Created byChristopher Johnson

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Mystery Substance Lab

Grade 7Science10 days

The 'Mystery Substance Lab' project immerses 7th grade science students in a forensic science scenario where they act as investigators to identify unknown substances. Using a combination of experiments and observations, students learn to analyze the physical and chemical properties of matter and distinguish between physical and chemical changes. The project's engaging activities, such as the 'Chemical Reaction Sleuths' and 'Physical Property Puzzle,' teach students to deduce substance identities and stress the importance of these concepts in practical, real-world scenarios.

Mystery Substance LabChemical and Physical PropertiesForensic SciencePhysical and Chemical ChangesReal-World Applications

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Inquiry Framework

Question Framework

Driving Question

The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we identify unknown substances by analyzing their physical and chemical properties, and what changes do these substances undergo during physical and chemical processes?

Essential Questions

Supporting questions that break down major concepts.

What are the physical and chemical properties of matter?
How can the properties of a substance help in identifying it?
What is the difference between physical and chemical changes in substances?
How do physical and chemical changes affect the properties of a substance?
Why are the properties of matter important in real-world applications?

Standards & Learning Goals

Learning Goals

By the end of this project, students will be able to:

Identify unknown substances through investigation of their chemical and physical properties.
Understand the differences between chemical and physical changes in matter.
Analyze how changes in matter's properties can indicate a chemical reaction.
Apply knowledge of matter properties to real-world situations and practical applications.

Virginia

PS.3

The student will investigate and understand that matter has properties and is conserved in chemical and physical processes.

PS.3a

pure substances can be identified based on their chemical and physical properties;

PS.3b

pure substances can undergo physical and chemical changes that may result in a change of properties;

Entry Events

Events that will be used to introduce the project to students

Dramatic Crime Scene Investigation

Transform the classroom into a crime scene where mysterious powders are found at the location. Students will be called in as forensic scientists to determine which substances are present through a series of tests, sparking curiosity by connecting science to the world of crime-solving and detective work.

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Portfolio Activities

These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.

Activity 1

Chemical Reaction Sleuths

Students will investigate the chemical properties and reactions of the unknown substances. They will add different solutions to the substances and observe any chemical changes such as color change, gas release, or temperature change.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Students carefully add specified chemical reagents to the substances and note any reactions that occur.

2. They record observations of the chemical reactions, noting signs of chemical change such as color change, gas release, or formation of precipitates.

3. Analyze their findings to propose possible identities of substances based on initial reactions.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA series of experimental notes and proposed identities for substances based on chemical reactions observed.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligned with PS.3b, this activity empowers students to recognize chemical changes that help identify substances.

Activity 2

Physical Property Puzzle

In this activity, students will explore and document the physical properties of unknown substances. They will use their observation skills to record properties such as color, texture, shape, and size. By identifying these physical properties, students will begin forming hypotheses about the substances’ identities.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Students are given several unknown substances. They observe and note the physical properties, such as color, texture, shape, and size, using magnifying glasses or microscopes.

2. Students record their observations in a detailed chart. They will separate their findings into categories based on each property's characteristics.

3. Discuss as a class or in groups what these properties might indicate about the substances.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA detailed chart of physical properties of unknown substances, documented by students.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsThis activity aligns with PS.3a as it focuses on identifying pure substances based on their physical properties.

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Rubric & Reflection

Portfolio Rubric

Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolio

Mystery Substance Lab Evaluation Rubric

Category 1

Observation and Analysis Skills

Assesses student's ability to accurately observe and analyze physical and chemical properties of substances.

Criterion 1

Documentation of Observations

Evaluates the student's thoroughness in documenting observations of physical and chemical properties.

Exemplary

4 Points

Observations are detailed, comprehensive, and include all relevant aspects of the substance. Demonstrates exceptional attention to detail in both physical and chemical properties.

Proficient

3 Points

Observations are thorough and cover most relevant aspects of the substance. Covers both physical and chemical properties effectively.

Developing

2 Points

Observations are basic and cover some relevant properties, but lack detail or miss certain aspects. Limited differentiation between physical and chemical properties.

Beginning

1 Points

Observations are incomplete and lack detail on significant properties. Does not effectively differentiate between physical and chemical properties.

Criterion 2

Analysis of Changes

Assesses student's ability to accurately analyze and interpret changes in substances.

Exemplary

4 Points

Analysis is insightful and accurately interprets all observed changes, demonstrating a strong understanding of physical and chemical changes.

Proficient

3 Points

Analysis accurately interprets most observed changes with a clear understanding of physical and chemical changes.

Developing

2 Points

Analysis interprets some changes, but with limited understanding and occasional inaccuracies.

Beginning

1 Points

Analysis is inaccurate or incomplete, with limited understanding of the changes.

Category 2

Critical Thinking and Application

Assesses student's ability to apply critical thinking skills to identify substances and understand their real-world applications.

Criterion 1

Identification of Substances

Evaluates student's ability to accurately identify unknown substances based on observed properties and changes.

Exemplary

4 Points

Correctly identifies all substances with strong justification and evidence. Demonstrates advanced critical thinking and reasoning.

Proficient

3 Points

Correctly identifies most substances with clear justification and evidence. Shows effective critical thinking.

Developing

2 Points

Identifies some substances correctly but with limited justification or evidence. Basic critical thinking is exhibited.

Beginning

1 Points

Struggles to identify substances, provides insufficient justification, and lacks critical thought.

Criterion 2

Application to Real-World Contexts

Evaluates student's understanding of the importance of matter properties in real-world applications.

Exemplary

4 Points

Provides comprehensive examples of real-world applications, demonstrating deep understanding and insight.

Proficient

3 Points

Provides relevant examples of real-world applications with clear understanding and insight.

Developing

2 Points

Provides limited examples, reflecting an emerging understanding of real-world applications.

Beginning

1 Points

Struggles to provide examples of real-world applications, with minimal understanding evident.

Category 3

Collaborative and Communication Skills

Assesses student's ability to work collaboratively and communicate findings effectively.

Criterion 1

Collaboration

Evaluates student's contribution to group efforts and collaboration with peers.

Exemplary

4 Points

Leads group efforts effectively, encourages input from all members, and demonstrates strong collaboration skills.

Proficient

3 Points

Works well with group, contributes effectively, and demonstrates good collaboration skills.

Developing

2 Points

Participates in group work, but with some difficulty cooperating or contributing equally.

Beginning

1 Points

Struggles with group work, contributing minimally and rarely collaborating effectively.

Criterion 2

Communication of Findings

Evaluates student's ability to clearly and effectively communicate their findings and reasoning.

Exemplary

4 Points

Communicates findings clearly and persuasively, using appropriate scientific language and supporting evidence.

Proficient

3 Points

Communicates findings clearly with supporting evidence and scientific language.

Developing

2 Points

Findings are communicated, but lack clarity or adequate supporting evidence.

Beginning

1 Points

Communication is unclear and lacks evidence or scientific language.

Reflection Prompts

End-of-project reflection questions to get students to think about their learning

Question 1

How has your understanding of the physical and chemical properties of matter evolved through this week's activities? Provide specific examples from your experiments.

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Required

Question 2

On a scale from 1 to 5, how confident are you in your ability to identify unknown substances using their properties?

Scale

Required

Question 3

Which activity did you find most engaging or informative: the Chemical Reaction Sleuths or the Physical Property Puzzle? Why?

Multiple choice

Optional

Options

Chemical Reaction Sleuths

Physical Property Puzzle

Question 4

Why are the properties of matter important in real-world applications, and can you give an example of how they might be used in a field of interest to you?

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Required