Socrates Fellows Our Projects
Three projects: Kinetics, Plastics, and Prussian Blue!
Project 1: Plenty of Plastics: Looking at comparitive density and recyclables
Abstract:
Students experimentally determine relative densities of recyclable plastics and solutions, by testing the sinking/floating properties of each piece of plastic. They gain a hands-on sense of what density means to complement the equation that defines it, and learn about what makes different types of plastics different. This lesson is set up as a review of density (a middle school standard) for high school students, as well as an introduction to the scientific method, investigation, inquiry, and sources of error. It could easily be expanded to include concepts such as intermolecular forces, polymer chemistry, covalent bonding, recycling, and conservation of matter.
Grade Level:
This activity has been used in high school chemistry classes (10th/11th grade), but is applicable for almost any age.
Duration:
This activity will take approximately one 60 minute class period.
Learning objectives:
- Students will have a better feel for what density means in the physical world.
- After experimenting with plastics and solutions of varying density, they will be able to predict sinking/floating behavior based on known densities, and determine relative densities experimentally.
- They will make the connection between experimental results and ordering a numerical list of densities.
Project 2: Kinesthetic Kinetics: A full body demonstration of activation energy
Abstract:
Kinetics is usually explained with diagrams and textbooks, and sometimes videos. Reaction order is sometimes determined experimentally. But rarely are concepts like activation energy explored kinesthetically. This activity attempts exactly that. By jumping side-to-side over books of different height, students find what they already know – jumping over taller objects takes more time. The second half of the activity is an optional review of vocabulary and concepts.
Grade Level:
This activity is for high school chemistry classes (typically 10th/11th grade).
Duration:
The activity will take approximately one 55 minute class period
Learning objectives:
- Students will develop an intuitive feel for activation energies and reaction barriers.
- Students will have the vocabulary to discuss chemical kinetics.
Project 3: Prussian Blue and Redox Too: Oxidation/reduction chemistry
Abstract:
Assigning oxidation numbers to atoms in molecules is central to understanding oxidation/reduction (redox) chemistry, but it simply takes practice. This activity allows students to practice assigning oxidation numbers, oxidations and reductions, and reinforces the fact that oxidations and reductions are always paired. In the process the students get hands-on experience synthesizing a non-toxic dye from non-toxic starting materials. The dye, Prussian Blue, has been used for centuries to color clothing and is here used as “invisible ink.” It offers a starting point for discussions of current electron transfer research (artificial photosynthesis, solar cells, molecular computing, etc.) or historical research about clothing dyes. The experimental section could also be expanded to actually dye clothing or include electrochemistry and electrochromism.
Grade Level:
This activity is intended for high school chemistry classes (10th/11th grade).
Duration:
This activity will take approximately one 120 minute class period or two 60 minute periods.
Learning objectives:
- Students will be able to confidently identify oxidation numbers for elements in compounds using valence electron rules from the periodic table and charge balance arguments.
- Students will be able to distinguish between oxidation and reduction half reactions.
- Students will demonstrate an understanding of oxidation in combustion and respiration, knowing that oxygen is not the only oxidant available to living things.
