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6th Grade
- Project
- 2 weeks
Thermal Jamboree: Solar Oven Showdown!
Purpose
The purpose of this project is to engage you in hands-on scientific exploration by designing a device that utilizes chemical reactions to manage thermal energy. You'll investigate how different reactions impact temperature changes, allowing you to apply scientific principles in a practical context. This project encourages you to think critically and creatively as you plan, test, and modify your designs, culminating in a showcase of your work and receiving constructive peer feedback.
Learning goals
Your learning goals for this project include understanding how chemical reactions can be used to manage thermal energy, developing skills in planning and carrying out scientific investigations, and effectively communicating your findings. You will also gain experience in designing and testing a functional device, such as a solar-powered oven, that utilizes chemical reactions to enhance heat absorption. Additionally, you will learn to document and analyze temperature changes, and engage in peer feedback to refine your design.
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-ETS1-4: 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
Throughout the project, you will create a science journal documenting your experiments and observations of temperature changes during chemical reactions. By the end of the learning experience, you will design and build a solar-powered oven that utilizes chemical reactions to enhance heat absorption. You will also prepare a presentation for a gallery walk, showcasing your oven and explaining the scientific principles behind your design choices.
Launch
Begin by watching a short video demonstrating various devices that use chemical reactions to manage thermal energy, such as hand warmers and instant cold packs. Discuss as a class how these devices work and what chemical reactions might be involved. Then, conduct a simple experiment where you mix baking soda and vinegar to observe the temperature change, recording your observations in your science journal. This will spark curiosity and set the stage for designing your own thermal energy device.
Exhibition
Invite classmates, teachers, and family members to a Science Showcase where you can present your solar-powered oven. Set up a demonstration area where you can explain the design process, show how the chemical reactions work to manage thermal energy, and display your science journal documenting temperature changes. Encourage visitors to ask questions and provide feedback on your project, fostering a collaborative learning environment.
| Week 1 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Introduction to Thermal Energy - Watch a video demonstrating devices that use chemical reactions for thermal energy management, and discuss how these devices function (15 min)
Hands-On Experiment - Conduct a simple experiment mixing baking soda and vinegar to observe temperature changes and record observations in your science journal (30 min)
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Explore Chemical Reactions - Research and identify various chemical reactions that can either release or absorb thermal energy, noting down key reactions and their temperature effects (20 min)
Experiment Documentation - Begin documenting your research findings and temperature observations from Day 1 in a structured science journal format (25 min)
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Design Planning Session - Brainstorm ideas for a device that leverages chemical reactions to manage thermal energy, sketch initial design concepts in your science journal (25 min)
Design Criteria Discussion - Review the essential question and design criteria, and identify the specific learning goals your device will address (20 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Science journal entries with observations and data from the baking soda and vinegar experiment.
2. A documented experiment plan for a selected chemical reaction, including research notes and expected outcomes. 3. Recorded data and analysis of the temperature changes observed during the experiment conducted on Day 3. |
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| Preparation |
1. Gather materials for the baking soda and vinegar experiment, including baking soda, vinegar, thermometers, and containers.
2. Prepare video and discussion prompts about thermal energy devices for Day 1. 3. Provide resources and guidelines for researching chemical reactions, such as access to science textbooks, online articles, or databases. 4. Ensure thermometers, stopwatches, and safety equipment (goggles, gloves) are available for the experimental activities. |
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| Week 2 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Prototype Testing - Conduct initial tests of your solar-powered oven design, recording temperature changes and noting areas for improvement in your science journal (30 min)
Peer Feedback Session - Share your prototype with classmates for constructive feedback on design and functionality, taking notes on suggested modifications (15 min)
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Design Refinement - Use peer feedback to make adjustments to your solar-powered oven, updating your design sketches and plans accordingly (20 min)
Final Testing - Perform controlled tests on the revised oven design, accurately documenting temperature changes and energy management efficiency in your science journal (25 min)
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Gallery Walk Preparation - Prepare a presentation to showcase your solar-powered oven, highlighting the scientific principles and design choices involved (20 min)
Science Showcase - Participate in a gallery walk where you present your oven, explain its functionality, and engage in discussions with peers and visitors (25 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Complete a detailed science journal documenting the experiments and temperature changes observed during the chemical reactions.
2. Finalize and test your solar-powered oven, ensuring it enhances heat absorption using chemical reactions. 3. Prepare and present your solar-powered oven at the gallery walk, explaining your design choices and the scientific principles behind them. 4. Receive and incorporate peer feedback to refine your solar-powered oven design before the Science Showcase. |
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| Preparation |
1. Ensure all materials for constructing the solar-powered oven are available, including aluminum foil, black construction paper, a thermometer, and a clear plastic cover.
2. Gather safety equipment such as gloves and goggles for handling chemical reactions. 3. Set up a designated workspace with access to sunlight for testing the solar-powered ovens. 4. Prepare feedback forms and guidelines for the gallery walk to facilitate constructive peer feedback. 5. Organize the Science Showcase event, inviting classmates, teachers, and family members to attend. |
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