Fizz and Pop: Exploring Chemical Reactions

Melodie Kabashima

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Fizz and Pop: Exploring Chemical Reactions

Understand chemical reactions

In this lesson, students will explore the concept of chemical reactions by observing the reaction between Alka-Seltzer tablets and water. Through hands-on experiments, students will learn about the science behind fizzing and gas release, enhancing their understanding of chemical processes. This lesson is important as it provides a practical and engaging way for students to grasp fundamental scientific concepts, fostering curiosity and critical thinking.

Audience

5th Grade Students

Time

45 mins

Approach

Understand chemical reactions

Materials

Alka-Seltzer tablets, Clear plastic cups, Water, Stopwatch or timer, Worksheet: Observing Chemical Reactions, and Discussion: Chemical Reactions and Gas Release

Step 1

Introduction

5 mins

Begin with a brief discussion on what students know about chemical reactions.
Introduce the concept of chemical reactions using simple examples like baking a cake or rusting iron.
Explain that today they will observe a chemical reaction using Alka-Seltzer and water.

Step 2

Experiment Setup

5 mins

Distribute materials: Alka-Seltzer tablets, clear plastic cups, and water.
Instruct students to fill their cups halfway with water.
Ensure all students have a stopwatch or timer ready.

Step 3

Conducting the Experiment

10 mins

Have students drop an Alka-Seltzer tablet into the water and start the timer.
Ask them to observe and note the reaction: fizzing, bubbling, and gas release.
Encourage students to record the time it takes for the tablet to completely dissolve.

Step 4

Discussion

10 mins

Facilitate a discussion using the prepared questions about what they observed.
Discuss the science behind the reaction: the release of carbon dioxide gas.
Connect the experiment to real-world examples of chemical reactions.

Step 5

Worksheet Activity

10 mins

Distribute the "Observing Chemical Reactions" worksheet.
Have students complete the worksheet, reflecting on their observations and understanding of the experiment.
Encourage them to think about other examples of chemical reactions in everyday life.

Step 6

Closure

5 mins

Recap the key points of the lesson: what a chemical reaction is and how gas is released.
Ask students to share one new thing they learned today.
Provide a brief preview of the next lesson topic.

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Worksheet

Observing Chemical Reactions

This worksheet will guide students to reflect on their observations during the Alka-Seltzer experiment and reinforce their understanding of chemical reactions.

Describe what you observed when the Alka-Seltzer tablet was added to the water.

Think about the fizzing, bubbling, and any changes in the water.

What gas do you think is being released during the reaction?

How long did it take for the Alka-Seltzer tablet to dissolve completely?

Can you think of another example of a chemical reaction that releases gas?

Discussion

Chemical Reactions and Gas Release

This discussion will help students articulate their observations and deepen their understanding of the chemical reaction they observed.

What did you notice about the reaction between Alka-Seltzer and water?

Encourage students to describe the fizzing and bubbling they observed.

Why do you think gas is released during this reaction?

Guide students to think about the chemical process and the formation of carbon dioxide.

How is this reaction similar to or different from other chemical reactions you know?

Help students compare this reaction to other examples, such as baking soda and vinegar.