Lesson 1: Energy, Enthalpy, and Specific Heat

What is energy and how is it transferred?

How does enthalpy relate to chemical reactions?

Why do different substances have different specific heat capacities?

Energy

Enthalpy

Specific heat capacity

Kinetic energy

Potential energy

Thermodynamics

Exothermic

Endothermic

Calorimetry

NGSS HS-PS3-2: Develop and use models to illustrate that energy at the macroscopic scale can be accounted for as a combination of energy associated with the motions of particles and energy associated with the relative positions of particles.

Application of mathematical concepts to scientific problems

Data analysis and interpretation

Understanding of scientific principles and their real-world applications

This lesson introduces students to fundamental concepts in thermochemistry, including energy, enthalpy, and specific heat. Students will engage in lectures, discussions, problem-solving exercises, and a hands-on calorimetry experiment.


DOK 1-3

To develop students' understanding of energy changes in chemical processes and their ability to quantify these changes using mathematical relationships.

Discuss how specific heat capacity affects cooking times for different foods

Explore the role of enthalpy in designing chemical hand warmers and cold packs

Relate energy concepts to traditional practices in various cultures, such as saunas or hot springs

Confusing heat and temperature

Thinking that all endothermic reactions feel cold and all exothermic reactions feel hot

Misunderstanding the relationship between kinetic and potential energy

Provide visual aids and animations for visual learners

Use physical models and hands-on activities for kinesthetic learners

Offer tiered assignments with varying levels of complexity

Daily exit tickets

Problem sets

Lab report on calorimetry experiment

End-of-unit quiz

Textbook

Calorimeters, thermometers, and chemicals for lab activity

Online simulations (e.g., PhET)

Calculators

Whiteboard and markers