Exothermic and Endothermic Reactions

Students will learn about exothermic and endothermic reactions in this wonderful science unit designed to meet NGSS MS PS1-6. First students will learn about exothermic and endothermic reactions through a slide show.

Students will complete a great lab using hand warmers. They will evaluate the design of the hand warmer and learn about the chemical reaction involved in a hand warmer. You might also like Thermal Energy and Particle Motion

HotHands® Hand Warmers Bulk Pack S-14297B - Uline

Exothermic and Endothermic Reaction Lab

Students will conduct three investigations and record the temperatures before and after the reactions to determine if an exothermic or endothermic reaction occurred.

Students will Design a Cold Pack and Test it

Design a cold pack and use an endothermic reaction

From the Matter and Its Interactions Strand

MS-PS1-6.	Undertake a design project to construct, test, and modify a device that either releases or absorbs thermal energy by chemical processes.* [Clarification Statement: Emphasis is on the design, controlling the transfer of energy to the environment, and modification of a device using factors such as type and concentration of a substance. Examples of designs could involve chemical reactions such as dissolving ammonium chloride or calcium chloride.] [Assessment Boundary: Assessment is limited to the criteria of amount, time, and temperature of the substance in testing the device.]

MS-PS1-6.

Undertake a design project to construct, test, and modify a device that either releases or absorbs thermal energy by chemical processes.* [Clarification Statement: Emphasis is on the design, controlling the transfer of energy to the environment, and modification of a device using factors such as type and concentration of a substance. Examples of designs could involve chemical reactions such as dissolving ammonium chloride or calcium chloride.] [Assessment Boundary: Assessment is limited to the criteria of amount, time, and temperature of the substance in testing the device.]

Exothermic and Endothermic Reactions: This addresses NGSS PS1-6. Students will learn about exothermic and endothermic reactions and the engineering component. They will evaluate chemical reactions to determine if they are exothermic or endothermic. They will design and test a cold pack using one of the chemical reactions. Students will use engineering skills to engage in the design cycle and they will construct a solution.
NGSS MS PS1-6 Undertake a design project, engaging in the design cycle, to construct and/or implement a solution that meets specific design criteria and constraints test, and modify a device that either releases or absorbs thermal energy by chemical processes.*

This resource includes an informative slide show, two lab activities, a STEM engineering activity, a reading passage, response pages, and a quiz.
The materials for the labs include thermometers, hand warmers, glass jars, vinegar, baking soda, calcium chloride, ammonium chloride, and water.