: Pure Substances, Mixtures and Solutions is approximately 80 minutes long and includes: 

    1. Introduction Video: This short video is an introduction to the concepts and terminology of this topic.
    2. Lessons: Pure Substances, Mixtures & Solutions (Part 1 & 2). These lessons introduce pure substances and mixtures.
    3. Real World Example: The Science of Jewelry Making. Discover some of the interesting techniques of jewelry making and how pure metals and alloys are made into beautiful and useful objects.
    4. Real World Example: The Science of Oil Sands - Video. Want to know more about the science used in the oil sands? Take a virtual trip into the lab with this video where you will see some of the processes used in an actual oil sands laboratory.
    5. Activity: Investigating Substances. Visual investigation can be used to determine a mixture type.

    By the end of section 2 students should be able to:

    • Investigate and identify examples of fluids in household materials, technological devices, living things and natural environments.
    • Distinguish between pure substances, mixtures and solutions, using common examples.
    • Investigate the solubility of different materials and describe their concentration.
    • Compare densities of materials and explain differences in the density of solids, liquids and gases, using the Particle Model of Matter.
    • Describe technologies based on the solubility of materials.

    Section 3: Fluids, Solubility and Saturation is approximately 170 minutes long and includes: 

    1. Introduction Video: This short video is an introduction to the concepts and terminology of this topic.
    2. Lessons:  Fluids, Solubility & Saturation (Part 1 & 2). This two-part lesson introduces the concepts of fluids and solubility, solvents, and saturation.
    3. Real World Example: The Science of Asthma. In 2005, asthma affected 8.3% of Canadians. Have a look at the science related to the cause and treatment of this condition.
    4. Activity: Getting the Salt Out. Students explore how to get salt out of sea water, connecting their learning to a real-life scenario.
    5. Activity: Solubility and Saturation. Use household solutes in water to investigate the rate of dissolving and saturation and how they are affected by temperature.
    6. The Science of Oil Sands (Part 2 of 6). This series of presentations will help students understand how the principles presented in this unit are being used in one of Alberta’s prominent industries - the oil sands.

    By the end of section 3 students should be able to:

    • Investigate and identify examples of fluids in household materials, technological devices, living things and natural environments.
    • Describe examples in which materials are prepared as fluids in order to facilitate transport, processing or use.
    • Identify properties of fluids that are important in their selection and use.
    • Investigate the solubility of different materials, and describe their concentration.
    • Investigate and identify factors that affect solubility and the rate of dissolving a solute.
    • Describe technologies based on the solubility of materials.
    • Describe and interpret technologies for moving fluids from one place to another.

    Section 4: Mass, Volume and Density is approximately 145 minutes long and includes: 

    1. Introduction Video: This short video is an introduction to the concepts and terminology of this topic.
    2. Lessons: Mass, Volume & Density (Part 1 & 2). These lessons introduce mass, weight, volume, and density.
    3. Real World Example: The Science of Cooking. Science is increasingly important for chefs. Watch this video to see the connection.
    4. Activity: Dunking for Density. This activity focuses on becoming familiar with the relationship between mass, volume and density.
    5. Activity: Building a Density Tower. This activity is a memorable and engaging way for students to observe the effects of different densities. Students will also
    6. The Science of Oil Sands (Part 3 of 6). This series of presentations will help students understand how the principles presented in this unit are being used in one of Alberta’s prominent industries - the oil sands.

    By the end of section 4 students should be able to:

    • Investigate and identify examples of fluids in household materials, technological devices, living things and natural environments.
    • Investigate and identify factors that affect solubility and the rate of dissolving a solute in a solvent.
    • Observe the mass and volume of a liquid, and calculate its density using the formula: D = m/V.
    • Compare densities of materials and explain differences in the density of solids, liquids and gases using the Particle Model of Matter.

    Section 5: Buoyancy approximately 60 minutes long and includes: 

    1. Introduction Video: This short video is an introduction to the concepts and terminology of this topic.
    2. Lesson: Buoyancy. This lesson introduces the concept of buoyancy.
    3. Real World Example: The Science of Aquatic Rescue. Floating can be pretty handy. Watch this video to find out more about how scuba divers use buoyancy to their advantage.
    4. Activity: Egg Float. Students have a chance to manipulate the density of a liquid.
    5. The Science of Oil Sands (Part 4 of 6). This series of presentations will help students understand how the principles presented in this unit are being used in one of Alberta’s prominent industries - the oil sands.

    By the end of section 5 students should be able to:

    • Investigate and identify examples of fluids in household materials, technological devices, living things and natural environments.
    • Describe methods of altering the density of a fluid, and identify and interpret related practical applications.

    Section 6: Flow Rate and Viscosityis approximately 80 minutes long and includes: 

    1. Introduction Video: This short video is an introduction to the concepts and terminology of this topic.
    2. Lesson: Flow Rate and Viscosity. This lesson introduces the concepts of flow rate and viscosity.
    3. Real World Example: The Science of Glass Blowing. When glass is heated it turns into a very viscous liquid that can be formed into awesome pieces of art.
    4. Activity: Moving with Motor Oil. Students will have the opportunity to investigate how motor oils differ in viscosity at different temperatures.
    5. The Science of Oil Sands (Part 5 of 6). This series of presentations will help students understand how the principles presented in this unit are being used in one of Alberta’s prominent industries - the oil sands.

    By the end of section 6 students should be able to:

    • Identify properties of fluids that are important in their selection and use.
    • Investigate and compare fluids based on their viscosity and flow rate.
    • Describe the effects of temperature change on liquid flow.
    • Describe and interpret technologies based on flow rate and viscosity.

    Section 7: Fluid Pressure is approximately 85 minutes long (plus about a week for students to work on the Building with Pressure project) and includes: 

    1. Introduction Video: This short video is an introduction to the concepts and terminology of this topic.
    2. Lessons: Fluid Pressure (Part 1 & 2). These lessons introduce the concepts of fluid pressure, hydraulic and pneumatic systems.
    3. Real World Example: The Science of Tires. Fluid pressure can be used to help make things work. Find out how mechanics use the pressure of liquids and gases to make their jobs easier.
    4. Activity: Investigating Pressure (Part 1). Using syringes and tubing, this activity is meant to give students the chance to explore the principles behind fluid pressure.
    5. Activity: Building with Pressure (Part 2). Students should be given at least a week to build their devices.
    6. The Science of Oil Sands (Part 6 of 6). This series of presentations will help students understand how the principles presented in this unit are being used in one of Alberta’s prominent industries - the oil sands.

    By the end of section 7 students should be able to:

    • Describe pressure as a force per unit area by using the formula P = F/A.
    • Describe applications of pressure in fluids and everyday situations.
    • Investigate and compare the compressibility of liquids and gases.

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