Explore

• Use the PHET simulation to explore the different states of matter.

  • In terms of particle arrangement, what are some key differences between a solid, a liquid and a gas?

  • Are the molecules ever motionless? 

  • Which molecules are moving the least? The most? Why might this be?

  • Does temperature play a role in the state of matter a substance is in? Do all particles change states at one specific temperature? Why or why not?

  • Why might the solid state of water be so different from other solid states?

Explain

• Gas Law Lab Series 

  • Determine the relationship between volume and pressure:

    • Enter data for Boyle's Law Experiment: Collaborative Data Sheet

    • Alternative Boyle's Law Experiment (Simulation only)

  • Determine the relationship between temperature and volume:

    • Enter data for Charles Law Experiment: Collaborative Data Sheet

    • Charles Law 

  • Determine the relationship between temperature and pressure: 

    • Enter data for Gay-Lussac's Law Experiment: Collaborative Data Sheet

    • Gay-Lussacs Law

Evaluate

• Revise your initial model of the collapsing can

Reflection

This activity covers an entire unit of work regarding gas laws and kinetic molecular theory. It uses a variety of tools such as, slow motion videos, Google Sheets, Google, Draw, Phet simulation, and stop motion animation. Students are assessed throughout the unit with small formative assessments dispersed in each assignment but the main summative assessment is a student produced, stop motion animation of a chosen gas law phenomenon.  The lesson is delivered in parts and serves as a follow up from the lesson on Sea Level Rise and Thermodynamics. I found that students are extremely engaged in this unit as there are many phenomenon that students get to observe as they progress through the Gas Law Lab Series. By letting students choose their own phenomenon to demonstrate their understanding of kinetic molecular theory, the lesson becomes very differentiated which helps students feel as if they have their own agency when it comes to their learning. The lesson can also be adapted to an online only format as all of the physical labs can be done through simulations. This is extremely helpful when there are a lack of resources or in the event of a hybrid class structure.