Activity 1: Quantitative Analysis of Baking Soda and Vinegar Reaction
Identify chemical change indicators and demonstrate conservation of mass in closed systems
Quantitative analysis & conservation laws
Learning Objectives
- • Identify multiple indicators of chemical change
- • Demonstrate law of conservation of mass
- • Distinguish between open and closed systems
- • Calculate and analyze quantitative data
- • Classify reactions as endothermic or exothermic
Materials per Team
- • Precision balance (0.1g accuracy)
- • 500mL plastic bottles with narrow necks
- • Balloons (2 per team)
- • Graduated cylinders (100mL, 25mL)
- • Digital thermometers
- • Baking soda and white vinegar
- • Safety goggles
Investigation Phases
1
System Setup (15 minutes)
Prepare closed system with precise measurements of reactants
2
Reaction Observation (20 minutes)
Monitor temperature, gas production, and qualitative changes
3
Gas Testing (15 minutes)
Identify CO₂ gas and analyze mass conservation
Quantitative Analysis
- • Mass conservation calculations
- • Temperature change analysis
- • Gas volume estimation
- • Energy classification (endo/exothermic)
Safety Protocol
- • All students wear safety goggles
- • Teacher handles all flame tests
- • Proper ventilation for gas release
- • Clean up spills immediately
Assessment Rubric (50 points total)
Data Collection Accuracy (15 pts)
Precise measurements, complete data tables
Qualitative Observations (10 pts)
Detailed descriptions of changes observed
Quantitative Analysis (15 pts)
Correct calculations, logical conclusions
Scientific Communication (10 pts)
Clear explanations using proper terminology
Activity 2: Steel Wool Oxidation - Energy and Evidence Investigation
Measure exothermic reaction energy release and analyze factors affecting oxidation rates
60 minutes + 24-hour observation Oxidation analysis & energy measurement
Learning Objectives
- • Identify oxidation as a chemical reaction
- • Measure exothermic reaction energy release
- • Analyze factors affecting reaction rates
- • Connect laboratory observations to real-world corrosion
- • Study environmental effects on chemical reactions
Treatment Conditions
Sample 1: Steel wool + vinegar
Experimental condition
Sample 2: Steel wool + water
Control condition
Sample 3: Steel wool + air only
Baseline condition
Sample 4: Steel wool + vinegar + salt
Enhanced condition
Investigation Timeline
1
Pre-Reaction Analysis (15 minutes)
Initial observations, mass measurements, hypothesis formation
2
Reaction Monitoring (25 minutes)
Temperature tracking, visual changes, data collection
3
Extended Observation (24 hours)
Long-term monitoring, final analysis, pattern recognition
Temperature Analysis
- • Record every 30 seconds for first 5 minutes
- • Then every 2 minutes for next 15 minutes
- • Calculate maximum temperature and rate of change
- • Graph temperature vs. time relationships
Real-World Applications
Corrosion Prevention
- • Car rust protection methods
- • Marine corrosion in Caribbean
- • Building material selection
- • Galvanization processes
Economic Impact
- • Cost of corrosion damage
- • Maintenance schedules
- • Protective coating industry
- • Infrastructure planning
Assessment Components (75 points total)
Laboratory Report (40 pts)
- • Complete data tables
- • Professional graphs
- • Analysis of temperature patterns
- • Real-world applications
Scientific Drawing (20 pts)
- • Before/during/after sketches
- • Detailed labels and annotations
- • Comparison between treatments
- • Evidence of careful observation
Problem-Solving (15 pts)
- • Outdoor sculpture design scenario
- • Material recommendations
- • Protective measures
- • Experimental evidence justification
Extensions and Differentiation
Extension Activities
- • Research industrial applications of acid-base reactions
- • Design experiments with different acids and bases
- • Calculate theoretical vs. actual gas production
- • Investigate electrochemical aspects of corrosion
- • Study reaction rates with temperature changes
- • Research Caribbean environmental corrosion challenges
Differentiation Strategies
Visual Learners
Emphasize photographic documentation and color change observations
Mathematical Learners
Focus on graphing, rate calculations, and quantitative analysis
Kinesthetic Learners
Hands-on setup and manipulation of materials
Advanced Students
Research electrochemical aspects, design additional variables to test
