Exploring Energy
Driving or Multi-dimensional Question:
How can we use thermochemistry principles to create emergency meals for refugees, soldiers and/or those displaced by natural disasters? Students will conduct investigations and analyze data to discover how energy transfer occurs within closed systems in order to better understand that energy cannot be created or destroyed, it only moves between objects, fields and/or systems.
Unit Summary:
In this PBL, students will explore the science behind thermochemistry and how energy can be harnessed to create emergency meals for refugees, soldiers and/or those displaced by natural disasters (emergency preparedness). Students will discover how “meals ready to eat” (MREs) work, then brainstorm and construct their own MREs using specific chemicals. Students will also explore how ratios can be used to generate specific amounts of heat. Students will share their findings and the importance of using thermochemistry to solve problems with their peers.
Hook Event:
Culminating Event:
Standards
Science Standards:
PSCI.PS3 ENERGY
1. Identify and give examples of the various forms of energy (kinetic, gravitational potential, elastic potential) and solve mathematical problems regarding the work-energy theorem and power.
2. Plan and conduct
an investigation to provide evidence that thermal energy will move as heat between objects of two different temperatures, resulting in a more uniform energy distribution (temperature) among the objects.
5. Investigate the relationships
among kinetic, potential and total energy within a closed system (the law of conservation of energy).
7. Demonstrate Ohm’s Law through the design and construction of simple series and parallel circuits.
9. Demonstrate
the impact of the starting amounts of radioactive substances upon the energy released.
PCSI.PS2 Motion and Stability Forces and Interactions.
7. Plan and conduct an investigation to provide evidence that an electric current can produce a magnetic field.
Math Standards:
ELA and Other Standards:
EVSC.ETS2 Links among engineering, technology, science and society.
Engage in argument from evidence on the role engineering and technology play in a sustainable human society.
Daily Activities
For more information on this lesson please see the Lesson Resources below
Activity | Description | Resources and Materials |
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Activity One | What is Energy? Explore Different Forms of Energy | Photo Attachment Energy Stations PowerPoint
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Day Two | Laws of Conservation of Matter and Energy Make/Burn a Candle | Making a Soy Candle Video: |
Activity Three | Chemical Energy: Energy Study: | Instant Cold and Hot Packs: Instant Light: Instant Light Materials: The Difference Between AC and DC Current Video: |
Activity Four | Thermochemistry:
|
Thermochemistry Experiment Materials: Purchase Materials: Flameless Ration Heaters: How MREs Work: |
Activity Five | Electricity and Energy Storage: | Potato Battery Materials: Purchase Materials: |
Activity Six | Electromagnets: Simple Battery: Appliance Timeline: | Design a Simple Electromagnet/Motor: Materials: Purchase Materials: |
Technology Integration:
Business Partner | Contribution to Learning Experience | Contact Information |
---|---|---|
AEP (Appalachian Power) |
Funds to purchase alternative energy STEM kits | Ginny Harper |
Your Local Power Company | Funds to purchase alternative energy STEM kits; local resource for career and data information. | https://www.tva.com/Energy/Public-Power-Partnerships/Local-Power-Companies |
Carolina Biological | STEM kits for alternative energy |
|
Flinn | Activities found online and in A Demo a Day activities books | https://www.flinnsci.com/a-demo-a-day—a-year-of-chemical-demonstrations/ap8852/ |
Capstone Presentation:
Students will share their investigation findings and the importance of using thermochemistry principles to solve problems. Student teams will develop a mixed-media presentation explaining how they worked to develop a unique MRE using thermochemistry principles.
If there is an ROTC course provided at your school, students could tailor their presentations specifically to those students and instructors representing branches of the armed forces.