React-o-Rama: Chemistry in Action!

7th Grade

Project
4 weeks

React-o-Rama: Chemistry in Action!

Alexa T

Purpose

The purpose of this project is to explore the fascinating world of chemical reactions and understand their significance in everyday life. You will investigate how chemical reactions are integral to processes like cooking, cleaning, and environmental changes. Through hands-on activities and collaborative projects, you'll gain insights into the practical applications of chemistry, enhancing your problem-solving skills and creativity. This project aims to deepen your understanding of science by connecting classroom learning to real-world experiences.

Learning goals

Throughout this project, deepen your understanding of chemical reactions by exploring their real-world applications and impacts on daily life. Develop skills in collaborative problem-solving and creative expression as you simulate scenarios and present your findings. Enhance your ability to reflect on your learning journey by maintaining a daily journal, tracking your insights and questions. Strengthen your communication skills through the creation and exhibition of skits that creatively illustrate the significance of chemical reactions in everyday scenarios.

Standards

NGSS - MS-PS1-2: Analyze and interpret data on the properties of substances before and after they interact to determine if a chemical reaction has occurred.
NGSS - MS-PS1-5: Develop and use a model to describe how the total number of atoms does not change in a chemical reaction and thus mass is conserved.
Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.7.1: Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions with diverse partners on grade 7 topics, texts, and issues, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly.

Products

Throughout this project, create a reflective journal to document daily insights and questions about chemical reactions. Collaboratively develop a presentation that simulates a real-world scenario involving chemical reactions, such as cooking or environmental processes. For the final showcase, prepare skits or short plays that creatively illustrate the impact of chemical reactions in everyday scenarios, like cooking or cleaning, to present at the 'Chemical Reactions Showcase.'

Launch

Kick off your exploration of chemical reactions with an exciting hands-on experiment where you create a simple volcano using baking soda and vinegar. As you observe the eruption, discuss with your classmates what you think is happening at a chemical level. Use this experience to brainstorm everyday scenarios where chemical reactions play a crucial role, setting the stage for your upcoming project work and presentations.

Exhibition

Organize a 'Chemical Reactions Showcase' where you present skits or short plays that creatively illustrate the impact of chemical reactions in everyday scenarios, such as cooking or cleaning. Collaborate with classmates to develop engaging performances that highlight your understanding of chemical reactions and their significance. Facilitate a gallery walk where you can view and provide feedback on each other's presentations, fostering a deeper appreciation for the diverse applications of chemistry in daily life.

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Project Introduction and Essential Question Exploration - Begin with an engaging introduction to the project by discussing the essential question: 'How do chemical reactions impact everyday life?' and brainstorm with classmates possible real-world applications (20 min) Volcano Experiment Kickoff - Conduct a hands-on experiment by creating a simple volcano using baking soda and vinegar; observe and discuss the chemical reaction taking place (25 min)	Discussion on Chemical Reactions - Engage in a class discussion about the chemical reaction observed in the volcano experiment and relate it to the concept of chemical reactions in everyday life (15 min) Reflective Journal Setup - Create a reflective journal to document daily insights and questions about chemical reactions, and write the first entry summarizing observations and thoughts from the volcano experiment (15 min) Brainstorming Everyday Scenarios - Collaboratively brainstorm and list everyday scenarios where chemical reactions are present, such as baking or rusting (15 min)	Introduction to Chemical Reaction Types - Learn about different types of chemical reactions through a guided activity that includes examples and real-world applications (20 min) Scenario Selection and Group Formation - Form groups and choose a real-world scenario involving chemical reactions for the collaborative project, such as cooking or cleaning (15 min) Reflective Journal Entry - Reflect on the day's learning and the chosen project scenario in your journal, documenting any initial ideas or questions (10 min)	Research and Inquiry - Begin researching the selected real-world scenario to gather information about the chemical reactions involved, using reliable sources and documenting findings (25 min) Developing a Project Plan - Collaboratively develop a plan for your project, outlining the steps needed to simulate the chosen scenario and present it to the class (15 min) Reflective Journal Entry - Write a reflection on the research process and any new insights gained about chemical reactions in your journal (5 min)	Modeling Chemical Reactions - Use models or visual aids to describe the chemical reaction involved in your scenario, focusing on the conservation of mass and the changes in substance properties (25 min) Group Check-In and Feedback - Share progress with the class and receive feedback on your project plan and research findings, making adjustments as needed (15 min) Reflective Journal Review - Review the week's journal entries to track your understanding and emotional responses, preparing for next week's activities (5 min)
Deliverables	1. A reflective journal entry documenting your daily insights and questions about chemical reactions. 2. A list of everyday scenarios where chemical reactions occur, based on the brainstorming session. 3. A summarized report of your research findings on the properties of substances before and after chemical reactions, demonstrating an understanding of mass conservation.
Preparation	1. Gather materials for the baking soda and vinegar volcano experiment, including baking soda, vinegar, a container, and a tray to contain the mess. 2. Prepare access to research resources, such as science textbooks, online databases, or educational websites, for data collection on chemical reactions. 3. Organize group discussions by setting up a collaborative platform or physical space where you and your classmates can share insights and ideas. 4. Set up your reflective journal, either digitally or in a notebook, ensuring you have a method to document your thoughts daily.

Week 2	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Real-World Reaction Research - Investigate and identify three real-world scenarios where chemical reactions play a crucial role, such as baking or rusting, and document your findings in your reflective journal (45 min)	Chemical Reaction Demonstration - Conduct a simple experiment to observe a chemical reaction in action, such as creating a gas with vinegar and baking soda, and record your observations in your journal (30 min) Class Discussion - Share your experiment results and discuss how these reactions are similar to or different from those in your researched scenarios (15 min)	Scenario Simulation Planning - In groups, select one of the researched scenarios and brainstorm how to simulate this chemical reaction in a classroom-safe way, outlining your plan in your reflective journal (45 min)	Project Development - Begin developing your simulation by gathering materials and setting up any initial steps needed for your scenario, ensuring each group member has a role (45 min)	Collaborative Work Session - Continue working on your scenario simulation, making adjustments based on group feedback, and document any challenges and solutions in your journal (45 min)
Deliverables	1. Submit a completed storyboard for your skit or short play, illustrating the impact of a chemical reaction in an everyday scenario. 2. Update your reflective journal with observations and insights gathered from experiments and research conducted during the week.
Preparation	1. Gather materials for the experiment, such as baking soda, vinegar, lemon juice, and ice packs. 2. Prepare research resources, including books, articles, and access to online databases for group investigations. 3. Provide storyboard templates and guidelines to help structure your skit or play development. 4. Organize a peer review session by setting up a schedule and criteria for constructive feedback. 5. Ensure reflective journals are ready for updates, with prompts to guide self-assessment and insight tracking.

Week 3	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Chemical Reaction Simulation Testing - Begin testing your simulation to ensure the chemical reaction mimics real-world scenarios accurately, documenting any discrepancies or unexpected results in your journal (30 min) Peer Feedback Session - Share your simulation progress with another group for feedback, and discuss suggestions for improvement or enhancement (15 min)	Refinement and Adjustment - Use the feedback received to refine and adjust your simulation setup, focusing on accuracy and clarity of the chemical reaction's representation (25 min) Reflective Journal Update - Write a detailed entry in your journal about the feedback process, adjustments made, and any new insights gained on the chemical reaction (20 min)	Script Development for Exhibition - Collaboratively develop a script for your skit or play that creatively illustrates the impact of your chosen chemical reaction in an everyday scenario (30 min) Rehearsal Planning - Plan a rehearsal schedule with your group to ensure each member understands their role and the timing of the skit (15 min)	Rehearsal and Role Assignment - Conduct a full rehearsal of your skit, ensuring that each group member knows their role and the sequence of the performance (30 min) Peer Review and Feedback - Perform your skit for another group and receive feedback on how well it communicates the chemical reaction and its impact (15 min)	Final Adjustments and Practice - Make final adjustments to your skit based on peer feedback, and practice your performance to ensure smooth delivery during the exhibition (25 min) Reflective Journal Review - Review your journal entries from the week to consolidate your learning and document the progress made in preparing for the showcase (20 min)
Deliverables	1. Complete a group presentation draft on a real-world application of chemical reactions, with a focus on one specific application. 2. Update your reflective journal with insights and questions from the week's activities.
Preparation	1. Gather materials for the baking simulation, including baking soda, acidic ingredients (e.g., vinegar or lemon juice), and any necessary tools for observation. 2. Provide access to research resources, such as computers for online research and library books on chemical reactions and their applications. 3. Ensure digital tools are available for creating models or demonstrations, such as tablets or laptops with presentation software. 4. Arrange the classroom for group work and presentations, ensuring there is space for collaboration and sharing of ideas.

Week 4	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Final Skit Rehearsals - Conduct a full run-through of your skit, focusing on timing and delivery as you prepare for the 'Chemical Reactions Showcase' (30 min) Peer Review and Final Feedback - Perform your skit for another group to receive final constructive feedback and suggestions for improvement (15 min)	Skit Refinement and Adjustments - Make necessary adjustments to your skit based on peer feedback, ensuring clarity and engagement in the performance (25 min) Reflective Journal Update - Write a reflective entry on the feedback received and the changes made to enhance your skit, noting any new insights about chemical reactions (20 min)	Showcase Preparation - Finalize props, costumes, and any visual aids needed for your skit, ensuring everything is ready for the exhibition (25 min) Rehearsal for Confidence - Conduct a final rehearsal to build confidence and ensure smooth transitions and delivery during the showcase (20 min)	Chemical Reactions Showcase - Present your skit to the class, illustrating the impact of chemical reactions in everyday scenarios creatively and effectively (30 min) Gallery Walk and Feedback - Facilitate a gallery walk where you can view and provide feedback on each other's presentations, celebrating the diverse applications of chemistry (15 min)	Reflective Journal Review - Review all journal entries from the project, reflecting on your learning journey and personal growth throughout the project (25 min) Project Debrief and Celebration - Engage in a class discussion to celebrate successes, share final thoughts, and highlight key learning moments from the project (20 min)
Deliverables	1. Complete and perform your skit or short play for the 'Chemical Reactions Showcase'. 2. Submit your reflective journal, highlighting your learning journey and key insights from the project.
Preparation	1. Gather props, costumes, and any additional materials needed for your skit or short play. 2. Arrange the classroom or performance space to accommodate the showcase, ensuring there is enough space for each presentation and audience seating. 3. Coordinate with classmates to set up any necessary technology, such as lighting or sound equipment, to enhance your presentations. 4. Prepare a feedback form for the audience to provide constructive insights on each presentation during the gallery walk.