Grade: 8th Grade

Subject: General Science

Unit: Chemical Reactions
Previous Instruction: We have already covered the characteristics and basic
categorization of chemical reactions. We have also discussed and looked at multiple
examples of common chemical reactions that occur both in the lab and in everyday life.
Arizona State Standards.
http://www.azed.gov/standards-practices/files/2011/09/sciencegrade8.pdf
Strand 5: Physical Science
Concept 1: Properties and Changes of Properties in Matter.
Understand physical and chemical properties of matter.
-PO 3. Identify the following types of evidence that a chemical reaction
has occurred:
formation of a precipitate
generation of gas
color change
absorption or release of heat
-PO 7. Investigate how the transfer of energy can affect the physical and
chemical properties of matter.

Instructional Objective
Determine if a chemical
reaction has occurred in
given situations. (i.e. on a
rusty nail)
Describe why and how the
transfer of energy can
change the physical
properties of matter.

Blooms Level
Analysis

Standards/POs
S5C1PO3
S5C1PO7

Analysis

S5C1PO3
S5C1PO7

General Description of Performance Assessment: I will present the class with the
guidelines of the project (which will mostly be worked on at home.) Students will work
on the project individually and will have one week to complete it. Students will find
three examples of chemical reactions that occur in their everyday lives and create a visual
representation of the information they have gathered. When finished, they will present
their findings to the class. This performance assessment requires putting classroom
knowledge to use in real life situations and involves a presentation of those findings.

Directions/Handout to Students: [Given to students as a written document without

bracketed info]
As discussed in class, there are many different types of chemical reactions and many of
them are happening around us everyday. For this project, you will identify three different
chemical reactions that you see happening in your everyday lives [cognitive skills:
knowledge and application]. You will then provide a visual representation of the actual
reaction, the characteristic that makes it a chemical reaction (i.e. precipitate formed, color
change, etc.), the type of chemical reaction (i.e. combustion, decomposition, etc.), and the
formula for the chemical reaction [cognitive skills: research]. You will have one week to
create a visual display and 5 minute presentation [cognitive skills: time management,
planning, and synthesis; affective skill: self-regulation]. Each of you will then present
and explain your findings to the class and listen carefully to the presentations of your
fellow classmates [performance skills: presenting and time management of presentation;
social skill: good listening].
Rubric [Given to students with the guidelines]:
60%: Accuracy of Identifying and Classifying Chemical Reactions.
-The reactions that you have identified should be three distinct reactions that have been
properly identified in terms of characteristics and type of reaction. The formula for the
chemical reaction should be balanced and written correctly.
30%: Visual Display of Information.
-The information that you gathered should be put into some sort of visual presentation
such as a PowerPoint Presentation, poster Board, or video. Displays should be visually
appealing and lacking any grammatical or spelling errors. Neatness will be graded.
10%: Presentation of Information.
-You will not need to dress formally for this presentation. However, you are expected to
speak in a professional matter (do not use words such as like or um) and so that
students in the back of the room can hear the presentation.

Grading [not given to students until graded]

Accuracy of Information
-Three different chemical reactions identified
(2 points per reaction)
-Reactions correctly identified by characteristics
(1 point per reaction)
-Reactions correctly identified by type
(1 point per reaction)
-Visual representation of each reaction provided
(2 points per reaction; partial credit possible)
-Correct chemical formula given for each reaction
(2 points per reaction; partial credit possible)

_____/6
_____/3
_____/3
_____/6
_____/6
Section Total: _____/24

Visual Display (Partial Credit Possible)

-Information conveyed in a visual manner
(PowerPoint, poster board, etc.)
-Included all the necessary information
(type, characteristics, formula, visual representation)
-No grammatical or spelling errors
-Neatness of display

_____/3
_____/3
_____/3
_____/3

Section Total: _____/12

Presentation (each item all or no credit)
-Remains in the 5-minute timeframe
(30 seconds over/under is ok)
-Professional manner of speech

_____/2
_____/2
Section Total: _____/4

Project Total: _____/40