What chemical ratios can we use to produce the most heat?

Student Sheet 

Teacher Answers 

Estimated class Time:

One 40-minute class period

Question:

What chemical ratios can we use to produce the most heat?

Materials:

• Calcium chloride
• Water
• Metric Balance
• Beakers
• Thermometers
• Goggles
• Class Data Table

Lesson Level Learning Objectives:

• MS-PS1-2 Analyze and interpret data on the properties of substances before and after the substances interact to determine if a  chemical reaction has occurred.
• 6.RP.A.3 Use ratio and rate reasoning to solve real-world and mathematical problems. (MS-PS1-1),(MS-PS1-2),(MS-PS1-5)

Phenomenon:

• Students will experiment with different ratios of water and calcium chloride in order to determine which combination produces the greatest amount of heat.

What we Figured Out: 

• The best ratio for producing heat from a chemical reaction.

Questions we still have:

• Why does all of the liquid heat up instead of just in one spot?
• How long does it take for the liquid to cool down?

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