Launch
Launch
Students will launch the chemical-reaction design challenge by examining useful school-safe reaction examples, identifying observable evidence of reactions, and framing an initial school-community problem with measurable criteria, constraints, and needed evidence for later testing.
Days 1 - 2
Research & Plan
Research & Plan
Students will define a school-based chemical reaction design problem, research safe low-waste reaction options, and produce an evidence-based design brief with measurable criteria, constraints, and an initial CER justification for the concept they want to pursue next.
Days 3 - 5
Select & Prototype
Select & Prototype
Students will compare reaction-based design options with evidence, select a team concept using a weighted decision matrix, and build an initial low-waste prototype while documenting how chemical reaction evidence, safety, and waste constraints shape their choices.
Days 6 - 8
Test & Showcase
Test & Showcase
Students will test their selected chemical-reaction prototypes with consistent measures, analyze evidence of chemical change and performance, use peer critique to revise both product and team process, and prepare a concise evidence-based showcase story for the final exhibition.
Days 9 - 11
Showcase
Showcase
Students will present their tested chemical-reaction solution to an authentic audience, defend design choices with data, gather final feedback on usefulness and safety, and complete a concise reflection on how evidence and critique shaped both the prototype and team process.
Day 12
Launch
Days 1–2
Day 1
π§ͺ Catalyst Quest Challenge Board
Launch
45m
Day 2
π Evidence Notes and Design Gate
Knowledge/Skill Building
45m
Research & Plan
Days 3–5
Day 3
π§ͺ Reaction Evidence and Design Specs
Knowledge/Skill Building
45m
Day 4
π Source Hunt and Tradeoff Notes
Research
45m
Day 5
π Design Brief and CER Checkpoint
Assessment
45m
Select & Prototype
Days 6–8
Day 6
π§ͺ Weighted Reaction Matrix
Knowledge/Skill Building
45m
Day 7
π οΈ Lava Lamp Prototype Build
Project Work
45m
Day 8
ποΈ Prototype Feedback and Revision
Deliverable
45m
Test & Showcase
Days 9–11
Day 9
π Fair Test Setup Check
Knowledge/Skill Building
20m
π§ͺ Trial Logs and Huddle Revisions
Project Work
45m
Day 10
ποΈ Data Story Critique Round
Deliverable
30m
π Retest and Evidence Update
Project Work
30m
Day 11
π€ Showcase Story Rehearsal
Assessment
10m
Showcase
Days 12–12
Day 12
π§ͺ Reaction Prototype Showcase
Assessment
45m
September 2026
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
21
Day 1
Launch
π§ͺ Catalyst Quest Challenge Board
22
Day 2
π Evidence Notes and Design Gate
23
Day 3
Research & Plan
π§ͺ Reaction Evidence and Design Specs
28
Day 4
π Source Hunt and Tradeoff Notes
29
Day 5
π Design Brief and CER Checkpoint
30
Day 6
Select & Prototype
π§ͺ Weighted Reaction Matrix
October 2026
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
5
Day 7
π οΈ Lava Lamp Prototype Build
6
Day 8
ποΈ Prototype Feedback and Revision
7
Day 9
Test & Showcase
π Fair Test Setup Check
π§ͺ Trial Logs and Huddle Revisions
12
Day 10
ποΈ Data Story Critique Round
π Retest and Evidence Update
13
Day 11
π€ Showcase Story Rehearsal
14
Day 12
Showcase
π§ͺ Reaction Prototype Showcase