Temperature and Chemical Reaction Rate Activity

Grade level: 7
Time required: 4 class periods
Cost: high. Used donated LEGO Robolab kits (x10) to measure and log light data from the glo-sticks.
MA frameworks: Physical science 13, 14, 15, 16.

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This activity uses LEGO Robolab Investigator to explore the relationship between temperature and reaction rate (or intensity, as we are referring to it). Students observe the light emitted from glo-sticks placed at different temperatures and interpret the results using Microsoft Excel charts. Connections with math and computers are explored explicitly. Issues of chemical kinetics (at a conceptual level), thermal conduction, and data investigation, along with some exploration of Robolab programming are explored.

• Link here for the glo-stick activity worksheet.
• Link here for the Lumen Aquaticus Project-Based Unit website.
• Link here for the RoboLab Investigator file.