Ice Pack Innovators: Chill Quest Challenge!

3rd Grade

Project
2 weeks

Ice Pack Innovators: Chill Quest Challenge!

Damian J

Purpose

The purpose of this project is to explore the science of thermal energy through hands-on experimentation by designing and testing a homemade ice pack. You will engage in planning and carrying out investigations to understand how different materials can absorb or release heat, supporting your findings with evidence. This project encourages collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking, as you document your process and share your results with peers.

Learning goals

Through this project, you will explore the scientific principles of thermal energy transfer and chemical processes by designing and testing a homemade ice pack. You will develop skills in planning and carrying out investigations, as you experiment with different materials to determine their effectiveness in maintaining cold temperatures. Additionally, you will enhance your communication skills by creating a video presentation of your findings and engage in reflective practices by participating in a gallery walk to review and provide feedback on peers' projects.

Standards

NGSS - MS-PS1-6: Undertake a design project to construct, test, and modify a device that either releases or absorbs thermal energy by chemical processes.
NGSS - MS-ETS1-2: Evaluate competing design solutions using a systematic process to determine how well they meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.
Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.6.4: Present claims and findings, sequencing ideas logically and using pertinent descriptions, facts, and details to accentuate main ideas or themes.

Products

Throughout this project, you will create a homemade ice pack using various materials to test their thermal energy properties. Document your investigation process and findings in a science journal, capturing observations and data. By the end of the project, produce a video presentation showcasing your ice pack design, explaining the scientific principles, materials used, and results from your testing.

Launch

Begin the project with an engaging demonstration where you mix baking soda and vinegar in a sealed bag to create an instant cold pack. Discuss the chemical reaction and thermal energy changes observed. Then, brainstorm as a class different materials and methods that could be used to create a homemade ice pack. This will spark curiosity and set the stage for your own investigations and design projects.

Exhibition

At the end of your project, host a "Science Showcase" where you present your homemade ice pack design to classmates, teachers, and family members. Set up your display with your science journal, materials used, and video presentation to explain the scientific principles and testing process. Engage with visitors by answering questions and discussing the challenges and successes you encountered during your investigations.

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3
Activities	Introduction to Thermal Energy - Begin with a demonstration of mixing baking soda and vinegar in a sealed bag to observe the chemical reaction and thermal energy changes, followed by a class discussion on thermal energy and different materials that can absorb or release heat (25 min) Brainstorming Session - Work in small groups to brainstorm ideas for materials and methods that could be used to create a homemade ice pack, documenting initial ideas in a science journal (20 min)	Material Exploration - Investigate and gather information about various materials that can absorb or release thermal energy, recording findings and potential material choices in a science journal (30 min) Design Planning - Begin planning your homemade ice pack design by selecting materials and sketching a design plan, outlining the steps you will take to construct and test your ice pack (15 min)	Construction of Ice Pack Prototype - Use selected materials to construct an initial ice pack prototype based on your design plan, documenting the process in your science journal (25 min) Initial Testing and Observation - Test the ice pack prototype by measuring its temperature change over a set period and record observations and data in the science journal (20 min)
Deliverables	1. Complete a science journal entry documenting initial ideas and hypotheses about which materials might work best for keeping an ice pack cold. 2. Create a list of materials and a plan for conducting your experiments in the upcoming sessions.
Preparation	1. Gather materials for a class demonstration of a chemical reaction using baking soda and vinegar to show thermal energy release or absorption. 2. Provide each student with a science journal for documenting observations, hypotheses, and experimental results. 3. Prepare a list of potential materials for students to consider for their ice pack designs, such as salt, baking soda, cornstarch, gel beads, etc. 4. Organize small groups for collaborative investigation sessions and ensure that each group has access to basic measuring tools like thermometers and timers. 5. Prepare a brief presentation or video on the scientific principles of thermal energy and chemical reactions to provide necessary background knowledge.

Week 2	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3
Activities	Material Testing & Data Collection - Conduct small group investigations to test different combinations of materials for their ability to absorb or release thermal energy; record observations and data in your science journal (45 min)	Design Refinement - Analyze the data collected from previous tests to refine your homemade ice pack design, considering effectiveness and any necessary modifications (25 min) Video Planning - Plan and outline your video presentation, detailing your ice pack design, materials used, scientific principles, and testing process (20 min)	Video Creation - Create and record your video presentation explaining your homemade ice pack design, focusing on sequence, facts, and scientific principles (45 min)
Deliverables	1. Complete a science journal documenting your investigation process, observations, and data. 2. A video presentation of your homemade ice pack design, explaining the scientific principles, materials used, and results from your testing. 3. Feedback provided to peers during the gallery walk.
Preparation	1. Gather materials for testing thermal energy absorption, such as different types of salt, baking soda, vinegar, and plastic bags. 2. Ensure access to devices for recording video presentations, such as tablets or smartphones. 3. Prepare rubric or feedback guidelines for the gallery walk. 4. Set up an area for the Science Showcase with tables and display materials.