HOT MESS EXPRESS: Calorimetry and Thermal Runaway (Chemistry, Polymer Science)

Students explore energy changes during chemical reactions using calorimetry with an aqueous demo and a polymer reaction(Gorilla epoxy resin) in a coffee-cup calorimeter, comparing their results to simplified DSC curves. Lastly, they analyze real-world thermal runaway events.

This lesson was created by Ocean Springs High School Chemistry teacher Deborah Jamie Mathews as part of the Research Experience for Teachers (RET), funded by the National Science Foundation in collaboration with USM's College of Polymer Science.

Approximate time: 60-90 minutes

Grade level as written: 10 - 12

Standards:

• AP Chemistry CED Alignment: 6.4 Heat Capacity and Calorimetry

• Pre-AP Chemistry: 4.4: Thermochemistry

• MSCCRS: CHE.10 Thermochemistry

• NGSS HS-PS3-4: Plan and conduct an investigation to provide evidence that the transfer of thermal energy (advanced)