Plan
| Week 1 |
Day 1
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Day 2
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Day 3
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Day 4
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Water Warriors Field Trip - Kick off the project with a field trip to the Charles River to collect water samples and observe environmental challenges firsthand, setting the stage for project work (60 min)
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Introduction to Water Quality - Discuss essential questions and introduce key concepts of acids, bases, and solutions in relation to water purification (20 min)
Acid-Base Chemistry Exploration - Conduct hands-on experiments to mix acids and bases with water samples, observing pH changes and understanding acid-base principles (40 min)
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Stoichiometry Basics - Learn stoichiometry principles and apply them to calculate reactant amounts needed for chemical reactions in water purification (30 min)
Collaborative Lab Activity - Work in groups to use stoichiometry for designing chemical reactions aimed at contaminant removal (30 min)
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Precipitation Reactions Workshop - Design and execute precipitation reactions using different chemical solutions to remove specific contaminants from water samples (40 min)
Reflection and Discussion - Reflect on the week's activities and discuss how these chemical processes can be applied to improve water quality (20 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Complete a field trip reflection journal entry, summarizing observations and insights gained from the 'Water Warriors' trip.
2. Submit a lab report detailing the acid-base experiments, including observations and pH changes recorded. 3. Turn in stoichiometry calculation worksheets showing the reactant quantities needed for planned chemical reactions. |
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| Preparation |
1. Secure permission slips and transportation for the 'Water Warriors' field trip to the Charles River.
2. Gather and prepare lab materials for acid-base experiments, including pH meters, acids, bases, and water samples from the field trip. 3. Organize stoichiometry calculation resources, such as calculators, chemical reaction equations, and worksheets. 4. Set up lab stations with necessary equipment and chemicals for the precipitation reaction experiments. |
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| Week 2 |
Day 5
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Day 6
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Day 7
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Day 8
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Community Partner Collaboration - Meet with Charles River Watershed Association representatives to discuss local water quality issues and gain insights for analysis (20 min)
Contaminant Analysis - Begin analyzing collected water samples for common contaminants, using microscopes and chemical testing kits (40 min)
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Data Collection and Recording - Document findings from contaminant analysis, noting concentrations and types present in the water samples (30 min)
Acid-Base Reaction Testing - Conduct experiments to test the effectiveness of various chemical solutions in altering water pH and removing contaminants (30 min)
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Stoichiometry Application - Use stoichiometry calculations to determine precise reactant amounts for targeted chemical reactions in water purification (30 min)
Prototype Development - Design initial prototypes of chemical treatment solutions based on stoichiometry and acid-base reaction results (30 min)
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Precipitation Reaction Refinement - Modify and optimize precipitation reactions using feedback and experimental results to enhance contaminant removal (40 min)
Mid-Project Reflection - Create visual presentations or infographics of chemical processes and impact on water quality, followed by peer feedback sessions (20 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Draft slide deck presentation summarizing experiment design and initial findings
2. Infographic or visual presentation depicting chemical processes and initial results |
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| Preparation |
1. Gather materials for precipitation reactions, including acids, bases, and safety equipment
2. Provide students with data sheets and templates for recording experimental results 3. Coordinate with Charles River Watershed Association for feedback on experiment designs 4. Set up peer feedback sessions and prepare reflection prompts |
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| Week 3 |
Day 9
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Day 10
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Day 11
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Day 12
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Filtration Techniques Exploration - Construct and test different filtration systems, evaluating their effectiveness in removing physical and chemical impurities from water samples (40 min)
Group Reflection - Discuss the outcomes of filtration tests and brainstorm improvements for water treatment solutions (20 min)
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Data Analysis and Interpretation - Analyze data from filtration experiments, identifying patterns and drawing conclusions about the best filtration techniques (30 min)
Solution Chemistry Application - Apply solution chemistry principles to propose improvements based on data analysis, refining the water treatment process (30 min)
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Feedback Session with Charles River Watershed Association - Present experimental findings and receive expert feedback to refine water treatment solutions (30 min)
Prototyping and Iteration - Implement feedback and make modifications to water treatment prototypes, preparing for final testing (30 min)
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Final Testing of Water Treatment Solutions - Conduct comprehensive tests on refined prototypes to evaluate their effectiveness in contaminant removal (40 min)
Reflection and Peer Review - Share test results with peers, providing and receiving constructive feedback to solidify understanding and prepare for final presentations (20 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. A detailed lab report of each experiment conducted, including observations, chemical reactions, calculations, and conclusions.
2. A group presentation summarizing the effectiveness of different chemical solutions in removing pollutants, supported by experimental data. 3. An infographic illustrating the chemical processes involved in contaminant removal and the impact on water quality, ready for peer feedback. |
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| Preparation |
1. Gather and prepare lab materials, including acids, bases, indicators, filtration equipment, and safety gear for experiments.
2. Obtain additional water samples from the Charles River through collaboration with the Charles River Watershed Association. 3. Coordinate with community science organizations to arrange feedback sessions and citizen science collaboration opportunities. 4. Arrange for lab space and ensure all equipment is in working order for the execution of experiments and reactions. 5. Provide students with access to data analysis tools and software for creating infographics and presentations. |
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| Week 4 |
Day 13
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Day 14
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Day 15
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Day 16
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Presentation Preparation - Finalize slide deck presentations, scientific posters, and infographics to communicate research findings and water purification solutions effectively (30 min)
Peer Review Session - Share and critique prepared presentations and materials with classmates, offering constructive feedback for improvement (30 min)
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Exhibition Setup - Organize and arrange all materials and interactive exhibits for the 'Chemistry in Action' open house, ensuring clarity and engagement for visitors (30 min)
Practice Presentations - Rehearse presenting findings to peers and teachers, focusing on clear communication and confidence in explaining chemical concepts and solutions (30 min)
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Chemistry in Action Open House - Lead interactive demonstrations showcasing experiments and findings to family, friends, and community members, highlighting the application of chemistry to real-world challenges (60 min)
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Reflection Panel with Community Partners - Present findings to community partners, receive feedback, and reflect on the impact of the project on local water quality efforts (30 min)
Project Reflection and Celebration - Discuss the learning journey, celebrate successes, and reflect on personal growth and contributions to environmental solutions (30 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Completed slide deck presentations for community and peer review.
2. Scientific posters ready for the gallery-style presentation. 3. Infographics summarizing data on contaminants and water quality impacts. 4. Mini documentaries or short videos capturing the project journey. 5. Podcasts or radio segments recorded and edited for audience engagement. |
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| Preparation |
1. Ensure all technology needed for presentations (projectors, screens, speakers) is tested and ready.
2. Secure the exhibition space for the 'Chemistry in Action' open house. 3. Prepare materials for interactive demonstrations, ensuring all lab equipment and chemical solutions are safe and available. 4. Coordinate with community partners to attend the open house and provide feedback. 5. Organize the venue layout for optimal audience flow and interaction with exhibits. 6. Develop a schedule for the open house, including time slots for presentations and demonstrations. |
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