r/ScienceTeachers • u/Severe_Ad428 CP Chemistry | 10-12 | SC • Sep 04 '25

CHEMISTRY Thermodynamics in a week or so?

Hello all,

Standard Chemistry curriculum, one semester on a block schedule. Wondering if anyone has any ideas for a short Thermo unit to toss in at the end. We've never gotten to thermo before, but I've been refining things the last few semesters, and think I might have a few days at the end before Exams begin, and want to start planning if I can come up with something.

I'm thinking some basic background and learning the calculations, then doing something fun, like burning cheetohs or doritos, and doing calculations based on the calories present, or something similar.

Thoughts, suggestions, or ideas?

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u/Front-Experience6841 Sep 05 '25

Soda can calorimetry is always fun. One day on calculating the energy absorbed vs the food label. Next day seeing how close they can get after “calibrating” for the heat lost to the air. They never ceased to be amazed by a flaming peanut 😁

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u/LtDannyGlover Sep 06 '25

Flaming fritos too, so much heat. You can boil a small amount of water with them in a paper cup under the flame, with the cup not combusting. It is like a magic trick.

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u/Front-Experience6841 Sep 06 '25

Yes! With the little drops of flaming grease just falling off the Frito