
Grocery Store Molarity Analysis
Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we use the concept of molarity to analyze and evaluate the concentration of solutions in everyday grocery store products, and what implications do these concentrations have on solubility, boiling and freezing points, and product labeling?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- What is molarity and why is it important in analyzing grocery store products?
- How do different factors affect the solubility of a substance in a solvent?
- What is the process of solvation and how does it differ from dissociation?
- How can mathematical computations be used to determine the concentration of solutions in commercial products?
- How does the presence of a solute affect the boiling and freezing points of a solution?
- What are the steps involved in preparing and labeling a solution of a specified molar concentration?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Understand and explain the concepts of solvation and dissociation in the context of everyday solutions.
- Analyze factors affecting solubility and conduct investigations to determine rates of solute dissolution.
- Calculate and interpret the molarity and percent concentration of commercial grocery products using mathematical and computational techniques.
- Properly prepare, label, and present solutions of specified molar concentrations.
- Explore the impact of solutes on the boiling and freezing points of solutions.
Science Standards
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsProduct Recall Simulation
Engage students with a simulated scenario of a product recall due to incorrect molarity labeling. They must analyze, debate, and decide on corrective actions, encouraging a profound understanding of the importance of accuracy and the real-life implications of chemistry principles.Alchemist’s Apprentice
Present students with a fictional challenge from a company needing to improve a product’s concentration for better consumer satisfaction. This scenario encourages them to apply chemistry knowledge practically and think critically about real-world impacts of chemistry in industry settings.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Solvation Showcase
Students create a model illustrating the processes of solvation and dissociation to understand how substances dissolve differently in solutions.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA visual or physical model demonstrating solvation and dissociation processes.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with SC6.a - Developing a model to illustrate dissolving processes in terms of solvation and dissociation.Dissolution Dynamics
Students investigate factors affecting solubility by experimenting with different solutes in various solvents under controlled conditions.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA documented experiment report and class presentation on solubility factors.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with SC6.b - Planning and carrying out investigations on factors affecting solubility.Molarity Math Masters
Using grocery store product labels, students calculate and interpret molarity and percent concentration of different solutions.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA portfolio of calculated molarity and percent concentrations of grocery products.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with SC6.c - Using mathematics and computational thinking to evaluate product concentrations.Solution Stylist
Students learn to prepare solutions of specified molar concentration and create accurate labels to display their work.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA properly prepared solution with a scientifically accurate label.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with SC6.d - Preparing and labeling solutions of specified molar concentration.Boiling Point Bonanza
Students explore how different solutes affect the boiling and freezing points of water through experiments and modeling.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA report and model showing the impact of solutes on boiling and freezing points.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with SC6.e - Developing models to explain solute impacts on boiling and freezing points.Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioMolarity Market Analysis Assessment Rubric
Model Development and Illustration
Assessment of students' skills in developing models to illustrate processes of solvation and dissociation.Conceptual Understanding of Solvation vs. Dissociation
Measures understanding of the differences between solvation and dissociation as applied in model creation.
Exemplary
4 PointsDemonstrates a sophisticated understanding by accurately illustrating the concepts with innovative models using both everyday examples and scientific principles.
Proficient
3 PointsIllustrates solvation and dissociation accurately using appropriate scientific principles and everyday examples.
Developing
2 PointsShows emerging understanding with partial accuracy in models using basic examples.
Beginning
1 PointsDemonstrates initial understanding with minimal accuracy and simplistic examples.
Clarity and Accuracy of Models
Evaluates clarity, precision, and scientific accuracy in the created models.
Exemplary
4 PointsModels are exceptionally clear, detailed, and scientifically accurate, showcasing advanced integration of concepts.
Proficient
3 PointsModels are clear and accurately represent the scientific concepts with appropriate detail.
Developing
2 PointsModels have clarity but lack some accuracy and detail.
Beginning
1 PointsModels are unclear and lack scientific accuracy.
Investigative Skills and Analysis
Evaluation of students' abilities to conduct experiments and analyze solubility rates.Experimental Design and Execution
Assesses design and implementation of experiments to evaluate solubility factors.
Exemplary
4 PointsDesigns and executes comprehensive experiments that explore multiple variables and report intricately on findings.
Proficient
3 PointsConducts well-structured experiments exploring relevant variables and communicating findings clearly.
Developing
2 PointsDesigns and conducts basic experiments, exploring limited variables.
Beginning
1 PointsExecutes incomplete or poorly designed experiments with minimal exploration.
Data Analysis and Presentation
Evaluates the ability to analyze data and present findings from solubility experiments.
Exemplary
4 PointsProvides thorough analysis with insightful interpretations and exemplary presentations of results.
Proficient
3 PointsAnalyzes data effectively and presents findings coherently with good interpretation.
Developing
2 PointsOffers basic analysis with some coherent presentation, but lacks in-depth interpretation.
Beginning
1 PointsPresents minimal data with little to no analysis or interpretation.
Mathematical Computational Skills
Assessment of students' ability to calculate molarity and interpret solution concentrations.Accuracy in Molarity Calculation
Measures precision and correctness in calculating molarity and percent concentrations.
Exemplary
4 PointsDemonstrates impeccable accuracy and precision in calculations with insightful interpretations.
Proficient
3 PointsConsistently accurate and precise calculations with correct interpretations.
Developing
2 PointsPerforms calculations with occasional errors and partial interpretation.
Beginning
1 PointsExhibits frequent calculation errors and insufficient interpretation of results.
Application of Mathematical Concepts
Evaluates students' ability to apply mathematical methods to real-world scenarios effectively.
Exemplary
4 PointsExhibits exceptional ability to apply mathematical methods accurately to complex scenarios innovatively.
Proficient
3 PointsApplies mathematical methods effectively to solve real-world problems accurately.
Developing
2 PointsApplies basic mathematical methods with some understanding in straightforward scenarios.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to apply mathematical concepts correctly in solving problems.
Communication and Presentation Skills
Evaluation of students' ability to communicate scientific information and present solution preparation accurately.Quality of Solution Preparation and Labeling
Assesses the ability to prepare solutions accurately and design informative labels.
Exemplary
4 PointsPrepares solutions with exemplary precision, ensuring labels are highly informative and accurate.
Proficient
3 PointsPrepares accurate solutions with clear and informative labels.
Developing
2 PointsPrepares solutions with minor inaccuracies, labels require more detail.
Beginning
1 PointsPreparation and labeling of solutions are inaccurate and lack essential information.
Effectiveness in Scientific Communication
Evaluates the clarity, organization, and scientific accuracy of communication in presentations.
Exemplary
4 PointsCommunicates scientific information with exceptional clarity, organization, and accuracy, demonstrating depth of understanding.
Proficient
3 PointsCommunicates information clearly and accurately with good organization.
Developing
2 PointsCommunicates with partial clarity and organization, occasional inaccuracies.
Beginning
1 PointsCommunication lacks clarity, organization, and contains frequent inaccuracies.
Understanding of Solvent-Solute Interactions
Assessment of students' understanding of how solutes impact boiling and freezing points and their capabilities in modeling these interactions.Comprehension of Solvent-Solute Impact
Measures understanding of how solutes affect boiling and freezing points and related phenomena.
Exemplary
4 PointsExhibits comprehensive understanding, relating phenomena to real-world contexts innovatively.
Proficient
3 PointsShows thorough understanding, explaining phenomena clearly and accurately.
Developing
2 PointsDemonstrates basic understanding with simple explanations.
Beginning
1 PointsShows limited understanding and minimal explanation of concepts.
Modeling and Data Representation Skills
Evaluates ability to model and represent data accurately in the context of solute impact experiments.
Exemplary
4 PointsCreates highly accurate and sophisticated models and representations, providing comprehensive insights.
Proficient
3 PointsDevelops accurate models and data representations with clear insights.
Developing
2 PointsCreates basic models and representations with some inaccuracies.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to create accurate models, resulting in unclear or erroneous data representation.