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LESSON PLAN in Separating Mixtures, Physical Properties, History, Dimensional Analysis, Measurements, ACS National Historic Chemical Landmarks Program. Last updated December 13, 2024.

Summary

In this lesson, students will learn about the significant chemistry contributions of Dr. Bettye Washington Greene, who was one of very few African American women to be awarded a doctorate in the chemical sciences in the 1960’s. Students will read an article and engaging in related activities. The activities help promote literacy in the science classroom. Parts of this lesson could be used as plans for a substitute teacher.

Grade Level

High School

NGSS Alignment

This lesson will help prepare your students to meet the performance expectations in the following standards:

  • HS-PS2-6: Communicate scientific and technical information about why the molecular-level structure is important in the functioning of designed materials.
  • HS-ETS1-2: Design a solution to a complex real-world problem by breaking it down into small, more manageable problems that can be solved through engineering.
  • Scientific and Engineering Practices:
    • Analyzing and Interpreting Data
    • Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions
    • Engaging in Argument from Evidence

Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students should be able to:

  • Understand and reference the significant chemistry contributions of Dr. Bettye Washington Green.
  • Explain the magnitude of the micrometer (µm) and compare examples of various particle sizes.
  • Successfully convert between units of measurement, given conversion factors.
  • Describe how a mixture can be physically separated using the technique of sieving.
  • Recognize the importance of scientific research and the impact it can have on the future.

Chemistry Topics

This lesson supports students’ understanding of:

  • Particle Size
  • Separation of Mixtures
  • Measurement
  • Converting Units
  • Dimensional Analysis
  • History

Time

Teacher Preparation: 10 minutes to make copies of activities/reading
Lesson: Approximate times for students to complete each activity in the lesson:

  • Anticipation Guide: 10 minutes
  • Reading: 20 minutes
  • Historical Timeline: 20 minutes
  • Particle Size Comparison: 20-30 minutes
  • Separation by Sieve: 20-30 minutes
  • Video: 15 - 20 minutes

Materials

  • Internet access
  • Reading document and desired handouts to accompany the reading
  • Calculator

Safety

  • No specific safety precautions need to be observed for this activity.

Teacher Notes

Background:

Lesson Overview:

The lesson includes multiple components, as outlined individually below. The Reading is essential for all of the activities. Teachers can choose to do one or all of the included activities. Student handouts and corresponding answer keys are provided for each item described below:

  • Activity: Anticipation Guide
    • Students identify whether they agree or disagree with the ten statements. After they complete the reading, they can adjust their answers and rephrase “disagree” statements, so they read true.
  • Reading: Bettye Washington Greene
  • Activity: Historical Timeline
    • Students will review a list of major events, including personal and professional, from Bettye Washington Greene’s life and arrange them in chronological order.
  • Activity: Particle Size Comparison
    • Students will interact with an infographic as they compare particle sizes of various examples. They will use the data from the infographic as well as conversion factors to complete calculations and questions focused on data analysis.
  • Activity: Separation by Sieve
    • Students will learn about particle size and separating mixtures. They will complete data analysis and measurement conversations in order to understand the separation technique of sieving.
      • Sieve sketch in the activity attributed to Wikimedia Commons, Creative Commons license
  • Activity: Inclusive Stories in Science: Celebrating Dr. Bettye Washington-Greene Video
    • Students will watch a short (~9 minute) video about Dr. Washington Greene’s life and career. While watching they will identify new things they’ve learned and ask questions about what they want to know more about.
    • Additional activities that would also support this lesson include:
      • Lab: Earth-Friendly Plastics from ACS Outreach
        • In this lab, students can make their own edible water pod while learning about Earth-friendly plastics.
      • Reading Assignment from Chemical & Engineering News
      • Lab: The Big Six Plastics from AACT
        • Students will use data and chemical tests to better understand different types of plastics and their properties. Ultimately, students can choose the best plastic material to construct a compost bin.
      • Lesson Plan: Cleaning-up the Plastic Island from AACT
        • Students will develop an understanding of the chemistry of plastics and apply their knowledge in order to engineer a cost effective and environmentally friendly method to clean up the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.
      • Lesson Plan: Give Your Car Some Bounce from AACT
        • Students will learn about polymerization, specifically as it pertains to rubber tires and other materials in a vehicle. Students will take on the role of an engineer and will investigate physical properties of different polymers and/or elastomers to determine the best material to use for an assigned product.
      • Lesson Plan: Watch the Baby! Super Absorbent Polymer from AACT
        • Students will learn about how polymers, specifically superabsorbent polymers, work. Through lab activities, students will investigate polymer properties.