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High School Grade  Project 3 weeks

Brew-tiful Chemistry Café Creation Challenge

Bryce H
PS.Chm.4.1
PS.Chm.4.3
PS.Chm.4.4
PS.Chm.5.2
PS.Chm.6.1
+ 4 more
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Purpose

The purpose of this project is to immerse high school students in the real-world application of chemistry through the design and operation of a coffee shop. Students will explore and apply chemical concepts such as equilibrium, solution properties, and energy changes to create unique coffee drinks. By collaborating with local coffee experts, students will gain practical insights into the chemistry of coffee, enhancing their understanding of scientific principles while developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. This hands-on project culminates in a community event where students showcase their creations and communicate the science behind them, fostering a deeper connection between classroom learning and everyday experiences.

Learning goals

Students will develop a deep understanding of the chemistry involved in coffee-making, focusing on how concentration, temperature, and pressure impact the flavor and equilibrium of coffee solutions. They will apply mathematical and computational methods to optimize the composition and flavor profiles of their drinks, using stoichiometry and calorimetry principles. Additionally, students will learn to analyze and interpret data on acids, bases, and gas laws to predict and enhance the sensory experience of their coffee creations. Through collaboration with community partners, students will gain practical insights into the coffee industry, enhancing their ability to communicate scientific concepts effectively.
Standards
  • PS.Chm.4.1 - Use models to explain the exothermic or endothermic nature of chemical changes.
  • PS.Chm.4.3 - Use mathematics and computational thinking to analyze quantitatively the composition of a substance (empirical formula, molecular formula, percent composition, and mole conversions).
  • PS.Chm.4.4 - Use mathematics and computational thinking to apply the mole concept in the stoichiometric relationships inherent in chemical reactions.
  • PS.Chm.5.2 - Analyze and interpret data to predict how stressors on a reaction (concentration, temperature, pressure) would shift equilibrium.
  • PS.Chm.6.1 - Carry out investigations to summarize the factors that affect the formation and properties of solutions.
  • PS.Chm.6.3 - Carry out investigations to compare properties and behaviors (qualitative and quantitative) of acids and bases.
  • PS.Chm.7.1 - Use models to explain how changes in energy affect the arrangement and movement of the particles in solids, liquids, and gases, as well as the relative strengths of their intermolecular forces.
  • PS.Chm.7.2 - Use mathematics and computational thinking to execute simple calorimetric calculations based on the Law of Conservation of Energy.
  • PS.Chm.7.3 - Use mathematics and computational thinking to explain the relationships among pressure, temperature, volume, and quantity of gas, both qualitatively and quantitatively.

Products

Students will create a detailed coffee shop menu featuring three distinct coffee beverages, each showcasing unique chemical processes and flavor profiles. They will develop comprehensive recipes for each drink, incorporating mathematical calculations to optimize ingredient ratios and flavor balance. Additionally, students will produce informational displays and presentations that explain the chemistry behind their coffee creations, ready for the 'Café Pop-Up' event.

Launch

Kick off the project with an immersive 'Chemistry of Coffee' Workshop, where students dive into hands-on experiments with various brewing methods and ingredients. Guided by a local coffee expert, students will explore how different variables like temperature and pressure affect the taste and chemical properties of coffee. This interactive session sets the stage for students to begin designing their own coffee drinks, sparking curiosity and providing foundational knowledge for their upcoming project work.

Exhibition

Students will host a 'Café Pop-Up' event at a local community center or school cafeteria, where they will serve their custom-designed coffee drinks to guests. They will explain the chemistry involved in each recipe, demonstrating their understanding of chemical changes, equilibrium, and solution properties. The event will feature live demonstrations of coffee-making techniques, and students will engage guests in discussions about the science behind the flavors and compositions of their drinks. This interactive exhibition will allow students to showcase their learning and receive feedback from the community.