"Chemical Reaction Showdown: Molecules in Motion!"

7th Grade

Project
3 weeks

"Chemical Reaction Showdown: Molecules in Motion!"

Damian S

MS-PS1-1

MS-PS1-2

Purpose

Dive into the fascinating world of chemical reactions by exploring how molecular structures dictate their outcomes. Collaborate with a science museum to enhance your understanding through interactive exhibits and workshops. Your journey will culminate in a dynamic 'Reaction Reality Show,' where you'll showcase your experiments and insights, engaging the community in the wonders of chemistry.

Learning goals

By the end of this project, you will be able to develop and present models that describe the atomic composition of molecules and extended structures, demonstrating a clear understanding of molecular interactions during chemical reactions. You will analyze and interpret data to determine if a chemical reaction has occurred, using your observations to explain the changes in molecular structures. Through hands-on experiments and reflection, you will deepen your understanding of how molecular structures influence chemical reactions and effectively communicate your findings to an audience.

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 molecular models using various materials to represent atomic compositions and chemical reactions. By the end, you'll develop a dynamic demonstration for the science museum, showcasing a chemical reaction and explaining the molecular changes involved. Additionally, you'll compile a reflection journal documenting your observations and insights, which will serve as a personal record of your learning journey. Finally, you'll participate in the 'Reaction Reality Show,' where you'll present your live experiments and engage with the audience, highlighting the molecular structures at play.

Launch

Kick off your project with a visit to the science museum, where you can explore interactive exhibits on chemical reactions and molecular structures. Engage with museum experts to gain insights into how these structures influence reactions. Use this experience to spark curiosity and gather ideas for your upcoming hands-on demonstrations and experiments.

Exhibition

Prepare for the 'Reaction Reality Show' by selecting a chemical reaction to demonstrate, ensuring it effectively showcases molecular changes. Develop a script that clearly explains the science behind the reaction, focusing on the role of molecular structures. Engage your audience by inviting them to hypothesize the outcome of the reaction and ask questions about the molecular processes involved. Coordinate with your science museum partner to use their resources for enhancing the visual impact of your demonstration. Practice your presentation skills to confidently perform and explain your experiment during the live show.

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3
Activities	Museum Exploration - Visit the science museum to explore exhibits on chemical reactions and molecular structures, gathering ideas for your project (45 min)	Interactive Exhibit Reflection - Write in your journal about observations from the museum visit, focusing on how molecular structures influence chemical reactions (20 min) Discussion with Museum Expert - Engage in a Q&A session with a museum expert on chemical reactions and atomic composition (25 min)	Molecular Model Challenge - Create a simple molecular model using craft materials to represent atomic composition, focusing on the learning standard MS-PS1-1 (30 min) Peer Feedback Session - Share your model with classmates and provide feedback on each other's designs (15 min)
Deliverables	1. Create a detailed molecular model using materials to represent atomic compositions and extended structures. 2. Begin a reflection journal where you document your observations and insights on molecular structures and chemical reactions.
Preparation	1. Coordinate a visit to the local science museum, ensuring access to relevant exhibits and workshops. 2. Gather materials for molecular model construction, such as clay, sticks, balls, and any other modeling supplies. 3. Prepare a simple chemical reaction experiment setup, including supplies like vinegar and baking soda. 4. Organize transportation and permissions for the museum visit, including any necessary chaperone arrangements. 5. Arrange for a space in the classroom for group discussions and model presentations.

Week 2	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3
Activities	Chemical Reaction Demonstration Selection - Choose a chemical reaction to demonstrate at the science museum, considering its educational value and visual impact (20 min) Research and Model Creation - Conduct research on your selected reaction and begin developing a molecular model to illustrate the atomic composition and changes that occur (25 min)	Data Analysis Exercise - Analyze data from previous experiments to identify the properties of substances before and after reactions, meeting MS-PS1-2 standards (30 min) Reflection Journal Update - Document your findings and thoughts on how molecular structures influence the reactions observed (15 min)	Model Refinement Session - Refine your molecular model based on peer feedback and your analysis, ensuring it accurately represents the chemical changes (30 min) Peer Review Workshop - Facilitate a session where you present your model and receive constructive feedback from peers (15 min)
Deliverables	1. A report detailing observations and data analysis from the conducted experiments, including conclusions on whether chemical reactions occurred based on molecular changes. 2. A set of molecular models representing the atomic compositions of simple molecules and extended structures observed during experiments. 3. A reflection journal entry documenting your observations, insights gained from the museum visit, and understanding of how molecular structures influence chemical reactions.
Preparation	1. Gather materials for molecular model creation, including clay, gumdrops, toothpicks, and any other creative supplies. 2. Coordinate a museum visit, ensuring access to interactive exhibits and workshops that align with the project focus. 3. Prepare safety equipment and instructions for conducting chemical reaction experiments in the classroom. 4. Organize resources such as books, videos, or online simulations to provide background knowledge on molecular structures and chemical reactions. 5. Set up a reflection journal or digital platform for documenting observations and insights throughout the project.

Week 3	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3
Activities	Final Experiment Selection - Choose a chemical reaction to showcase at the Reaction Reality Show, focusing on those that clearly demonstrate molecular changes (15 min) Script Development - Draft a script for your experiment presentation, clearly explaining the molecular structures and reactions involved (30 min)	Rehearsal and Peer Feedback - Practice your experiment presentation and receive feedback from peers on clarity and engagement (30 min) Reflection Journal Entry - Write about your rehearsal experience, noting areas for improvement and your understanding of the molecular structures involved (15 min)	Reaction Reality Show - Perform your live experiment in front of an audience, engaging them with questions and explanations about the molecular structures and reactions (30 min) Post-Exhibition Reflection - Conclude your journal by reflecting on the entire project experience, highlighting your learning about molecular structures and chemical reactions (15 min)
Deliverables	1. Complete and rehearse a dynamic demonstration for the 'Reaction Reality Show,' focusing on a chosen chemical reaction and molecular changes. 2. Finalize and submit your reflection journal, documenting your learning journey, insights, and understanding of molecular structures and chemical reactions. 3. Participate in the 'Reaction Reality Show,' presenting your live experiment and engaging with the audience, highlighting the molecular structures involved.
Preparation	1. Gather all necessary materials for your live chemical reaction demonstration, including safety equipment, reactants, and any visual aids needed for your presentation. 2. Coordinate with the science museum to finalize logistics for the 'Reaction Reality Show,' including setup, audience seating, and any required technology or equipment. 3. Develop a clear and engaging script for your demonstration, explaining the science behind the reaction and the role of molecular structures. Practice this script to ensure clarity and confidence during the presentation. 4. Review your reflection journal to ensure it is comprehensive and includes all observations, thoughts, and learning experiences throughout the project. 5. Organize a practice session with peers or teachers to receive feedback on your presentation skills and make any necessary adjustments before the live show.