448050911201448 How to Teach the Difference Between a Mixture and a Solution | Polka Dots and Protons - Interactive Science Notebooks & More

My goal is to make interactive science notebooks engaging for 5th grade and middle school science students while improving science test scores. NGSS expert, teacher, tpt author, mom, & widow

How to Teach the Difference Between a Mixture and a Solution

Sometimes when I start teaching and get confused about a topic, I really confuse my students. Has this happened to you? I want to avoid that at all costs! A topic that I have to stop and think about to be sure I don't confuse my students is the difference between a mixture and a solution, It can be confusing! Milk, hot chocolate, salt water, and air are homogeneous mixtures which is another name for a solution. Don't worry, I have this all covered for you!

To keep things clear and simple, I created this NO PREP resource that covers mixtures, solutions, and alloys. This goes great with a 5th grade science unit on matter and physical changes. Mixtures and solutions are examples of physical changes. 

Keeping the Differences Absolutely Clear

The first page of sketch notes has the two types of mixtures divided with arrows pointing to each clear definition and visual examples. I came up with this detailed lesson plan for teaching:

  • how heterogeneous mixtures (also just called mixtures) are not evenly mixed and you can see the different components
  • homogeneous mixtures (also called solutions) are evenly mixed and you can't see the different substances. A solution is a physical combination.

Mixtures and solutions no prep activity with a picture of clear science sketch notes

Here are Tested Tips for Proven Learning and Success

Break up the three pages of sketch notes with short informational videos. Two video links are included in the resource including The Great Picnic Mix Up by Crash Course Kids. The teacher's tips guide you step by step through using interactive sketch notes, CERs, Kahoot game, and quiz options.

These simple notes along with fun activities set students up for success. My CAST test scores have been consistently sky-high and I keep things simple and fun and IT WORKS.

These mixtures and solutions sketch notes cover:

*The two types of mixtures with examples of both
*Clear definitions and examples of homogeneous and heterogeneous mixtures
*Solvents and solutes
*Solubility
*Alloys (a solution where a metal is the solvent)

NO PREP and So Easy to Use

Not only are these 5th-grade science sketch notes NO PREP but a slideshow is included to guide students as they fill out their notes. Complete the notes whole class and then put the slideshow in Google Classroom or your LMS for students to refer to and absent students to use as well.


Use  the slideshow whole class or put it in Google Classroom for students to access


Want to Encourage Critical Thinking with Successful Science Writing?

I love the quote: Reading is like breathing in and writing is like breathing out. Writing is how students organize and express what they have learned.

Guided Claim - Evidence - Reasoning or CER writing is a great way to have students answer a scientific question. There are two guided CER writing options that provide students with sentence starters. Sample answers and a grading rubric are included. This is a high level of thinking. I like to do one of the guided CERs together as a class to model and set students up for success. Then I give another CER question as an assessment.

The two CER Questions in this resource are:
What is the difference between a mixture and a solution?
Is a salad a homogenous or heterogeneous mixture? 



How to Wrap Your Successful Unit with a Self-Grading Assessment

Do you want to give a printed quiz or a self-grading Google Form quiz? Both options are included. Get students ready for success with the link to a Kahoot game that you can play in class or assign for individual practice. 



Are you ready to view the PREVIEW in my TPT store? Click HERE 


If you are interested in a full bundle of 5th-grade sketch notes Click HERE




Would you like a FREEBIE about the greenhouse gas effect? This freebie includes sketch notes, a CER, and a digital and print quiz. Click HERE to get this FREEBIE!