Launch
Students will launch the chemical-reaction design challenge by examining useful school-safe reaction examples, identifying observable evidence of reactions, and framing an initial school-community problem with measurable criteria, constraints, and needed evidence for later testing.
Days 1 - 2
๐Ÿงช Catalyst Quest Challenge Board
Launch 45m
๐Ÿ“‹ Evidence Notes and Design Gate
Knowledge/Skill Building 45m
Research & Plan
Students will define a school-based chemical reaction design problem, research safe low-waste reaction options, and produce an evidence-based design brief with measurable criteria, constraints, and an initial CER justification for the concept they want to pursue next.
Days 3 - 5
๐Ÿงช Reaction Evidence and Design Specs
Knowledge/Skill Building 45m
๐Ÿ“š Source Hunt and Tradeoff Notes
Research 45m
๐Ÿ“ Design Brief and CER Checkpoint
Assessment 45m
Select & Prototype
Students will compare reaction-based design options with evidence, select a team concept using a weighted decision matrix, and build an initial low-waste prototype while documenting how chemical reaction evidence, safety, and waste constraints shape their choices.
Days 6 - 8
๐Ÿงช Weighted Reaction Matrix
Knowledge/Skill Building 45m
๐Ÿ› ๏ธ Lava Lamp Prototype Build
Project Work 45m
๐Ÿ—‚๏ธ Prototype Feedback and Revision
Deliverable 45m
Test & Showcase
Students will test their selected chemical-reaction prototypes with consistent measures, analyze evidence of chemical change and performance, use peer critique to revise both product and team process, and prepare a concise evidence-based showcase story for the final exhibition.
Days 9 - 11
๐Ÿ“ Fair Test Setup Check
Knowledge/Skill Building 20m
๐Ÿงช Trial Logs and Huddle Revisions
Project Work 45m
๐Ÿ—‚๏ธ Data Story Critique Round
Deliverable 30m
๐Ÿ” Retest and Evidence Update
Project Work 30m
๐ŸŽค Showcase Story Rehearsal
Assessment 10m
Showcase
Students will present their tested chemical-reaction solution to an authentic audience, defend design choices with data, gather final feedback on usefulness and safety, and complete a concise reflection on how evidence and critique shaped both the prototype and team process.
Day 12
๐Ÿงช Reaction Prototype Showcase
Assessment 45m