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6th Grade
- Project
- 2 weeks
Heat Wave Warriors: Energy Adventure Challenge!
Cesar O
Purpose
Design a device that uses chemical reactions to manage thermal energy, exploring real-world applications in sustainable energy solutions. Investigate how different materials and chemical processes impact energy release and absorption, applying scientific principles to optimize your design. This project encourages you to plan, test, and modify your device, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Learning goals
Design a device that demonstrates the principles of thermal energy transfer through chemical reactions, focusing on planning and executing scientific investigations. Develop skills in creating and modifying prototypes based on experimental data. Enhance your ability to document and communicate scientific findings through a comprehensive lab report. Explore real-world applications of thermal energy devices in sustainable energy solutions.
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.W.6.7: Conduct short research projects to answer a question, drawing on several sources and refocusing the inquiry when appropriate.
Products
Construct a thermal energy storage unit that uses chemical reactions to release energy on demand. Document your design process in a detailed lab report, including planning, investigation steps, data collected, and modifications made. Present your final device and report, highlighting its potential applications in sustainable energy solutions.
Launch
Begin with a hands-on demonstration where you observe a simple chemical reaction, such as baking soda and vinegar, to witness an exothermic or endothermic process. Discuss how these reactions can be harnessed to release or absorb thermal energy. Brainstorm everyday situations where controlling thermal energy is crucial, like hand warmers or cold packs. Use this discussion to inspire your initial ideas for designing your own thermal energy device.
Exhibition
Organize a science fair-style exhibition where you present your thermal energy storage units. Set up a demonstration booth to showcase your device's design, functionality, and potential applications. Invite classmates, teachers, and family members to observe your device in action and ask questions about your process and findings. Facilitate a gallery walk where you can view and provide feedback on each other's projects, focusing on the creativity and effectiveness of the designs. Conclude with a reflection session to discuss the insights gained and the real-world implications of your projects.
| Week 1 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Project Launch - Participate in a demonstration of a simple chemical reaction like baking soda and vinegar to observe an exothermic or endothermic process and discuss real-world applications (20 min)
Brainstorming Session - Brainstorm everyday situations where controlling thermal energy is crucial, like hand warmers or cold packs, and generate initial ideas for your thermal energy device design (25 min)
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Research and Exploration - Conduct short research on different materials and chemical processes that impact thermal energy release and absorption, compiling notes for your device design (30 min)
Design Sketching - Create a preliminary sketch of your device design, including materials needed and chemical processes involved, based on your research findings (15 min)
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Blueprint Creation - Develop a detailed blueprint of your device design, specifying materials, chemical processes, and expected outcomes based on scientific principles (25 min)
Planning Investigations - Plan the steps for testing your device design, outlining the investigation process to gather evidence supporting your design solution (20 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Blueprint of the device design
2. List of materials required for the device 3. Description of the chemical processes involved |
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| Preparation |
1. Gather materials for the hands-on demonstration, including baking soda, vinegar, and containers
2. Prepare brainstorming tools, such as large paper for sketching and markers 3. Provide access to resources on chemical reactions and thermal energy transfer, such as textbooks or online articles 4. Set up a collaborative space for students to discuss and refine their ideas |
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| Week 2 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Prototype Construction - Gather materials and begin constructing your thermal energy device based on your blueprint, ensuring all components are assembled correctly (45 min)
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Initial Testing - Conduct your first round of tests on the thermal energy device, recording observations and data on the energy release or absorption efficiency (25 min)
Data Analysis - Analyze the test results to identify areas for improvement, focusing on the effectiveness of the chemical processes and materials used (20 min)
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Design Modification - Refine and modify your device based on the test data, making adjustments to enhance performance and efficiency (30 min)
Reflection and Documentation - Write a section of your lab report summarizing the modifications made and the rationale behind them, preparing for final testing (15 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Completed thermal energy device
2. Detailed lab report documenting the design process, investigation steps, data collected, modifications made, and conclusions drawn |
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| Preparation |
1. Ensure all construction materials and tools are available for building the device.
2. Prepare data collection sheets or digital tools for recording observations during testing. 3. Organize a rubric or checklist for the lab report to guide data analysis and ensure all critical sections are included. 4. Set up a space for testing devices safely, with appropriate safety equipment and measures in place. |
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