Fifth-graders in Courtney Hyde’s class at Mars Area Centennial School are learning about the properties of matter as part of a hands-on Science Lab Center activity.

The students are experimenting with different materials (table sugar, coarse salt, cooking oil) to determine if and how fast each substance dissolves in a glass of water.

The fifth-graders also tested the conductivity and magnetism of a metal paper clip, wooden stick, penny and rubber band; and studied the physical and chemical traits of a mystery powder (flour, powdered sugar).

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