Chemical Quest: Unveiling the Elements!

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Chemistry Scavenger Hunt - Students search for common household items containing specific elements and compounds, document findings, and discuss how these are used in everyday products. (30 min) Introduction to Chemistry Concepts - Brief discussion on atomic composition, molecules, and the essential question: What role do elements and compounds play in the products we use daily? (20 min)	Hands-On Experiment: Observing Chemical Reactions - Conduct simple experiments using vinegar and baking soda to explore chemical reactions and conservation of mass. Students document observations. (25 min) Peer Feedback Circle - Students share initial ideas for their product design, receive feedback from peers and the teacher on the application of chemistry concepts. (25 min)	Design and Research - Students begin designing their natural cleaning product or homemade cosmetic product. They research the chemical properties of potential ingredients. (30 min) Mini-Lecture: Chemical Properties and Reactions - Brief lecture on how to identify chemical reactions and interpret data on the properties of substances before and after interaction. (20 min)	Product Development - Students work on formulating their chosen product, documenting the chemical reactions and properties observed during the process. (30 min) Mid-Week Critique Session - Students present their progress in a check-in circle, focusing on the effectiveness of their products and receive constructive feedback. (20 min)	Testing and Refining - Conduct tests to compare the effectiveness of student-created products with commercial alternatives. Refinement based on results. (30 min) Reflection and Goal Setting - Class discussion and reflection on the chemistry concepts learned, setting goals for their final presentation in the gallery walk. (20 min)
Deliverables	1. Completed chemistry scavenger hunt worksheets documenting findings and reflections on the elements and compounds found in household items. 2. A natural cleaning product prototype, created using safe household elements and compounds, with documented observations of chemical reactions and comparisons to commercial cleaners. 3. A homemade cosmetic product, such as lip balm or lotion, with a written analysis of the chemical properties that contribute to its effectiveness. 4. Daily journal entries reflecting on progress, challenges, and feedback received during 'check-in' circles. 5. A lab report documenting the design, creation, and testing process of the products, including data collected on effectiveness and chemical reactions observed. 6. A short video presentation explaining the chemical composition and function of a chosen household product, demonstrating understanding of elements and compounds. 7. Participation in the 'Chemistry in Our Lives' gallery walk, presenting products and engaging in discussions with peers, teachers, and family members.
Preparation	1. Gather common household items such as baking soda, vinegar, salt, lemon juice, olive oil, coconut oil, beeswax, essential oils, and commercial cleaning products for comparison. 2. Prepare safety equipment including gloves, goggles, and aprons for students to use during experiments. 3. Set up lab stations with materials for creating natural cleaning and cosmetic products, including mixing bowls, measuring spoons, stirrers, and containers for storing final products. 4. Collect and provide access to digital devices for students to research the chemical composition of everyday household items. 5. Print instructions and safety guidelines for conducting experiments and creating products. 6. Organize a classroom chemistry scavenger hunt by creating clues and maps for finding household items that contain specific elements and compounds. 7. Prepare a daily schedule for 'check-in' circles to facilitate critique and feedback sessions. 8. Arrange a space for the 'Chemistry in Our Lives' gallery walk, ensuring proper display areas for student projects.

Activities

Chemistry Scavenger Hunt - Students search for common household items containing specific elements and compounds, document findings, and discuss how these are used in everyday products. (30 min)

Introduction to Chemistry Concepts - Brief discussion on atomic composition, molecules, and the essential question: What role do elements and compounds play in the products we use daily? (20 min)

Hands-On Experiment: Observing Chemical Reactions - Conduct simple experiments using vinegar and baking soda to explore chemical reactions and conservation of mass. Students document observations. (25 min)

Peer Feedback Circle - Students share initial ideas for their product design, receive feedback from peers and the teacher on the application of chemistry concepts. (25 min)

Design and Research - Students begin designing their natural cleaning product or homemade cosmetic product. They research the chemical properties of potential ingredients. (30 min)

Mini-Lecture: Chemical Properties and Reactions - Brief lecture on how to identify chemical reactions and interpret data on the properties of substances before and after interaction. (20 min)

Product Development - Students work on formulating their chosen product, documenting the chemical reactions and properties observed during the process. (30 min)

Mid-Week Critique Session - Students present their progress in a check-in circle, focusing on the effectiveness of their products and receive constructive feedback. (20 min)

Testing and Refining - Conduct tests to compare the effectiveness of student-created products with commercial alternatives. Refinement based on results. (30 min)

Reflection and Goal Setting - Class discussion and reflection on the chemistry concepts learned, setting goals for their final presentation in the gallery walk. (20 min)

Deliverables

1. Completed chemistry scavenger hunt worksheets documenting findings and reflections on the elements and compounds found in household items.
2. A natural cleaning product prototype, created using safe household elements and compounds, with documented observations of chemical reactions and comparisons to commercial cleaners.
3. A homemade cosmetic product, such as lip balm or lotion, with a written analysis of the chemical properties that contribute to its effectiveness.
4. Daily journal entries reflecting on progress, challenges, and feedback received during 'check-in' circles.
5. A lab report documenting the design, creation, and testing process of the products, including data collected on effectiveness and chemical reactions observed.
6. A short video presentation explaining the chemical composition and function of a chosen household product, demonstrating understanding of elements and compounds.
7. Participation in the 'Chemistry in Our Lives' gallery walk, presenting products and engaging in discussions with peers, teachers, and family members.

Preparation

1. Gather common household items such as baking soda, vinegar, salt, lemon juice, olive oil, coconut oil, beeswax, essential oils, and commercial cleaning products for comparison.
2. Prepare safety equipment including gloves, goggles, and aprons for students to use during experiments.
3. Set up lab stations with materials for creating natural cleaning and cosmetic products, including mixing bowls, measuring spoons, stirrers, and containers for storing final products.
4. Collect and provide access to digital devices for students to research the chemical composition of everyday household items.
5. Print instructions and safety guidelines for conducting experiments and creating products.
6. Organize a classroom chemistry scavenger hunt by creating clues and maps for finding household items that contain specific elements and compounds.
7. Prepare a daily schedule for 'check-in' circles to facilitate critique and feedback sessions.
8. Arrange a space for the 'Chemistry in Our Lives' gallery walk, ensuring proper display areas for student projects.