Lesson 2: Properties of Water
Duration of Days: 2
Lesson Objective
Investigate how the chemical properties of water, including polarity, cohesion, adhesion, and its role as a universal solvent, enable life to thrive in aquatic environments
How does the unique chemical structure of water (polarity and hydrogen bonding) dictate its essential physical properties and its ability to support life?
HS-PS1-3 (Electrical forces and bulk properties of matter).
Evidence-based claims from lab observations; scientific reasoning.
Through 7 lab stations, students investigate the physical properties of water to understand how molecular stickiness allows for capillary action in plants and surface tension for insects.
(DOK 3)
See "Materials / Resources / Text / Speakers" field
After completing the stations, students are given a mystery substance (e.g., oil) and must write a comparative paragraph using the terms polarity and hydrogen bonding to explain why the mystery substance fails the Penny Drop or Paper Towel Climb tests.
MPS DIFFERENTIATION STRATEGIES
PH test strips, beakers, water, paper towels, paper clips, penny, droppers