Unit - The Science Behind the Blast (Digital File Only)
Unit exploring the chemistry of explosions, including pressure explosions, Hollywood special effects explosions, the colours in fireworks, disasters including the Hindenburg disaster and Beirut explosion, controlled explosions and Nuclear technology.
The first half of the unit focusses on concepts including particle theory, endothermic and exothermic reactions, atomic theory and energy. The second half of the unit discusses safety and ethical issues, including chemical storage and debates around Nuclear technology. Activities include a mix of experiments (all are low-risk and can be completed at home), research tasks and engineering challenges.
Skills development opportunities:
Constructing arguments (for younger students - paragraph structure, stating point of view, stating and explaining evidence).
Source analysis and research skills.
Design thinking
Following safe procedures
Recording data
Suggested timeframe: 6 - 8 weeks
Suggested age group: 10 - 14 years old (most suitable for Years 7 - 8)
Please be aware that this unit focuses on explosions, including disasters that have occurred where people have been hurt. Some children may find it distressing to discuss explosions. There are no videos or pictures of injured or deceased people included in the unit. Some videos are suggested which may include imagery of injured or deceased people, or destroyed property from disasters. It is recommended that parents/carers, tutors or teachers view any videos or resources prior to sharing them with children.
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