Overview
The resource is an inquiry lab-based activity that takes place over several days and can be performed in a High School laboratory or in a classroom.
In this activity students imagine they are hired by a lab company to investigate the energy content of a Dorito. They are asked to create their own experimental designs in small groups to obtain the data they need to calculate the energy content. From there they are asked to write a professional letter that evaluates their findings.
This activity uses skills that would be considered an asset for those students interested in a career as a chemist or chemical technologist.
NB Curricular Connections
Chemistry 12
- 212-3 design an experiment identifying and controlling major variables.
- 212-8 evaluate and select appropriate instruments for collecting evidence and appropriate processes for problem solving, inquiring, and decision making.
- 214-6 apply and assess methods of predicting heats of reaction.
- 214-15 propose alternative solutions to a given practical problem, identify the potential strengths and weaknesses of each, and select one as the basis for a plan.
- 15-4 identify multiple perspectives that influence a science-related decision or issue 215-6 work cooperatively with team members to develop and carry out a plan, and troubleshoot problems as they arise.
- 324-6 determine experimentally the changes in energy of various chemical reactions.
What You’ll Need
*Assuming a class size of 28 in groups sizes of 4
- 7 x Energy Content of a Dorito Pre-Lab Questions (attached)
- 7 x Energy Content of a Dorito Student Instructions (attached)
- 7 x Retort stands or wire coat hanger.
- 7 x thermometer
- 1 bag of Zesty Cheese Doritos Chips (or any but they work best)
- 7 x Match books
- 1 large roll Aluminum Foil
- 7 x Empty Pop can, with tab still attached
- Electronic Weigh Balance
- 7 x Pencil
- Water
- 7 x graduated cylinder or other instrument for measuring volume
Instructions
- Before the Activity: Students should have a knowledge of calorimetry, and calorimetry heat transfer calculations before attempting this activity.
- Part 1 –Planning: Break students into groups and present the lab materials to the students. There task on the first day is to complete the pre-lab questions and determine an experimental design that will allow them to determine the energy content in a Dorito.
- Part 2 – Experiment: Students will perform their experimental designs, they may come up with adjustments on the fly, be sure to remind them to collect appropriate data and be mindful of how they will use that data
- Part 3 – Evaluation of Data and Making of Letter: Students will evaluate their data and present their findings in a letter addressed to ‘their client’, along with a report of their findings.
Extension / Adaptation
- Discussion about their experimental designs and what worked for them, what didn’t and why.
- Create other designs that that can be used to measure the energy content in other foods, and how their design could be used or modified.
- A traditional lab report template has been attached if you prefer.
Reflection Activity
Coming Soon
Acknowledgements
