This hands-on lesson builds on students’ understanding of chemical reactions and introduces the concept of temperature changes. Students are challenged to make a hot pack (using substances in a plastic bag) that an astronaut could use in his or her suit to stay warm when out exploring the Moon. Students will explore different combinations of substances and observe temperature changes of chemical reactions. They will design and test their hot packs.

Students will participate in a rocket launch either with rockets they build themselves or by observing a teacher launching a rocket as a class demonstration. After observing the change in temperature of a model rocket engine after launch, students will apply the information they learned in the hot pack activity to observations they make during and after launch. They will demonstrate their understanding of endo and exothermic reactions by completing one of the assessment projects suggested to answer the question How do model rocket engines demonstrate thermal energy changes in a chemical reaction? Options for the assessment include thought experiments, comics, photo albums, creative writing pieces, etc.

Note: This lesson assumes students have a basic understanding of chemical reactions. Teachers are encouraged to use the Estes Education’s Missing Mass lesson to teach more on chemical reactions prior to this; however, the lessons are designed to stand alone as well.