W1:Day 2: Introduction to Chemistry

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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).

Category: What is Chemistry?

  • $100: This branch of science studies matter, its properties, and how it changes during reactions. Answer: What is chemistry?
  • $200: Chemistry is sometimes called the “central science” because it bridges these two sciences. Answer: What are physics and biology?
  • $300: This term refers to the smallest unit of a chemical element that retains its properties. Answer: What is an atom?
  • $400: Chemistry impacts our daily lives in this way, from cooking to cleaning to powering cars. Answer: What is by driving chemical reactions?
  • $500: This term describes the study of the interactions and structure of tiny particles too small to see with the naked eye. Answer: What is molecular chemistry?

Category: Branches of Chemistry

  • $100: This branch studies carbon-containing compounds and is often associated with living organisms. Answer: What is organic chemistry?
  • $200: The study of metals, minerals, and other non-carbon-based substances belongs to this branch. Answer: What is inorganic chemistry?
  • $300: This branch focuses on the analysis of substances to determine what they're made of. Answer: What is analytical chemistry?
  • $400: The study of chemical processes in living organisms, like digestion, belongs to this branch. Answer: What is biochemistry?
  • $500: This branch explores how energy and matter interact in chemical systems. Answer: What is physical chemistry?

Category: Everyday Chemistry

  • $100: When you bake bread, this chemical compound helps it rise by producing carbon dioxide gas. Answer: What is baking soda (or sodium bicarbonate)?
  • $200: The rusting of metal is an example of this type of chemical reaction involving oxygen and moisture. Answer: What is oxidation?
  • $300: This common household substance, known for its acidic properties, is often used in cleaning and pickling. Answer: What is vinegar?
  • $400: The chemical process of combining hydrogen and oxygen to create water releases this form of energy. Answer: What is heat (or thermal energy)?
  • $500: These portable energy sources, found in devices like phones, rely on chemical reactions to produce electricity. Answer: What are batteries?

Category: The Scientific Method

  • $100: The first step in the scientific method involves making this type of statement or observation. Answer: What is a question (or hypothesis)?
  • $200: The scientific method relies on this process to test a hypothesis. Answer: What is experimentation?
  • $300: This variable is the one that scientists deliberately change during an experiment. Answer: What is the independent variable?
  • $400: The scientific method requires these measurable outcomes to evaluate a hypothesis. Answer: What are data (or results)?
  • $500: In an experiment, this type of group is used as a baseline and does not receive the experimental treatment. Answer: What is the control group?

Category: Chemistry in Food

  • $100: This ingredient, often paired with baking soda, releases carbon dioxide gas to make baked goods fluffy. Answer: What is cream of tartar?
  • $200: The process of pickling involves soaking food in this acidic liquid to preserve it. Answer: What is vinegar?
  • $300: This chemical reaction causes browning in foods like toasted bread or grilled steak. Answer: What is the Maillard reaction?
  • $400: The process of turning milk into cheese relies on this enzyme to curdle the milk. Answer: What is rennet?
  • $500: Sugar dissolving in water is an example of this type of physical interaction rather than a chemical reaction. Answer: What is solubility?
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