Chemistry in Action: Inspiring Environmental Change

9th Grade

Project
4 weeks

Chemistry in Action: Inspiring Environmental Change

Afton Dixon

Purpose

This project engages students in exploring the impact of human activities on environmental chemical reactions by researching and demonstrating these reactions. Students will develop a comprehensive understanding of atomic and molecular structures, chemical reactions, and their environmental implications. By creating educational lessons and demonstrations, they will communicate their findings to inspire awareness and action within their community. Through collaboration with university partners and reflective discussions, students will deepen their understanding of environmental issues and their role in addressing them.

Learning goals

Students will explore atomic and molecular structures to understand and balance chemical reactions. They will investigate the environmental consequences of human-induced chemical reactions and propose actionable solutions. Through collaboration with community partners, students will gain real-world insights and apply their knowledge in creating an engaging lesson and demonstration. The project aims to enhance students' ability to communicate scientific concepts effectively and reflect on their role in addressing environmental challenges.

Standards

NGSS - HS-PS1-2: Construct and revise an explanation for the outcome of a simple chemical reaction based on the outermost electron states of atoms, trends in the periodic table, and knowledge of the patterns of chemical properties.
NGSS - HS-ESS3-4: Evaluate or refine a technological solution that reduces impacts of human activities on natural systems.
Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.9-10.4: Present information, findings, and supporting evidence clearly, concisely, and logically such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning.

Products

Throughout the project, students will collaboratively research and design Bohr models and detailed chemical equations to illustrate the environmental chemical reactions they study. They will develop an engaging lesson plan that includes interactive activities and a safe, live demonstration of the reaction to effectively communicate their findings. At the conclusion, students will present their lesson to peers, administration, and faculty, incorporating a reflection or exit ticket to gather audience feedback and insights.

Launch

Begin the project with an interactive simulation where students can explore various human-induced chemical reactions and their environmental impacts in a virtual setting. Following the simulation, facilitate a group discussion where students share their initial observations and questions about the reactions they witnessed. This will set the stage for their research and help them identify specific reactions they are interested in exploring further. Conclude the launch by introducing the exhibition component, where students will present their findings and demonstrations to peers and faculty, emphasizing the importance of communicating scientific concepts to inspire environmental change.

Exhibition

Host a "Chemical Impact Fair" where students present their projects to peers, teachers, and community members, including university partners. Each group will set up a booth to showcase their lesson, lead interactive activities, and perform their safe chemical reaction demonstration. Invite attendees to participate in the student-led activities and complete reflection or exit tickets to provide feedback and engage in discussions about environmental solutions. Additionally, include a panel discussion featuring students and university partners to explore deeper insights into the environmental impacts and potential solutions.

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Introduction to Environmental Chemical Reactions: Begin with a virtual simulation that allows students to explore various human-induced chemical reactions and their impacts on the environment. Facilitate a class discussion to share observations and raise questions.	Group Formation and Reaction Selection: Organize students into groups based on their interests in specific chemical reactions identified during the simulation. Each group will choose a reaction to study in-depth.	Bohr Model Introduction: Conduct a mini-workshop to introduce atomic structures and Bohr models. Provide students with resources and guide them in beginning sketches of Bohr models for elements in their selected reactions.	Initial Research and Planning: Allocate time for groups to start researching their chosen chemical reaction, focusing on understanding reactants, products, and the chemical equation. Provide guidance on sourcing credible information.	Group Check-In and Reflection: Facilitate a session for groups to share their progress, reflect on insights gained, and refine their research questions and objectives for the coming week.
Deliverables	1. Selection of a specific human-induced chemical reaction for further study. 2. Initial sketches of Bohr models for elements involved in the selected reaction. 3. Annotated bibliography with at least three credible sources related to the chemical reaction.
Preparation	1. Set up access to an interactive simulation tool for exploring chemical reactions and environmental impacts. 2. Prepare materials and guides for the Bohr model workshop, including atomic structure resources and modeling tools. 3. Establish criteria for group formation and facilitate a process for interest-based group selection. 4. Compile a list of recommended resources and guides for initial research on chemical reactions. 5. Create a reflection template or guide to help students with the group check-in and progress reflection session.

Week 2	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4
Activities	Deep Dive into Chemical Equations: Facilitate a workshop where students learn how to balance chemical equations, focusing specifically on their selected reactions. Encourage peer-to-peer teaching to reinforce understanding.	Bohr Model Creation: Guide students in creating accurate and detailed Bohr models for each element involved in their chemical reaction using digital tools or physical materials like colored paper and markers.	Environmental Impact Research: Allocate time for students to investigate the environmental impacts of their chosen chemical reaction. Encourage them to explore both local and global implications, using case studies where applicable.	Collaborative Feedback Session: Organize a session where groups present their initial findings and receive constructive feedback from peers. Encourage students to ask questions and suggest improvements to each other's work.
Deliverables	1. Balanced chemical equations for the selected reaction, with a clear explanation of how many of each element are on each side. 2. Completed Bohr models for all elements involved in the reaction, either digitally or physically created. 3. Research summary detailing the environmental impacts of the chosen chemical reaction, including potential solutions or mitigation strategies.
Preparation	1. Prepare materials and resources for the chemical equation balancing workshop, including example equations and balancing tips. 2. Organize digital tools or physical materials for Bohr model creation, ensuring students have access to necessary supplies. 3. Curate a list of credible sources and case studies related to the environmental impacts of various chemical reactions. 4. Design a feedback framework to guide the collaborative feedback session, promoting constructive and respectful peer review.

Week 3	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4
Activities	Demonstration Design: Facilitate a brainstorming session where students plan their safe demonstration of the chemical reaction. Guide them in identifying necessary materials, safety precautions, and key points they wish to emphasize.	Lesson Plan Development: Provide guidance as students draft a structured lesson plan that includes an introduction to the chemical reaction, interactive elements, and an explanation of the environmental impacts. Encourage them to incorporate visual aids and hands-on activities.	Mock Presentation: Organize a mock presentation day where groups practice delivering their lesson and conducting their demonstration. Encourage peer feedback on clarity, engagement, and scientific accuracy.	University Collaboration: Arrange a virtual session or in-person visit with the nearby university's chemistry department, allowing students to explore advanced chemical reactions and discuss their projects with university students or professors for additional insights.
Deliverables	1. Draft of the lesson plan, including objectives, activities, and demonstration outline. 2. List of materials needed for the demonstration, with a risk assessment covering safety measures. 3. Peer feedback summary from the mock presentation session, with identified areas for improvement.
Preparation	1. Prepare a template or guide for lesson plan development, highlighting key components and expectations. 2. Organize access to demonstration materials and ensure safety equipment is available for practice sessions. 3. Coordinate with the university's chemistry department to finalize details for the collaboration session. 4. Develop a feedback rubric for the mock presentations to ensure constructive and focused peer evaluation.

Week 4	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4
Activities	Final Lesson Refinement: Allocate time for students to refine their lesson plans based on feedback received in Week 3. Encourage them to enhance clarity, engagement, and scientific accuracy in their presentations.	Rehearsal and Final Demonstration: Organize a rehearsal day where students practice their complete lesson and demonstration in front of their peers. Provide a chance for final feedback and adjustments.	Chemical Impact Fair Preparation: Guide students in setting up their booths for the upcoming Chemical Impact Fair. Assist them in organizing their materials, visual aids, and interactive elements for effective communication.	Reflection and Exit Ticket Design: Facilitate a session where students create a reflection or exit ticket for their audience. Encourage them to develop questions that prompt thoughtful feedback and insights into environmental impacts.
Deliverables	1. Refined lesson plan incorporating all feedback and improvements. 2. Finalized demonstration setup with all safety precautions in place. 3. Prepared booth for the Chemical Impact Fair, ready for presentation. 4. Completed reflection or exit ticket designed for audience interaction.
Preparation	1. Provide access to rehearsal space and necessary materials for practice. 2. Ensure all safety equipment and demonstration materials are available and checked. 3. Coordinate logistics for the Chemical Impact Fair, including booth setup and audience management. 4. Create a guide for developing effective reflection or exit tickets, offering examples and criteria for meaningful questions.