Unit Design
For Chemistry
Thermodynamics
Developed by
Ghada Amer
Name of My Charter:
Pontiac Academy for Excellence
1
Understanding by Design
Unit Design Worksheet
Unit Title: Thermodynamics
Topic: Thermodynamics
Course: Chemistry
Grade(s): 11-12
Name: Ghada Amer
Stage 1 - Desired Results
Established Goals:
Content Goals:
1. C2.2e Compare the entropy of solids, liquids, and gases.
2. C2.3a Explain how the rate of a given chemical reaction is dependent on the temperature and the activation energy.
3. C2.3b Draw and analyze a diagram to show the activation energy for an exothermic reaction that is very slow at room
temperature.
4. C3.1a Calculate the ΔH for a given reaction using Hess’s Law.
5. C3.1b Draw enthalpy diagrams for exothermic and endothermic reactions.
6. C3.2a Describe the energy changes in photosynthesis and in the combustion of sugar in terms of bond breaking and
bond making.
7. C3.4B Explain why chemical reactions will either release or absorb energy.
8. C3.4d Draw enthalpy diagrams for reactants and products in endothermic and exothermic reactions.
9. C3.4e Predict if a chemical reaction is spontaneous given the enthalpy (ΔH) and entropy (ΔS) changes for the reaction
using Gibb’s Free Energy, ΔG = ΔH - TΔS (Note: mathematical computation of ΔG is not required.)
10. C3.4f Explain why some endothermic reactions are spontaneous at room temperature.
Literacy Goals (CCSS):
Reading/Writing/Speaking:
RST 11-12.5 Analyze how the text structures information or ideas into categories or hierarchies, demonstrating
understanding of the information or ideas.
RST 11-12.4 Determine the meaning of symbols, key terms, and other domain-specific words and phrases as they are
used in a specific scientific or technical context relevant to grades 11–12 texts and topics.
RST 11-12.7 - Integrate and evaluate multiple sources of information presented in diverse formats and media (e.g.,
quantitative data, video, multimedia) in order to address a question or solve a problem.
RST 11-12.7 - Integrate and evaluate multiple sources of information presented in diverse formats and media (e.g.,
quantitative data, video, multimedia) in order to address a question or solve a problem.
RST 11-12.9 Synthesize information from a range of sources (e.g., texts, experiments, simulations) into a coherent
understanding of a process, phenomenon, or concept, resolving conflicting information when possible.
RST 11-12.4 Determine the meaning of symbols, key terms, and other domain-specific words and phrases as they are
used in a specific scientific or technical context relevant to grades 11–12 texts and topics.
RST 11-12.4 Determine the meaning of symbols, key terms, and other domain-specific words and phrases as they are
used in a specific scientific or technical context relevant to grades 11–12 texts and topics.
RST 11-12.4 Determine the meaning of symbols, key terms, and other domain-specific words and phrases as they are
used in a specific scientific or technical context relevant to grades 11–12 texts and topics.
2
RST 11-12 7 - Integrate and evaluate multiple sources of information presented in diverse formats and media (e.g.,
quantitative data, video, multimedia) in order to address a question or solve a problem.
RST 11-12.5 Analyze how the text structures information or ideas into categories or hierarchies, demonstrating
understanding of the information or ideas.
WHST.11-12.2 Write informative/explanatory texts, including the narration of historical events, scientific procedures/
experiments, or technical processes.
WHST.11-12.2a Introduce a topic and organize complex ideas, concepts, and information so that each new element
builds on that which precedes it to create a unified whole; include formatting (e.g., headings), graphics (e.g., figures,
tables), and multimedia when useful to aiding comprehension.
WHST.11-12.8 Gather relevant information from multiple authoritative print and digital sources, using advanced
searches effectively; assess the strengths and limitations of each source in terms of the specific task, purpose, and
audience; integrate information into the text selectively to maintain the flow of ideas, avoiding plagiarism and
overreliance on any one source and following a standard format for citation.
SL.11-12.2 Integrate multiple sources of information presented in diverse formats and media (e.g., visually,
quantitatively, orally) in order to make informed decisions and solve problems, evaluating the credibility and accuracy of
each source and noting any discrepancies among the data.
SL.11-12.5 Make strategic use of digital media (e.g., textual, graphical, audio, visual, and interactive elements) in
presentations to enhance understanding of findings, reasoning, and evidence and to add interest.
Understandings:
Students will understand that
Essential Questions:
1. What is entropy in matter?
1. there are different entropy trends in terms of solids,
2. Why is activation energy of a chemical reaction
dependent on temperature?
liquids, and gases.
2. energy is required to transform a substance from
one state of matter to another. Energy is required to
start a reaction.
3. How does energy and temperature change during
an exothermic reaction versus an endothermic
reaction?
3. temperature is directly proportional to energy lost
or gained.
4. How can you calculate Enthalpy using Hess’s
Law?
4. ΔH can be calculated and it interprets the magnitude.
5. How can you represent exothermic and
endothermic reactions in a diagram?
5. construction and interpretation of data and graphs
provides information for enthalpy of endothermic and
exothermic reactions
6. How is energy involved in the combustion of
sugar in photosynthesis?
6. entropy trends regarding photosynthesis and bond
7. How can you determine if a chemical reaction
will release or absorb energy?
breaking in chemical compounds can be identified.
7. description of the entropy trends in terms of solids,
8. How do you create an enthalpy diagram for
reactants and products?
liquids, and gases.
8. their interpretations of the energy diagrams they drew,
9. How can Gibb’s Free Energy tell us if a chemical
reaction is spontaneous or not?
for enthalpy of various reactants and products in
exothermic and endothermic reactions.
9. calculations of entropy and enthalpy determine whether
10. Why are most endothermic reactions spontaneous
at room temperature?
a reaction is spontaneous, using Gibb’s Free Energy
10. entropy trends in terms of solids, liquids, and gases can
indicate whether a reaction is spontaneous or not.
3
Students will know how
Students will be able to
1. to solve for Entropy of solids, liquids, and gases.
1. state the equation and what each variable in the ▲S
equation means.
2. to calculate activation energy and predict if it will
increase or decrease based on rate of reaction and
temperature change.
1. describe the entropy trends in terms of solids, liquids,
3. variables affect activation energy.
2. show the relationship between activation energy,
and gases.
temperature, and the rate of reaction using a given
formula
4.
to compute using a calculator the Enthalpy value
given known variables.
5.
to d raw and interpret graphs and tables given data.
6.
photosynthesis is an example of thermodynamics.
3. understand how Activation Energy is dependent
on reaction rates and temperature variables.
7.
to predict and explain how energy is an important
variable in chemical reactions.
4. calculate Enthalpy using the given equation, for
reactions with different temperatures, entropy, etc.
to identify if a chemical reaction has absorbed or
released energy.
5. construct and interpret graphs and tables of data for
enthalpy of endothermic and exothermic reactions
to identify if a chemical reaction is spontaneous or
not given Entropy, Enthalpy, or Gibbs Free Energy
variables.
6. write out the equation of photosynthesis.
8.
3. interpret data from graphs and chart diagrams.
6. explain how sugar is involved in photosynthesis.
6. explain how bonds break and re-bond to form new
compounds through the photosynthesis process.
9. to decide if a reaction is spontaneous or not.
7. explain how energy, which already exists or being
produced, has a direct impact on our body, plants,
fuel, and even homes.
8. explain why chemical reactions release and/or absorb
energy.
9. explain the relationship between entropy and enthalpy
to make a reaction spontaneous.
9. (Using Gibb’s Free Energy), calculate the free energy
and state whether or not the reaction is spontaneous.
10. explain what makes a reaction spontaneous.
Unit Enduring Understanding:
Unit Question:
1. Students will understand that all chemical reactions
involve energy.
How do chemical reactions play a major role in our
everyday life in terms of energy?
2. Students will learn how to calculate different forms
of energy and interpret their meanings in regards to
the data calculated.
4
Stage 2 - Assessment Evidence
Performance Tasks:
Goal: As a group complete a power point presentation on thermodynamics, including how to calculate
Enthalpy, Entropy, and Gibbs Free Energy. Must include data from a previous experiment(s), diagrams, charts,
and an elaborate interpretation of concepts.
Role: Presenter/lecturer of information and researcher.
Audience: Students in 11-12 grade (i.e. their classmates)
Situation: You are a group of scientists and you must educate your peers on the principles of thermodynamics,
and include various concepts as discussed and practiced over the last few weeks of class.
Product: Thermodynamics Research Project in the form of a Power Point Presentation.
Standards: Presented in a Power Point Presentation. Your work will be judged on the given rubric.
Key Criteria:
Science Research PowerPoint Rubric
Objectives
Less than Desirable
Satisfactory
Excellent!
Best Effort
Technology Skills-Demonstrates use 0-4 points
of PowerPoint to present research Includes few of the
topic
required elements, less
than 4 slides(containing few
titles, facts, or pictures)
7 points
Includes most of the
required elements, 4-6
slides(mostly contains
titles, facts, and/or
pictures)
10 points
Includes all of the
required elements, 7-10
slides (containing titles,
facts, and/or pictures)
Knowledge Content- Demonstrates
understanding of the topic and
utilizes the appropriate terminology
to communicate understanding
throughout presentation
0-8 points
Includes little important
information, lacking either
in relevance or accuracy
14 points
Includes most of the
needed information,
lacking in either amount or
accuracy
20 points
Includes much needed
information, is relevant
and accurate
Participation and Respect within
Group- Demonstrates that can
effectively work with a group to
find and organize information to
share with their peers, group
members share in the
responsibilities of the task
0-4 points
Little participation or lack
of respect for group
members
7 points
10 points
Usually participated and
Almost always
respected group members participated and
respected group effort
Spelling and Grammar0-4 points
Demonstrates interest in presenting Five or more misspellings
information in an accurate and
and mistakes
correct manner
7 points
Less than 5 misspellings
and mistakes
10 points
Everything is spelled
correctly and there are
no mistakes
Presentation - Demonstrates the
ability to communicate their
research and understanding to the
class
7 points
Presentation is organized
and all group members
participate
10 points
Presentation is fluid and
effective in helping class
develop understanding
of topic
0-4 points
Presentation is unorganized
and delivered without
confidence
Score:
5
Earned
Points
Other Evidence:
Before
During
After
KWL – Students will list what they
know and what they want to know
about thermodynamics.
Journals – Students will complete
daily journal reflections and take
notes when necessary.
Brainstorming – Students will
discuss what they know about
thermodynamics by breaking down
the word and coming up with
various meanings.
Lab Investigations – Students
will complete one or more lab
investigation(s) exploring heat
transfer.
Unit Test – Students will be given
a test after the unit has been
completed and Presentations have
been given
Quick Writes – Before each lesson
students will be asked to write their
thoughts and questions for the day
pertaining to the objectives.
Pretest – Students will be given an
assessment to understand their
knowledge on the unit before any
instruction is given.
Daily Assignments – Students
will be given vocabulary
assignments and calculation
problems.
Power Point Project – Students
will create a Power Point
Presentation (as a group) of this
unit. This will include various
concepts, experimental data,
vocabulary, and applications in the
“real world”.
Observations – Students will
write down any observations in
their journals as witnessed in class
or during their labs.
Think-Pair-Share – Students will
work in pairs to discuss
vocabulary and reinforce rules as
they are introduced.
Quizzes – Give short quizzes or
Exit Cards - to show mastery of
concepts needed before moving to
the next concept.
Describe the assessment/s and state the prompt if
applicable.
xF xS
What type of scoring tools will be used for evaluation?
□ Analytic rubric
□ Holistic rubric
X Criterion rubric
□ Checklist
X Answer Key
□ Other
Student Self-Assessment and Reflection:
Students will write down their questions and or comments of the day’s events. They will write their questions
about any topics or problems they have and they will discuss them as a class the following day. Students will
also write down any observations they experienced during labs and/or lecture presentations.
6
Stage 3 - Learning Plan
Differentiated Instruction:
Level C: Complete #1 and choose 3 more of the following activities for a total of (40 points)
1. Make vocabulary cards – 10 points
2. Write a summary of the Principles of Thermodynamics – 10 points
3. Compare and contrast Endothermic and Exothermic reactions in essay form – 10 points
4. Write a one page essay on the four laws of thermodynamics – 10 points
5. Re-write all your notes taken in class, as an outline – 10 points
Level B: Complete all of the following successfully for a total of (45 points)
1. Lab investigation – 15 points
2. Complete the worksheet packet and write a reflection paragraph on what you have learned – 15 points
3. Construct a graph and include the data table and calculate Enthalpy, Entropy, and Gibb’s Free Energy
using the lab investigation data – 15 points
Level A: Complete Both – GRASP plus the Unit Test – 110 points total
1. Unit Test – 50 points
2. Group Power Point Presentation – 60 points
Learning Activities:
Where/Why/What – Where are we going? Students will have a list of objectives posted at the beginning of the
lesson. Students will also become aware of the final project and be given the list of expectations and rubric.
Why? Students will be able to understand that energy is never lost it is only converted to a different form.
What? Students will have a complete understanding of what thermodynamics is and be able to apply it to every
day applications of energy.
Hook/Hold – I will hook the student’s attention by demonstrating various reactions which involve both
absorption of heat and loss of heat. I will prove how both types of reactions have total energy equal before the
reaction and after the reaction. I will hold their interest through practical lab investigations where they will
perform hands on applications of thermodynamic laws.
Equip – Students will be equipped to succeed in this unit by giving them various prior knowledge concepts and
giving them ongoing analysis tools and assessments in order to check for understanding and not allowing them
to fall behind in new concepts and applications.
Rethink/Revise - Students will be able to rethink and revise their work and understanding through
think/pair/share, KWL, daily assignments, and class discussions.
Evaluate - Students will self-evaluate through KWL during the unit and journal reflections. Students will have
ongoing evaluations from lab investigations, class assignments and after the unit test and their group
presentation.
Tailor - Learning will be tailored by using differentiated instruction using various activities and teaching styles
and modified for all IEP/ESL students including accommodations to provide extended time and group work
when possible.
Organize - The unit will be organized so that students have a brief review of law of conservation of energy and
then learn essential vocabulary and key concepts pertinent to understanding all new concepts introduced.
Frequent vocabulary review and quizzes will be used to check for understanding before moving on to new
concepts.
7
Essential Vocabulary
Absorb – to take up or receive by chemical or molecular action.
Activation – the process whereby something is prepared or excited for a subsequent reaction.
Activation energy – the energy that must be overcome in order for a chemical reaction to occur
Bond – to hold together or cohere, from or as from being bonded, as bricks in a wall or particles in a mass
Combustion – rapid oxidation accompanied by heat and, usually, light.
Endothermic – noting or pertaining to a chemical change that is accompanied by an absorption of heat
(opposed to exothermic ).
Energy – the capacity of a body or a system to do work.
Enthalpy (ΔH) – a quantity associated with a thermodynamic system, expressed as the internal energy of a
system plus the product of the pressure and volume of the system, having the property that during an
isobaric process, the change in the quantity is equal to the heat transferred during the process
Entropy (ΔS) – (on a macroscopic scale) a function of thermodynamic variables, as temperature, pressure, or
composition, that is a measure of the energy that is not available for work during a thermodynamic process.
A closed system evolves toward a state of maximum entropy. (in statistical mechanics) a measure of the
randomness of the microscopic constituents of a thermodynamic system. Symbol: S
Exothermic – (“outside heating”) describes a process or reaction that releases energy from the system,
Gibb’s Free Energy, ΔG= ΔH – TΔS – also known as free enthalpy[1] to distinguish it from Helmholtz free
energy) is a thermodynamic potential that measures the “usefulness” or process-initiating work obtainable
from a thermodynamic system at a constant temperature and pressure.
Hess’s Law – states that energy changes are state functions.
Photosynthesis – the complex process by which carbon dioxide, water, and certain inorganic salts are converted
into carbohydrates by green plants, algae, and certain bacteria, using energy from the sun and chlorophyll.
Room temperature – a comfortable temperature range indoors, usually considered to be 68 to 77°F (20 to
25°C).
Spontaneous – arising from internal forces or causes; independent of external agencies; self-acting.
Sugar – a member of the same class of carbohydrates, as lactose, glucose, or fructose.
Temperature – a measure of the warmth or coldness of an object or substance with reference to some standard
value. The temperature of two systems is the same when the systems are in thermal equilibrium.
8
Sequencing the Learning
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
KWL –
Thermodynamics
Students will be
given vocabulary
terms to complete.
Quick Write
Thermodynamics
Quick Write
Thermodynamics
Quiz
Think, Pair, Share
Think, Pair, Share
Level C activities
Level C activities
Write a Summary of
Thermodynamics
Compare and
Contrast
Endothermic and
Exothermic
Reactions
or
Intro to
Thermodynamics and
prior knowledge
Brainstorm What
Thermodynamics
Means
Journal Writing –
Students will be asked
to keep journals for
notes and reflections
Thermodynamics
Lecture and note
taking in journals.
Think, Pair, Share
Level C activities
Exit Card
Exit Card
Level B Activities
– Worksheet Packet
Assigned
Rubric given for
final presentation
Write a Page Essay
on the four laws of
thermodynamics
Quick Write – 3-2-1
What three things have
you learned today,
what 2comments do
you have and what is
one question you still
have
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Think – Pair-Share
KWL
Level A Activity
Level A Activity
Presentations Due
Level B Activity –
Lab Investigation
Level B Activity
Lab Investigation
Quick Write
Level C Activity –
Vocabulary Review
Journal Entry
Journal Entry
Worksheet – Level B
Activity
Exit Card
Level A Activity
Presentations Due
Group Power Point
Presentations.
Journal Entry
Group Power Point
Presentations.
Journal Entry
Class Discussion
Monday
Students will work
on their Power Point
Presentations
-Computer Day-
Tuesday
Wednesday
Review Day
Level A Activity
Level B Activity
Worksheet Packet –
Review of
Calculation
Problems
Unit Test
Exit Cards
9