Chemical Reaction Carnival: Explosive Experiments!

7th Grade

Project
3 weeks

Chemical Reaction Carnival: Explosive Experiments!

Ramiro V

MS-PS1-1

MS-PS1-2

Purpose

Explore the fascinating world of chemical reactions by engaging in hands-on experiments that reveal how substances change and interact. Dive deep into the atomic composition of molecules and analyze data to understand the properties of substances before and after reactions. Through this project, you will develop models, document your findings in a digital portfolio, and share your insights at a Chemical Reaction Fair. This immersive experience will enhance your understanding of chemistry and allow you to showcase your learning journey to peers, teachers, and family members.

Learning goals

Through this project, you will deepen your understanding of atomic composition and chemical reactions by developing models and conducting experiments. You will learn to analyze and interpret data to identify changes in substance properties before and after reactions. By creating a digital portfolio, you will reflect on your learning process and articulate how your understanding of chemical reactions has evolved. The gallery walk and Chemical Reaction Fair will help you communicate your findings and engage with others in meaningful scientific discussions.

Standards

MS-PS1-1 - Develop models to describe the atomic composition of simple molecules and extended structures.
MS-PS1-2 - Analyze and interpret data on the properties of substances before and after the substances interact to determine if a chemical reaction has occurred.

Products

Throughout this project, you will create a digital portfolio showcasing your experiments with chemical reactions, including photos, videos, and written reflections. By the end of the learning experience, you will prepare interactive experiments for the 'Chemical Reaction Fair' that demonstrate your understanding of how different reactions affect substance properties. Additionally, you'll contribute to a collaborative gallery walk, providing and receiving feedback on peers' portfolios, which will help refine your final presentation for the fair.

Launch

Kick off the project with an exciting demonstration of a dramatic chemical reaction, such as the classic vinegar and baking soda volcano. Use this demonstration to introduce the concept of chemical reactions and discuss observable changes in properties. Encourage you to make predictions about what will happen during the demonstration and share initial thoughts on what constitutes a chemical reaction. This engaging activity will spark curiosity and set the stage for deeper exploration throughout the project.

Exhibition

Set up a 'Chemical Reaction Fair' where you create interactive booths to showcase different types of chemical reactions through live experiments. Invite classmates, teachers, and family members to explore each booth, ask questions, and engage with the experiments. Use this opportunity to demonstrate your understanding of chemical reactions and the changes in substance properties, making the learning experience dynamic and memorable for all attendees.

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3
Activities	Project Kickoff and Demonstration - Participate in an exciting demonstration of a dramatic chemical reaction, such as the classic vinegar and baking soda volcano, to introduce the concept of chemical reactions and discuss observable changes in properties (15 min) Essential Question Exploration - Discuss and brainstorm responses to the essential question: 'How do different types of chemical reactions impact the properties of substances, and how can you demonstrate these changes through experimentation?' (15 min) Digital Portfolio Setup - Set up your digital portfolio where you will document your learning journey with photos, videos, and reflections on chemical reactions throughout the project (15 min)	Atomic Composition Modeling - Develop simple models to describe the atomic composition of molecules and extended structures, using molecular model kits or digital modeling tools to visualize atomic arrangements (25 min) Reflection Entry - Reflect on your initial understanding of atoms and molecules in your digital portfolio, including what you learned from creating your models (20 min)	Introductory Experiment: Observing Chemical Reactions - Conduct a basic experiment to observe a chemical reaction, such as combining vinegar and baking soda, and record data on the properties of substances before and after the reaction (20 min) Data Analysis and Interpretation - Analyze the data collected from the experiment to determine if a chemical reaction has occurred and note any changes in substance properties (15 min) Reflection Entry - Add a video and written reflection in your digital portfolio detailing your observations and conclusions from the experiment (10 min)
Deliverables	1. Create a digital journal entry for your portfolio with photos and written reflections on the vinegar and baking soda experiment. Include observations of changes in the properties of substances.
Preparation	1. Gather materials for the vinegar and baking soda demonstration and experiments (e.g., vinegar, baking soda, containers, safety goggles). 2. Prepare molecular model kits or access to online molecular simulation tools. 3. Set up a digital platform (e.g., Google Classroom, Seesaw) for students to create and share their digital portfolios. 4. Ensure access to devices for students to document their experiments with photos and videos.

Week 2	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3
Activities	Chemical Reaction Exploration - Conduct a hands-on experiment to explore how temperature affects the rate of a chemical reaction, using vinegar and baking soda to observe changes in reaction speed (45 min)	Atomic Composition Modeling - Create a model of the atomic composition of water molecules, using craft materials to illustrate molecular structures and interactions (25 min) Data Analysis Session - Analyze and interpret data from the experiment conducted on Day 1 to determine how temperature impacts the properties of substances during chemical reactions (20 min)	Digital Portfolio Development - Begin documenting your experiments and reflections in a digital portfolio, including photos and videos of your models and experiments from this week (30 min) Peer Feedback Exchange - Collaborate with classmates to provide and receive feedback on your digital portfolio entries and model representations, focusing on clarity and scientific accuracy (15 min)
Deliverables	1. Conduct at least two different chemical reaction experiments and document the process with photos and videos. 2. Complete a digital reflection entry in your portfolio for each experiment, detailing the chemical reaction observed and changes in substance properties. 3. Develop a simple model to represent the atomic composition of the molecules involved in each experiment and include this in your digital portfolio.
Preparation	1. Gather materials for experiments, such as vinegar, baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, yeast, balloons, and test tubes. 2. Ensure access to digital devices for capturing photos and videos during experiments. 3. Prepare a digital template for reflection entries in your portfolio, including sections for observations, analysis, and insights. 4. Review safety guidelines for conducting chemical experiments and ensure proper safety equipment is available, such as goggles and gloves.

Week 3	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3
Activities	Chemical Reaction Simulation - Use an interactive simulation to explore and visualize different types of chemical reactions, focusing on the changes in atomic composition and properties (20 min) Portfolio Update - Document your observations from the simulation in your digital portfolio, including screenshots and reflections on how the simulations enhanced your understanding of chemical reactions (15 min) Preparation for Gallery Walk - Review and organize your digital portfolio, highlighting key experiments and reflections to prepare for the gallery walk (10 min)	Gallery Walk Participation - Engage in a gallery walk to view and provide feedback on peers' digital portfolios, focusing on the demonstration of understanding chemical reactions and changes in substance properties (25 min) Feedback Reflection - Reflect on the feedback received during the gallery walk and make any necessary revisions or additions to your digital portfolio (20 min)	Chemical Reaction Fair Setup - Prepare and organize your interactive booth for the Chemical Reaction Fair, ensuring all materials and demonstrations are ready for presentation (20 min) Chemical Reaction Fair - Participate in the Chemical Reaction Fair by presenting your live experiments and explaining the different types of chemical reactions to classmates, teachers, and family members (25 min)
Deliverables	1. Complete your digital portfolio, ensuring it includes all photos, videos, and reflections for each experiment conducted during the project. 2. Participate in a gallery walk to give and receive feedback on peers' digital portfolios, focusing on the clarity and depth of understanding demonstrated. 3. Prepare and practice your presentation for the 'Chemical Reaction Fair', ensuring your booth includes interactive experiments and clear explanations of the chemical reactions and changes in substance properties.
Preparation	1. Ensure you have all necessary materials for your booth at the Chemical Reaction Fair, including safety equipment, chemicals, and any visual aids needed. 2. Set up the digital platform for your portfolio, organizing all media and reflections in a coherent and visually appealing manner. 3. Review feedback from the gallery walk and incorporate any suggestions into your final presentation for the fair. 4. Coordinate with classmates to organize the fair logistics, such as booth setup, schedule, and any technical requirements for demonstrations. 5. Prepare and test your experiments multiple times to ensure they are safe and effective for the fair audience.