Unit A: Mix and Flow of Matter

Key Ideas     Unit Checklist 

Pre-assessment: What do you know?


Figure A.P.1 – Fluids are piped into buildings.
Figure A.P.2 – Transportation machines move because of fluids.


Figure A.P.3 – The human body contains many fluids.
Liquid and gas fluids are found all around us. All living things need fluids to stay alive. People rely on fluids for modern forms of transportation.

Fluids are able to move, or flow, from one place to another. We can take advantage of the movement of fluids to build technologies that help us improve our standard of living. Comforts such as indoor plumbing and heating depend on the movement of fluids.

In Alberta, we pump oil and natural gas fluids from the ground. Oil and natural gas are very important to our modern standard of living and to the economy in Alberta. Geothermal is a renewable source of energy that involves pumping and circulating fluids from deep within the Earth. Geothermal is predicted to be very important to Alberta’s heating and energy-generating needs in the future.

What types of fluids do you use every day? Why are fluids so important for living things and technology? What are the ways that humans use fluids?

To learn more about how humans can create new technologies with fluids, we must understand the properties of fluids and how we can apply this knowledge to useful tasks.

Figure A.P.4 – Modern transportation takes advantage of the properties of fluids.
Figure A.P.5 – Pipelines transport fluids from one location to another.

Pre-assessment Questions & Hints

Step 1: The Questions


This short pre-assessment is to find out what you might already know about the topic of matter and mixtures. Below are four questions. Think about them! If you need a hint, click on the question.

Optional: If you would like a place to write your answers, download this document.

Think about the warning signs on bottles of chemicals, such as cleaners.
Think about stirring sugar into a hot cup of tea. What happens to the particles of sugar and water?
Think about the forces acting on the boat.

Think about how fluids are related to transportation methods on land, in water, and through air.

Step 2: The Answers

 Click each of the suggested answers below – how do they compare to your thoughts and answers?
 
Corrosive chemicals such as oven cleaner and bleach can eat through skin and other materials. You should wear protective gloves and safety goggles when handling corrosive chemicals.  

Compressed gases in aerosol cans, such as hairspray and spray paint, can explode if heated. Compressed gases should be stored in cool, dark places.
Heat and stirring cause dissolved substance particles to move more quickly. As a result, the dissolved substance is able to spread out in the water faster.
Buoyant force is acting on metal ships. The shape of a metal ship causes the overall density of the ship to be less than the density of the water. Water exerts an upward buoyant force on the ship, causing it to float.
Hydraulic lifts, car brakes, and submarines are examples of technologies that rely on fluids to operate.

Step 3: Check In With Your Teacher

The start of a new unit is a great time to touch base with your teacher! Here are just a few reasons to consider contacting your teacher:

  1. Perhaps you found this pre-assessment quiz very easy because you have studied this material before, such as at another school. If so, it's important to tell your teacher.

  2. It's very good for your teacher to know you are starting a new unit; it will give them a good idea of your progress. It doesn't have to be a long message, just a "I'm starting Unit A; just thought you might want to know!"

  3. Your teacher may have special tips and suggestions for the unit you are starting.

  4. Just to say hi – your teacher always enjoys hearing from you!

To contact your teacher, post in the Course Questions Forum, send your teacher an email, or call on the phone if you like. Whatever way you choose, it's always a good idea to get in touch with your teacher – make sure you do it frequently.