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5th Grade
- Project
- 1 week
Fizz Frenzy: Eco-Friendly Explosive Experiments!
Purpose
The purpose of this project is to explore the fascinating world of chemical reactions through hands-on experimentation with Mentos and soda. You will investigate how different factors influence these reactions and understand their broader environmental impact. By collaborating with the CalEPA, you will learn how chemical reactions can affect ecosystems and discover ways to promote sustainable practices in your community. This project encourages you to think critically about science and its real-world applications, fostering a deeper understanding of environmental stewardship.
Learning goals
Explore the principles of chemical reactions through hands-on experimentation, focusing on how variables such as temperature and quantity affect outcomes. Develop skills in scientific observation and documentation, while understanding the environmental implications of chemical reactions. Collaborate with community partners to gain insights into sustainable practices and integrate these into your findings. Enhance your ability to communicate scientific concepts and advocate for environmentally responsible actions within your community.
Standards
- NGSS - 5-PS1-4: Conduct an investigation to determine whether the mixing of two or more substances results in new substances.
- NGSS - 3-5-ETS1-2: Generate and compare multiple possible solutions to a problem based on how well each is likely to meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.
- NGSS - 5-ESS3-1: Obtain and combine information about ways individual communities use science ideas to protect the Earth's resources and environment.
Products
Create a detailed lab report that documents your experiments with the Mentos and soda reaction, including observations, data collected, and conclusions drawn about the effects of different variables. Design an informative poster or presentation that explains the science behind the reaction and its potential environmental impacts, incorporating insights from your collaboration with CalEPA. Share your findings and sustainable practices recommendations through a community event or digital platform to educate others about chemical reactions and environmental responsibility.
Launch
Kick off your project with a dynamic demonstration of the Mentos and soda explosion to spark curiosity and excitement. Invite a representative from the CalEPA to share real-world examples of chemical reactions impacting the environment and discuss sustainable practices. Engage in a brainstorming session to generate questions about chemical reactions and their environmental effects, which will guide your investigation throughout the project.
Exhibition
Organize a science fair where you present your findings on the Mentos and soda experiments to classmates, teachers, and community members. Create informative displays that highlight the effects of different variables on the chemical reaction and propose sustainable practices based on your insights from CalEPA. Facilitate interactive demonstrations to engage attendees and encourage discussions about the environmental impact of chemical reactions.
Week 1 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 |
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Activities |
Discover: Mentos and Soda Demonstration - Kick off the project with a dynamic demonstration of the Mentos and soda explosion to spark curiosity and excitement about chemical reactions. (20 min)
Discover: Challenge Question Exploration - Discuss the challenge question, focusing on how chemical reactions affect the environment and encourage sustainable practices. (20 min)
Discover: Brainstorming Session - Generate questions about chemical reactions and their environmental effects to guide your investigation throughout the project. (20 min)
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Examine: Variables Research - Investigate how different variables such as temperature, type of soda, and number of Mentos can influence the reaction, using text and video resources. (20 min)
Examine: Seminar Discussion - Engage in a seminar-style discussion to share insights and refine understanding of chemical reactions' environmental impacts. (20 min)
Examine: Community Partner Exploration - Connect with CalEPA to learn about their initiatives on chemical safety and environmental sustainability and discuss how chemical reactions impact the environment. (20 min)
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Engineer: Hypothesis Development - Formulate hypotheses predicting the outcomes of experiments based on the variables researched, supported by evidence. (20 min)
Engineer: Experiment Planning - Create a detailed plan outlining how you will conduct experiments to test your hypotheses and gather data. (20 min)
Engineer: T.A.G. Feedback Session - Share your experiment plan with peers and receive T.A.G. feedback to refine your approach. (20 min)
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Do: Conduct Experiments - Execute your planned experiments, documenting the process with videos and pictures to observe the effects of different variables on the Mentos and soda reaction. (30 min)
Do: Data Collection Plan - Develop a plan for data collection, determining specific data to collect and methods for gathering it to measure experiment success. (30 min)
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Share: Standards-Aligned Quiz - Individually check your understanding through a quiz aligned with NGSS standards to assess knowledge gained during the project. (15 min)
Share: Presentation Planning - Collaboratively identify relevant content and evidence to include in your final presentation, highlighting insights from experiments and community partner collaboration. (30 min)
Share: Presentation Tool Selection - Choose a tool such as slides, a video, or an infographic to design and build your final presentation, preparing to share findings with peers and community members. (15 min)
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Deliverables |
1. Documented list of questions generated during brainstorming
2. Experiment plan outlining hypothesis, variables, and procedures 3. Observation checklist and recorded data from experiments 4. Drafted lab report including analysis of data and conclusions 5. Finalized lab report incorporating insights from CalEPA |
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Preparation |
1. Gather Mentos, various types of soda, and temperature control materials (ice, warm water)
2. Prepare safety gear like goggles and gloves for the experiment 3. Set up a meeting with a CalEPA representative 4. Create observation checklists and data collection sheets 5. Arrange for a space suitable for conducting experiments safely |