Amazing Reactions
STEM Learning Lab
Program Summary
Is it a physical or chemical change? Decide for yourself with
demonstrations that create hot and cold reactions, release
energy in the form of light and show how chemistry is part of
everyday science, from the products you choose to the food
you cook. Demonstrations include: elements and compounds,
physical and chemical changes, exothermic and endothermic
reactions, acid-base reactions, and flame tests.
Grades 4 and up
50 minutes
Vocabulary
acid
atom
base
chemical change
chemistry
Tennessee Science Standards
See end of document to find specific Grade Level Expectations (GLE).
STANDARD 9—MATTER
Conceptual Strand 9: The composition and structure of matter
is known, and it behaves according to principles that are
generally understood.
STANDARD 10—ENERGY
Conceptual Strand 10: Various forms of energy are constantly
being transformed into other types without any net loss of
energy from the system.
Objectives
1. Understand the importance of chemistry in everyday
lives.
2. Learn the definition of matter and substance.
3. Explore the interactions between matter and energy.
4. Classify chemical reactions as exothermic, endothermic,
combustion, and acid-base.
combustion
compound
element
endothermic
exothermic
matter
molecule
products
reactants
Pre-Visit Activities
1. Divide students into groups of three or four. Distribute three plastic bags, an ice
cube, an a cup of water to each group. Tell students to follow these directions:
A. Put the ice cube in a bag and seal it.
B. Pour the water in the second bag and seal it.
C. Blow air inside the third bag and seal it.
Explain that each bag contains matter in different states. Ask students to observe
the qualities of matter and record their observations.
2. Show students a spoonful of baking soda and ask them to describe it. (A solid,
white, powder; it’s made of tiny grains; it smells clean.) Then show students a glass
of vinegar, and ask them to describe the vinegar. (It is a liquid; it is clear; it smells
strong.)
Tell the students they just listed the physical properties of each of the materials.
Then stir the baking soda into the vinegar and ask students to describe what they
see. (It creates fizzing air bubbles; it turns into a cloudy liquid.) Explain that this
change is a chemical reaction, which is a chemical property.
Post-Visit Activities
1. Divide students into groups and assign each group a specific type of chemical
reaction (exothermic, endothermic, acid-base, combustion, etc.). Have each
group do extensive research on their reaction and present it to the class.
Generally talk about everyday chemical reactions, like cooking, ice meltin, lighting a
match, fireworks, etc.). Have students share with class their favorite chemical
reaction and why it’s their favorite.
Resources
Books
What Is the World Made Of? All About Solids, Liquids, and Gases by Zoefeld,
Kathleen Weidner, and Paul Meisel.
Solids, Liquids and Gases (Starting with Science) by Osborne, Louise, and Deborah
Hodge.
Eyewitness: Matter by Cooper, Christopher. DK.
Resources
Websites
Chem4Kids—Learn some basics about reactions
Scholastic Study Jams
ACS Chemistry Education Resources
TN State Standards
4th Grade
Physical Science
GLE 0407.10.1: Distinguish among heat, radiant, and chemical forms of energy.
5th Grade
Physical Science
GLE 0507.9.1: Observe and measure the simple chemical properties of common substances.
6th Grade
Physical Science
GLE 0607.10.2: Analyze various types of energy transformations.
NGSS
4th Grade
Energy
4-PS3-2: Make observations to provide evidence that energy can be transferred from place to
place by sound, light, heat, and electric currents.
5th Grade
Matter and Its Interactions
5-PSI-1: Develop a model to describe that matter is made of particles too small to be seen.
5-PSI-4: Conduct an investigation to determine whether the mixing of two or more substances
results in new substances.