Reaction Quest: Atom Adventures!

7th Grade Project 3 weeks

Reaction Quest: Atom Adventures!

Ximena E

MS-PS1-1

MS-PS1-2

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Purpose

Explore the fascinating world of chemical reactions by investigating how substances transform through hands-on experiments. Develop models to visualize atomic compositions and analyze data to identify chemical changes. Engage in collaborative activities to deepen your understanding and document your evolving insights in a reflection journal.

Learning goals

Explore the atomic composition of molecules and understand how atoms combine to form different substances. Investigate and interpret data to identify chemical reactions and the changes in properties that occur. Develop models that accurately represent molecular structures and use these models to explain observed chemical phenomena. Enhance your ability to analyze experimental results and refine your understanding of chemical processes through hands-on activities and reflection.

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'll create detailed models that represent the atomic composition of simple molecules and extended structures. You'll also compile a reflection journal documenting your observations and evolving understanding of chemical reactions. By the end of the project, you'll present a comprehensive analysis of data showing how the properties of substances change before and after chemical reactions, demonstrating your ability to determine if a reaction has occurred.

Launch

Begin your project by conducting a simple experiment to observe a chemical reaction, such as mixing vinegar and baking soda. Document your observations in your reflection journal, noting any changes in properties and discussing whether a chemical reaction has occurred. Use this experiment to introduce the essential question: "How do chemical reactions transform substances at the atomic level?" This hands-on activity will set the stage for exploring atomic compositions and interpreting data throughout the project.

Exhibition

Organize a "Chemical Reactions Showcase" where you create and present models of simple molecules and extended structures, demonstrating your understanding of atomic compositions. Display data and observations from your experiments on the properties of substances before and after chemical reactions. Facilitate a gallery walk where you can view and provide feedback on each other's work, fostering a collaborative learning environment. Invite peers, teachers, and family members to engage with your findings and ask questions, allowing you to articulate your learning journey and insights.

Plan

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3
Activities	Introduction to Chemical Reactions - Conduct a simple experiment by mixing vinegar and baking soda, observe the reaction, and document changes in properties in your reflection journal (20 min) Essential Question Discussion - Introduce and discuss the essential question: 'How do chemical reactions transform substances at the atomic level?' to guide your exploration (15 min) Reflection Journal Setup - Create a reflection journal to document your observations and evolving understanding of chemical reactions throughout the project (10 min)	Atomic Composition Exploration - Use molecular model kits to build simple molecules and explore their atomic compositions, documenting your models in your reflection journal (25 min) Chemical Reaction Analysis - Analyze the data from the Day 1 experiment to determine if a chemical reaction occurred, focusing on changes in properties (20 min)	Extended Structures Modeling - Develop models of extended molecular structures using model kits, comparing them to simple molecules and noting differences in your journal (25 min) Data Interpretation Activity - Interpret data from various experiments to identify patterns in chemical reactions, recording your insights in your reflection journal (20 min)
Deliverables	1. Reflection Journal Entry 1: Document observations from the initial experiment with vinegar and baking soda, including any changes in properties and initial thoughts on whether a chemical reaction has occurred. 2. Initial Model Sketch: Create a basic model representing the atomic composition of the molecules involved in the vinegar and baking soda reaction.
Preparation	1. Gather materials for the vinegar and baking soda experiment, including vinegar, baking soda, measuring spoons, clear containers, and safety goggles. 2. Prepare a brief introduction to chemical reactions, focusing on the concept of reactants and products at the atomic level. 3. Set up a digital or physical reflection journal template for students to record their observations and thoughts. 4. Provide access to resources such as molecular model kits or online modeling tools that students can use for creating their initial atomic composition models.

Week 2	Day 4	Day 5	Day 6
Activities	Chemical Reaction Exploration - Conduct hands-on experiments mixing different household substances to observe chemical reactions, documenting changes in properties in your reflection journal (25 min) Model Development - Use molecular model kits to create physical models representing the atomic composition of substances involved in your experiments, focusing on how atoms combine to form molecules (20 min)	Data Interpretation - Analyze collected data from your experiments to identify evidence of chemical reactions, noting changes in properties such as color, temperature, or gas production in your reflection journal (20 min) Collaborative Discussion - Engage in small group discussions to compare findings and interpretations of chemical reactions observed, refining your understanding through peer feedback (25 min)	Advanced Model Building - Develop more complex models of extended structures from your earlier experiments, focusing on visualizing how atomic compositions can form different substances (20 min) Reflection and Documentation - Update your reflection journal by summarizing your learning about atomic compositions and chemical reactions, including any new insights or questions that emerged (25 min)
Deliverables	1. A detailed reflection journal entry documenting observations from the experiment, including data on changes in mass or temperature and any observable signs of a chemical reaction. 2. Completed molecular models of reactants and products involved in the experiment, showcasing your understanding of atomic composition and changes during the reaction.
Preparation	1. Gather materials for the experiment: vinegar, baking soda, measuring cups, balloons, and a scale for measuring mass changes. 2. Prepare ball-and-stick kits or other molecular modeling tools for constructing models of molecules involved in the reaction. 3. Organize a space for conducting experiments and collaborating with peers, ensuring safety protocols are in place. 4. Provide reflection journal templates or digital platforms for documenting observations, data, and evolving understanding.

Week 3	Day 7	Day 8	Day 9
Activities	Chemical Reactions Showcase Preparation - Design and create presentation materials for your models and data analysis, ensuring clear communication of your findings (20 min) Peer Feedback Session - Partner with classmates to review each other's showcase materials, offering constructive feedback to refine presentations (25 min)	Final Model Refinement - Make final adjustments to your molecular models and data interpretations, ensuring accuracy and clarity in your showcase presentation (20 min) Reflection Journal Update - Document your final insights and understanding of chemical reactions and atomic compositions, highlighting how your knowledge has evolved (25 min)	Chemical Reactions Showcase - Present your models and data analysis in the showcase, articulating your learning journey and answering questions from peers and guests (30 min) Gallery Walk and Reflection - Participate in a gallery walk to observe and provide feedback on other presentations, then reflect on the collaborative learning experience in your journal (15 min)
Deliverables	1. Complete and present your chemical reaction model and analysis for the showcase, demonstrating your understanding of atomic compositions and chemical changes. 2. Submit your reflection journal, documenting your observations, thoughts, and learning journey throughout the project.
Preparation	1. Gather materials for your final model, including poster boards, markers, and any other tools or resources needed to create and display your atomic compositions and data analysis. 2. Organize a space for the "Chemical Reactions Showcase" where you and your peers can present your models and data. 3. Prepare a gallery walk format, including guidelines for providing feedback and engaging with others' work. 4. Invite peers, teachers, and family members to attend the showcase, ensuring that everyone is aware of the event's purpose and schedule.