Endothermic & Exothermic Reactions Interactive Simulation | Physical Science | Grades 6–8

This Interactive Simulation has grades 6–8 Middle School Physical Science students run a hands-on classroom model of Endothermic & Exothermic Reactions.

Driving question: "How can we design, construct, and modify a portable chemical device that optimizes thermal energy transfer to heat or cool a target liquid?" Objective: Engineer and test a chemical temperature-control prototype using exothermic or endothermic reactions, iteratively modifying insulation and reagent ratios to meet target temperature criteria.

What's inside: objective and background, a materials list (Digital temperature probes (+/- 0.1 deg…; Anhydrous calcium chloride pellets and…; Sodium bicarbonate powder and citric…; Graduated cylinders, 100 mL plastic…), an 8-step protocol, a data table, 4 analysis questions, and teacher notes.

Resource type: Interactive Simulation (.docx). Format: editable Microsoft Word lab handout with approximately 720 words (~5 pages).

Classroom use: a team investigation in a Middle School Physical Science course. Grades 6–8.

Format note: These files are delivered in Microsoft Office formats (Word and/or PowerPoint). If you open a worksheet that includes tables in Apple Pages or another non-Microsoft app, table formatting may not display correctly. For best results, use Microsoft Word or PowerPoint (or upload the file to Google Docs). If you run into any formatting issues, contact us and we can send a PDF version.