This lesson was developed to align with the three dimensions of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), specifically through the engagement of students by using science and engineering practices (SEPs) and applying the crosscutting concepts (CCCs) to understand the disciplinary core ideas (DCIs). Understanding reaction rate is a foundational chemistry concept and is used as the anchor phenomenon for this lesson. In the lesson, students will work to understand reaction rate through the analysis of a toy’s design, the Alka Seltzer rocket. Students will work through the NGSS engineering practices to determine the optimal rocket based on their understanding of changing concentration, temperature, and reaction rate.
NGSS Performance Expectation for this lesson:
- HS-PS1-5 Matter and Its Interactions
- Apply scientific principles and evidence to provide an explanation about the effects of changing the temperature or concentration of the reacting particles on the rate at which a reaction occurs.
NGSS-related Resources for this Lesson
- Written: Teacher Guide PDF format, Word format
- Video: Teacher Guide
- NGSS Coaching Template for Teachers Using this Lesson PDF format, Word format
- Resources for Science Phenomena