Connecting the Dots: Using a Tea Bag Model to Teach Diffusion and the Impact of Temperature- MYP 4 Chemistry- Bhavesh Bhadaraka

Objective of the Learning Engagement:

Using a tea bag experiment as a model, students will be able to define the diffusion process, explain the elements influencing its rate, and explore the effects of external variables on diffusion. Through a practical, visible experiment, this goal seeks to enhance students' comprehension of diffusion while encouraging critical thinking and the application of scientific ideas.

Details of the Learning Engagement:

Students were asked to gather the necessary resources and make tea, with this model activity student were able to apply their critical thinking skills and generate as well answer the inquiry questions. Which helped them to deepen their understanding for the topic "Diffusion".

Gather Materials:

1) One tea bag
2) Two glass
3) Warm water in one glass
4) Cold water in the other glass

Procedure:

1) Initial Setup:
Place the tea bag in the glass with warm water.
Observe the tea particles as they start to diffuse into the warm water.

2) Cold Water Setup:
Place a second tea bag in the glass with cold water.
Observe the tea particles as they start to diffuse into the cold water.

3) Observation:
Compare the rate at which tea particles diffuse in warm water versus cold water.
Note any differences in the pattern and speed of diffusion.

4) Conclusion:
Write a short summary of your observations, focusing on how temperature affects the rate of diffusion in the two setups on the padlet link given.

Impact of the engagement on students and reflection as a teacher:

Student were able to connect the complex concept of diffusion(movement of particles from higher concentration to lower concertation) through this hands on activity of tea making using tea bag and two different temperature water. They were able to showcase their critical thinking skill by answering Inquiry Question Given:
"Explain how temperature affects the rate of diffusion in the tea bag experiment. What differences would you expect to observe if the water temperature is varied?" .
They were also able to understand the connection with Key Concept "Change" for the unit. SOI "Changes within the models of different conditions can develop the personal beliefs" was very well justified with the model activity by the students. Student gave their feedback f for their learning in the team chat box.

Students response Padlet link:

1) https://padlet.com/bhaveshbhadaraka1/grade-9-b4_legends-l8tgzvxclboo2izw

2) https://padlet.com/bhaveshbhadaraka1/describe-how-the-process-of-diffusion-occurs-when-a-tea-bag--jg9oicpph2v1a754

-Bhavesh Bhadaraka