Alia-Seltzer tablets cause a very obvious chemical change, but do they also cause a temperature change? Each class member explores hot/cold packs, discussing how these temperature changes occur. Groups then design and carry out their own experiments to determine if specific reactions were endothermic or exothermic. 

Concepts

endothermic reactions, exothermic reactions, chemical bonds, energy

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Additional Tags

science

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Instructional Ideas

• Write the words exothermic and endothermic on the board and ask classes what they mean before beginning the activity

Classroom Considerations

• Needs include a fair amount of chemicals; be sure to order these ahead of time so they are ready for the lab
• Follow all safety guidelines listed in the lab and for your classroom/school
• Lesson is the last in a series of nine

Pros

• Provides list of sources from which to purchase chemicals
• Includes activity sheets and key, teacher resources, and extension suggestions
• Activity is formatted in the 5E model

Cons

• None

Common Core

RST.6-8.3 RST.6-8.4 RST.6-8.7 WHST.6-8.1.a WHST.6-8.1.b WHST.6-8.1.c WHST.6-8.1.d WHST.6-8.1.e