Heat Hoppers: Investigating Thermal Devices!

6th Grade Project 2 weeks

Heat Hoppers: Investigating Thermal Devices!

Ayleene O

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Purpose

Explore how different materials and chemical reactions can be used to design a device that manages thermal energy. Through experimentation and observation, you'll learn about thermal energy transfer and the impact of chemical processes. This project encourages you to plan and carry out investigations, enhancing your understanding of scientific inquiry and problem-solving.

Learning goals

By the end of this project, you will understand how different materials and chemical reactions can be used to control thermal energy transfer. You will gain skills in planning and carrying out scientific investigations, including designing, testing, and modifying your own device. You will also develop the ability to document and analyze experimental results, and reflect on your learning process and problem-solving strategies.

Standards

NGSS - MS-PS3-3: Apply scientific principles to design, construct, and test a device that either minimizes or maximizes thermal energy transfer.
NGSS - MS-ETS1-4: Develop a model to generate data for iterative testing and modification of a proposed object, tool, or process such that an optimal design can be achieved.

Products

Design and construct a small greenhouse using recycled plastic bottles. Experiment with different chemical reactions, such as mixing vinegar and baking soda, to observe how they influence the temperature inside your greenhouse. Document your findings and present a final report detailing the effectiveness of your thermal energy device.

Launch

Begin by watching a short video demonstrating how chemical reactions can release or absorb heat, such as a hand warmer or a cold pack. Discuss your initial thoughts and predictions about how these processes work. Then, conduct a brief experiment using everyday materials like vinegar and baking soda to observe an exothermic reaction firsthand. Record your observations and questions in your science journal to guide your investigation throughout the project.

Exhibition

Host a science fair where you present your greenhouse models and explain the chemical processes used to control temperature. Set up interactive stations where visitors can observe the temperature changes inside your greenhouse and ask questions about your design process. Create a visual display that includes your experiment data, reflective journal entries, and photos documenting your project journey.

Plan

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3
Activities	Project Launch and Video Viewing - Watch a short video demonstrating chemical reactions that release or absorb heat, such as a hand warmer or a cold pack, and discuss your initial thoughts and predictions (15 min) Introduction to Thermal Energy - Conduct a brief experiment using vinegar and baking soda to observe an exothermic reaction and record your observations in your science journal (30 min)	Materials Exploration - Research and list different materials that can be used to construct a device managing thermal energy and predict their effectiveness (20 min) Design Planning - Begin sketching possible designs for your greenhouse using recycled plastic bottles, focusing on how you will incorporate chemical reactions (25 min)	Prototype Construction - Start constructing the initial model of your greenhouse using recycled plastic bottles based on your design sketches (30 min) Investigation Setup - Plan and note the steps needed to carry out investigations on chemical reactions affecting temperature inside your greenhouse (15 min)
Deliverables	1. Reflective journal entry detailing observations from the vinegar and baking soda experiment, including sketches and plans for the greenhouse project.
Preparation	1. Prepare and acquire materials such as recycled plastic bottles, vinegar, baking soda, thermometers, and other household items for experiments. 2. Ensure access to a video that demonstrates heat-related chemical reactions. 3. Arrange workspace for building the greenhouse, including tools for cutting and assembling bottles. 4. Set up a science journal template for documenting observations, plans, and reflections.

Week 2	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3
Activities	Finalize Greenhouse Design - Review your greenhouse model and make any necessary modifications to enhance thermal energy management (20 min) Conduct Temperature Testing - Use thermometers to measure temperature changes inside your greenhouse during a controlled chemical reaction, such as vinegar and baking soda, and record the results (25 min)	Analyze Data - Examine the temperature data collected from your tests to determine the effectiveness of different chemical reactions and materials in managing thermal energy (20 min) Reflective Journal Entry - Write a detailed journal entry reflecting on the challenges you faced, what you learned about thermal energy, and how you overcame obstacles during the project (25 min)	Prepare Science Fair Presentation - Create a visual display that includes your data, journal reflections, and photos of your greenhouse project to present at the science fair (20 min) Set Up Interactive Station - Arrange an interactive station where visitors can see your greenhouse model and discuss your findings at the science fair (25 min)
Deliverables	1. Completed greenhouse model using recycled plastic bottles, demonstrating the use of chemical reactions to control temperature. 2. Reflective journal entry detailing the challenges faced, solutions found, and lessons learned about thermal energy and chemical processes. 3. Final report presentation, including documented experiment data, analysis of results, and conclusions about the effectiveness of the greenhouse design.
Preparation	1. Gather recycled plastic bottles and other construction materials (like scissors, tape, and glue) for building the greenhouse. 2. Collect chemical reaction materials, such as vinegar, baking soda, and thermometers for measuring temperature changes. 3. Prepare a template for the reflective journal entry to guide reflections on the project process and learning experiences. 4. Set up a space for the science fair exhibition, including tables and display boards for showcasing the greenhouse models and findings. 5. Ensure access to devices for documenting experiment data, such as cameras or tablets for taking photos and videos.