W1:Day 2: Introduction to Chemistry

Day 1 - Introduction to Chemistry

Objective:

Introduce students to the basics of chemistry, its branches, and the scientific method while encouraging them to explore how chemistry applies to their everyday lives.

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Structure:

1. 10-Minute Launch

• Video (5 Minutes): Play an engaging video titled "What is Chemistry and Why Does it Matter?" to provide an overview of chemistry, its branches (organic, inorganic, physical, analytical, biochemistry), and how it impacts daily life.
• Socratic A/B Questions (5 Minutes): Discuss in small groups:
  1. A: Do you think chemistry is more about discovering things we don’t know? B: Or is it more about applying what we already know to solve problems?
  2. A: Is chemistry more important in understanding natural processes (like how plants grow)? B: Or in creating new materials (like plastics or medicines)?
  3. A: Do you think chemistry is mostly about studying tiny particles we can’t see? B: Or is it more about how those particles combine and react to create the world around us?

Encourage students to share a few thoughts after each question.

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2. 90-Minute Challenge

Main Activity: Explore chemistry in everyday life by breaking into small groups and completing the following challenges. Each group works on one variation of the challenge and presents their findings at the end.

Challenge Variations (Choose One Per Group):

1. Everyday Chemistry:
   • Identify at least 5 everyday items or activities (e.g., cooking, cleaning, batteries) that involve chemistry.
   • Explain the role of chemistry in these activities.
   • Bonus: Identify one "mystery" chemical process (e.g., rusting) and explain how it works.
2. Branches of Chemistry Scavenger Hunt:
   • Research and find real-world examples of each branch of chemistry (organic, inorganic, etc.).
   • Create a visual or diagram linking everyday activities to these branches.
3. Testable Questions Lab:
   • Brainstorm 5 testable questions related to chemistry (e.g., "Does the pH of water affect plant growth?").
   • Pick one question and design an experiment to test it (no lab work required, just the setup and hypothesis).
4. Chemistry in Food:
   • Research how chemistry is involved in cooking or food preservation (e.g., baking soda in baking, vinegar in pickling).
   • Design an infographic or poster explaining one example.
5. Scientific Method in Action:
   • Pick a real-life chemistry problem (e.g., stains on clothes, rust on metal).
   • Use the steps of the scientific method to propose a solution and outline how you’d test it.

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3. 10-15 Minute Landing

• Group Presentations (10 Minutes): Each group shares their challenge findings in a 2-minute presentation.
• Reflection Questions (5 Minutes):
  1. What surprised you about chemistry in everyday life?
  2. How does chemistry connect to your personal interests or future goals?
  3. If you could design a chemistry experiment, what would you study?

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Materials Required:

1. Launch:
   • Video: "What is Chemistry and Why Does it Matter?" (Projector and screen or laptops/tablets).
2. Challenges:
   • Group resources: Laptops or tablets with internet access.
   • Poster paper or whiteboards for presentations (optional).
   • Markers, pens, or drawing tools.
3. General Supplies:
   • Access to examples of chemistry in everyday life (e.g., common household items, photos, or articles).
   • Printable diagrams of the scientific method (optional).

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Category: What is Chemistry?

• Matter: Anything that has mass and occupies space.
• Properties: Characteristics used to describe matter (e.g., color, density, melting point).
• Chemical Reaction: A process where substances change into new substances.
• Atom: The smallest unit of an element that retains its chemical properties.
• Molecular Chemistry: The study of molecules and their interactions.

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Category: Branches of Chemistry

• Organic Chemistry: The study of carbon-containing compounds.
• Inorganic Chemistry: The study of non-carbon-based substances, such as metals and minerals.
• Analytical Chemistry: The branch of chemistry focused on identifying the composition of substances.
• Biochemistry: The study of chemical processes within living organisms.
• Physical Chemistry: The branch that deals with the relationship between energy and matter in chemical systems.

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Category: Everyday Chemistry

• Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate): A compound used in cooking that produces carbon dioxide when heated or mixed with acids.
• Oxidation: A chemical reaction where a substance combines with oxygen (e.g., rusting).
• Vinegar: An acidic liquid often used in cooking and cleaning (acetic acid).
• Thermal Energy: Heat produced during chemical reactions.
• Batteries: Portable devices that convert chemical energy into electrical energy.

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Category: The Scientific Method

• Question: A query or observation that begins the scientific method process.
• Hypothesis: A testable statement or prediction based on observations.
• Experiment: A procedure to test a hypothesis by controlling variables.
• Independent Variable: The variable intentionally changed in an experiment.
• Control Group: The group in an experiment that does not receive the treatment, used as a baseline for comparison.
• Data: Measurements and observations collected during an experiment.

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Category: Chemistry in Food

• Cream of Tartar: A stabilizing agent often paired with baking soda in baking.
• Pickling: A preservation method using acidic solutions (e.g., vinegar).
• Maillard Reaction: A chemical reaction between amino acids and sugars, resulting in browning during cooking.
• Rennet: An enzyme used to curdle milk during cheese production.
• Solubility: The ability of a substance to dissolve in a solvent, such as sugar dissolving in water.

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w1d1 |'Kit 1: Everyday Chemistry

Materials:

• Everyday item cards (e.g., soap, vinegar, batteries, baking soda, nail polish remover)
• Laminated "Mystery Chemistry Processes" card set (e.g., rusting, fermentation, combustion)
• Reference sheet on basic chemistry concepts (e.g., reactions, catalysts)
• Chart paper and markers

Instructions:

1. Identify 5 everyday items or activities involving chemistry.
2. Explain the role of chemistry in each.
3. Choose a "mystery" process and research how it works.

Presentation Cards:

• "What everyday items or activities did you choose?"
• "How does chemistry play a role in the 'mystery' process you selected?"

Timer/Checklist:

• 10 min: Select items/activities.
• 20 min: Research the role of chemistry.
• 15 min: Investigate the mystery process.
• 5 min: Prepare presentation.

Reflection Sheet:

• "What new connections did you discover between chemistry and everyday life?"
• "What was the most surprising application of chemistry?"

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Kit 2: Branches of Chemistry Scavenger Hunt

Materials:

• Laminated chart defining the branches of chemistry (organic, inorganic, physical, analytical, biochemistry)
• Picture cards of real-world examples (e.g., medical lab, fuel cell, food production)
• Blank poster board and colored markers

Instructions:

1. Match real-world examples to the five branches of chemistry.
2. Create a diagram linking these examples to everyday activities.

Presentation Cards:

• "What examples did you find for each branch of chemistry?"
• "How are these branches connected to everyday life?"

Timer/Checklist:

• 15 min: Review branch definitions.
• 20 min: Match examples and brainstorm connections.
• 15 min: Create a visual diagram.
• 5 min: Practice presentation.

Reflection Sheet:

• "Which branch of chemistry interested you the most, and why?"
• "How did this activity change your view of chemistry in the real world?"

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Kit 3: Testable Questions Lab

Materials:

• Brainstorming cards with question prompts (e.g., "What happens when...?" "Does changing X affect Y?")
• Example experiment design template (with sections for hypothesis, variables, materials, procedure)
• Chart paper and markers

Instructions:

1. Brainstorm 5 testable questions related to chemistry.
2. Choose one question and design an experiment (no lab work required).

Presentation Cards:

• "What testable questions did you brainstorm?"
• "Describe your chosen experiment setup and hypothesis."

Timer/Checklist:

• 15 min: Brainstorm questions.
• 20 min: Choose a question and design the experiment.
• 15 min: Create a poster explaining the setup.
• 5 min: Practice presentation.

Reflection Sheet:

• "What makes a question testable in chemistry?"
• "What would you change if you were to conduct the experiment?"

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Kit 4: Chemistry in Food

Materials:

• Reference sheet on common chemical reactions in cooking (e.g., Maillard reaction, acid-base reactions)
• Example recipes with chemical notes (e.g., baking soda in pancakes, vinegar in pickling)
• Blank infographic template and colored markers

Instructions:

1. Research how chemistry is involved in cooking or food preservation.
2. Create an infographic or poster explaining one example.

Presentation Cards:

• "What food-related chemistry example did you choose?"
• "How does chemistry improve or change the process?"

Timer/Checklist:

• 15 min: Research examples.
• 20 min: Choose one and design an infographic.
• 15 min: Prepare explanation.
• 5 min: Practice presentation.

Reflection Sheet:

• "What was the most surprising chemistry fact you learned about food?"
• "How could you use this knowledge in everyday cooking?"

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Kit 5: Scientific Method in Action

Materials:

• Laminated problem cards (e.g., removing stains, preventing rust)
• Blank "Scientific Method" outline template (with steps: question, research, hypothesis, experiment, conclusion)
• Chart paper and markers

Instructions:

1. Select a real-life chemistry problem.
2. Use the scientific method to propose a solution and outline how you'd test it.

Presentation Cards:

• "What problem did you choose to solve?"
• "Explain how you applied the scientific method."

Timer/Checklist:

• 15 min: Select a problem and research solutions.
• 20 min: Outline steps of the scientific method.
• 15 min: Design a poster explaining the solution.
• 5 min: Practice presentation.

Reflection Sheet:

• "How did applying the scientific method help solve the problem?"
• "What would you change in your proposed solution?"

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Final Notes:

• Presentations: Each group has 5 minutes to present their findings to the class.
• Teacher Role: Facilitate discussion, clarify concepts, and ensure time management.
• Assessment Criteria: Creativity, teamwork, accuracy, and clarity of presentation.