Chemical vs. Physical Changes 2: Invisible Ink

TEKS & Objectives

7.6. Matter and energy. The student knows that matter has physical and chemical properties and can undergo physical and chemical changes. The student is expected to distinguish between physical and chemical changes in matter.

7.1.A demonstrate safe practices during laboratory and field investigations as outlined in Texas Education Agency-approved safety standards

We will observe phases of matter.

I will identify and compare chemical and physical changes.

1. Review vocabulary and complete quiz.

States of matter The main forms matter can exist in: Solid, Liquid and Gas

Physical change A type of change in which a new substance is NOT formed. For example: water boiling or cut paper.

Chemical change A type of change in which a new substance is formed. For example: burning something.

Catalyst A substance that speeds up a chemical reaction

2.  It’s surprise history time!

3. Make invisible ink two ways.

Watch the video below to see how to use a chemical change to create invisible ink.

Invisible ink recipe ingredients:

Invisible ink recipe steps:

Write a secret message between the lines of this letter, just like Revolutionary spies wrote to General George Washington!

You can also use a physical change to create invisible ink.

The waxy crayon creates a physical barrier preventing the watercolor paint from touching the paper where your secret message is.

Bonus method using a physical change to create secret messages:

Speaking of spies…

What do you call an underwater spy?

           James Pond           

4.“Is it a physical or chemical change?”

Classroom Resources:

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