W1:Day 2: Introduction to Chemistry

Jeopardy w1.d1

Introduction to Chemistry - Day 1

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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Class Activities

1. 10-Minute Launch

• Video (5 Minutes): Play an engaging video titled "What is Chemistry and Why Does it Matter?"[1] 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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3. 10-15 Minute Landing

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

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Kits with Instructions and Materials

Kit 1: Everyday Chemistry

Materials: Kit 1: Chemistry card set

• Everyday item cards Kit 1: Chemistry card set
• 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.

'COPY THE INSTRUCTIONS AND PASTE WITH YOUR SUBMISSION TO JOURNEY TRACKER

• Upload your notes from the other team presentations.

• "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: Kit 2 Materials: Branches of Chemistry Scavenger Hunt

• 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: Materials: Kit 3: Testable Questions Lab

• 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: Materials: Kit 4: Chemistry in Food

• 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: Materials: Kit 5: Scientific Method in Action

• 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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Submission Instructions

For Journey Tracker Submission:

• Copy the instructions and paste them with your submission.
• Upload notes from other team presentations.
• Answer reflection questions:
  • What new connections did you discover between chemistry and everyday life?
  • What was the most surprising application of chemistry?

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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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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.