Diatomaceous earth

High school (ages 12+)
Science & Technology

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/diatomaceous-earth

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. How big is Diatomaceous earth?10 to 200 micrometers (μm)
2. What is the scientific name of constituent organisms?Diatoms (various species)
3. What is the chemical composition?Predominantly amorphous silica (SiO2), 80-90%
4. What is diatomaceous earth made from?It is a powder made from the fossilized shells of tiny algae called diatoms. The shells are mostly silica, about 80-90% of the material.
5. Why does diatomaceous earth work well for cleaning and filtering?Its many tiny holes give it a very high porosity, so it can soak up liquids and trap very small particles. This makes it great for cleaning water and clarifying drinks.

Frustule: The intricate, glass-like outer shell of a diatom.
Amorphous Silica: Silica that does not have a crystalline structure, like in glass.
Sedimentary Rock: Rock formed from accumulated and cemented mineral or organic particles.