With the A Reaction in a Bag chemical demonstration kit for chemistry and physical science, observe temperature changes, color changes and changes of state, and design experiments to identify the substances responsible for the changes.
Students will develop their observational and scientific reasoning skills in this teacher-led, inquiry-based demonstration. When three substances—calcium chloride, sodium bicarbonate and a solution of phenol red in water—are mixed, a series of chemical and physical changes occur. These changes include temperature changes, color changes and changes of state. Students are challenged to design controlled experiments to identify the substances responsible for the observed changes. The teacher performs additional demonstrations based on the student-designed experiments and students observe the effect. A fun and safe way to introduce students to the study of chemistry—students can actually hold an experiment in their hands to see and feel the changes that occur.
Teacher Demonstration Notes, along with student worksheets, are included. Enough materials are provided to perform the demonstration seven times.
Note: Some common household items and laboratory equipment are required but not provided.
Correlation to Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
Science & Engineering Practices
Analyzing and interpreting data Constructing explanations and designing solutions Planning and carrying out investigations Asking questions and defining problems
Disciplinary Core Ideas
MS-PS1.B: Chemical Reactions HS-PS1.B: Chemical Reactions
Crosscutting Concepts
Energy and matter Stability and change Patterns
Performance Expectations
HS-PS1-1: Use the periodic table as a model to predict the relative properties of elements based on the patterns of electrons in the outermost energy level of atoms.