10th Grade  Project 4 weeks

"River Rescuers: Chemistry to the Rescue!"

Katie H
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Purpose

This project aims to equip 10th-grade students with the skills to apply chemistry concepts to real-world environmental challenges. By analyzing water samples from the Charles River, students will explore the practical applications of acid-base chemistry, stoichiometry, and precipitation reactions in water purification. Through collaboration with community partners, students will gain insights into local water quality issues and contribute to ongoing efforts to improve the river's health. The project fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and scientific communication, empowering students to make meaningful contributions to their community's environmental well-being.

Learning goals

Students will develop a deep understanding of acid-base chemistry, stoichiometry, and precipitation reactions through hands-on experimentation and real-world application. They will learn to analyze water samples, identify contaminants, and design chemical solutions for water purification. The project will enhance their collaborative skills as they work with community partners and engage in citizen science initiatives, fostering their ability to communicate scientific findings effectively.
Standards
  • NGSS - HS-PS1-2: Construct and revise an explanation for the outcome of a simple chemical reaction based on the outermost electron states of atoms, trends in the periodic table, and knowledge of the patterns of chemical properties.
  • NGSS - HS-PS1-6: Refine the design of a chemical system by specifying a change in conditions that would produce increased amounts of products at equilibrium.
  • NGSS - HS-ESS3-4: Evaluate or refine a technological solution that reduces impacts of human activities on natural systems.

Products

Students will create a slide deck presentation to clearly communicate their research findings and proposed solutions for water purification. They will design scientific posters for a gallery-style session, allowing them to explain their results to peers and community members. Additionally, students will develop visually engaging infographics that summarize their data on contaminants and water quality impacts. As a creative option, they can produce a mini documentary or short video capturing their project journey, including interviews and footage from river testing. Alternatively, students might choose to record a podcast or radio segment to discuss their research and conclusions in an engaging audio format.

Launch

Begin the project with an immersive 'Water Warriors' field trip to the Charles River, where students actively collect water samples and conduct initial observations of the river's environmental challenges. This firsthand experience sets the stage for their investigative work, allowing students to connect personally with the project's real-world context. During the trip, students can engage in discussions with local environmental experts, deepening their understanding of the river's ecological significance and the impact of contaminants.

Exhibition

Students will host a 'Chemistry in Action' open house, where they lead interactive demonstrations of their experiments to clean contaminants from water samples. The event will feature a series of engaging exhibits, including slide deck presentations, scientific posters, and infographics that summarize their findings. Students will also present mini documentaries or podcasts that capture their journey and insights gained throughout the project. This exhibition will invite family, friends, and community members to witness the students' application of chemistry concepts to real-world environmental challenges.