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Unit Plan - Chemical Differences in Emergency Energy Sources

Grades:
7-8
Unit:
Chemical Differences in Emergency Energy Sources
Description:

Students develop atomic and molecular models of energy resources, analyze combustion of various fuels and build circuits with Photovolatic (PV) modules to evaluate and suggest revisions to a disaster preparedness supply list. They then research and...

Energy Content:
Circuitry,
Electrical Energy,
Electrical Grid (Transmission & Distribution),
Electrons,
Fuels,
Solar Photovoltaic,
Sources of Energy,
Thermal Energy (Heat)
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More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
To build empathy for people in emergency situations and an understanding of how access to energy resources can increase one’s safety, health, and comfort. To understand the nature of a variety of energy needs and how different applications have different optimal solutions. To develop models to explain the molecular and extended structures of energy resources, including how the resources change when energy is generated (Electron movement in PV cells, combustion reactions in fuel). To understand that the properties of substances depends upon the atomic / molecular structure, which changes with chemical reactions. To build a circuit that includes a solar module and measure the voltage and current. To gather and evaluate information to describe the impact on society of converting natural resources into PV cells. To design, build and test a device that uses a chemical reaction to generate or absorb thermal energy. Evaluate and revise a plan for the energy resources one should store to prepare for a natural disaster. 
Pedagogy & Practice:
Empathetic Engineering,
English Language Strategies,
Engineering Design,
Group Work/Collaboration,
Hands-on Materials,
Multiple Learning Styles,
Phenomena-Driven Instruction,
Project-Based Learning,
Research-Secondary,
Social-Emotional Learning,
STEAM/Arts
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:
1: Asking Questions and Defining Problems,
2: Developing and Using Models,
3: Planning and Carrying Out Investigations,
4: Analyzing and Interpreting Data,
5: Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking,
6: Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions,
7: Engaging in Argument from Evidence,
8: Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information
Author:
Melody Childers
Relevant NGSS PE:
MS-ETS1-1,
MS-ETS1-2,
MS-ETS1-3,
MS-ETS1-4,
MS-PS1-1,
MS-PS1-2,
MS-PS1-3,
MS-PS1-4,
MS-PS1-5,
MS-PS1-6
Other Subjects Covered:
ELA: Reading: Scientific & Technical,
ELA: Speaking & Listening,
ELA: Writing,
Math: Algebra,
Math: Graphing & Representation,
Social Sciences: Multicultural Studies
Estimated Activity Length:
0 sec
Dye in Water

Developing a Model of Thermal Energy, Atoms, and Molecules

Grades:
6-8
Unit:
Chemical Differences in Emergency Energy Sources
Lesson Number:
2
Description:

Through a series of exploration and inquiry activities, students will explain kinetic molecular theory, atomic, and molecular structures. Students will be challenged to gradually increase the precision of their explanation of molecular-level structures...

Energy Content:
Electrons,
Materials Science,
Potential & Kinetic Energy,
Thermal Energy (Heat)
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More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
Students will develop a model through collaborative inquiry to explain thermal kinetic energy and predict the outcome when heat is added to a substance. Students will build argumentation from evidence skills through collaborative sense-making and gallery walk presentations. Students will develop a model of atomic and molecular structures.  
Pedagogy & Practice:
Establishing a Culture of Science,
Group Work/Collaboration,
Hands-on Materials,
Multiple Learning Styles,
Phenomena-Driven Instruction
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:
1: Asking Questions and Defining Problems,
2: Developing and Using Models,
3: Planning and Carrying Out Investigations,
4: Analyzing and Interpreting Data,
7: Engaging in Argument from Evidence
Author:
Melody Childers
Relevant NGSS PE:
MS-PS1-4
Other Subjects Covered:
ELA: Reading: Literature,
ELA: Speaking & Listening,
ELA: Writing,
ELA: Vocabulary Development,
Math: Graphing & Representation,
Math: Measurement,
Math: Ratios & Proportions
Estimated Activity Length:
9 hours
Simple Solar Water Heater

Making the Standard Solar Heater

Grades:
6-8
Unit:
Experimenting with Solar Heaters
Lesson Number:
1
Description:

In part one of the activity students will be asked to create a simple solar heater, measure the temperature change in a vial of water, then calculate the heat energy transferred to a vial of water. Students will construct the solar heater, place a set...

Energy Content:
Potential & Kinetic Energy,
Solar Thermal,
Thermal Energy (Heat)
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More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
In this activity students will learn that sunlight energy can be transformed into other forms of energy and that the amount of sunlight energy captured by an object can be quantified and measured.
Pedagogy & Practice:
Engineering Design,
Group Work/Collaboration,
Hands-on Materials,
Project-Based Learning
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:
2: Developing and Using Models,
3: Planning and Carrying Out Investigations,
4: Analyzing and Interpreting Data,
5: Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking,
6: Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions,
7: Engaging in Argument from Evidence
Author:
Nathan Franck
Relevant NGSS PE:
MS-PS1-4,
MS-PS3-5,
MS-PS4-2
Other Subjects Covered:
ELA: Writing,
Math: Algebra,
Math: Functions,
Math: Graphing & Representation,
Math: Measurement
Estimated Activity Length:
1 hour