Changes in State STEM Kit

Learn about the heat of fusion and reaction, thermochemistry, iceberg types, and thermohaline circulation and climate change through 6 detailed STEM investigations. Skills and concepts learned include:

• Experimental/engineering design
• Investigating
• Physical state
• Scientific method
• Measuring
• Data analysis
• Spreadsheet preparation
• Communication
• Technology
• Developing and using models
• Using a calorimeter

Specifications

• Enough materials for 40 students working in groups of 4
• Includes a DVD with PDF teacher and student guides and other digital content

Activities

Activity 1: Learning About Heat of Fusion - Students calculate the quantity of heat exchanged between the water and the ice using a calorimeter. When the heat lost is equated to the heat gained, the resulting equation is solved to determine the latent heat of fusion. This experimental value is derived using a commercial calorimeter and a simple group-assembled calorimeter. These experimental values are compared to the standard (accepted) value of 80 calories/gm Lwater

Activity 2: Climate Change: Modeling Icebergs Melting in Seawater - Students create an investigation model to explore the following questions: Will ice cubes melt faster in distilled water or in salt water? What implications does this have for glacial ice melting? Students use their experimental data to predict how long it takes for an iceberg to melt. Extension activities include estimating iceberg size, measuring iceberg draft vs. freeboard relationships in seawater (Archimedes Principle), estimating draft and freeboard in photographs, estimating iceberg mass, and identifying iceberg features.

Activity 3: Is Ice Melting and Exo or Endothermic Reaction? - There are many factors involved in choosing a commercial ice-melt product. One key question that students will investigate is whether the substance is involved in an endothermic or exothermic reaction process.

Activity 4: Determine the Most Efficient Ice-Melt Product - Students predict whether anhydrous salts or hydrated compounds would have the most exothermic reactions when mixed with water. Using this information, they will learn which products are the best ice melts.

Activity 5: Designing an Ice-Melt Stategy for City Sidewalks - Students recommend a deicer that will provide the best value with the smallest environmental impact and keep sidewalks in the downtown area safe and accessible during the winter season.

Activity 6: The Eutectics of Ice Cream - Students explain how the procedures they follow allow them to make ice cream