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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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?

---

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).

---