This unit aims to develop students’ foundational understanding of key chemistry concepts while simultaneously fostering critical awareness of the cultural and material significance of laboratory tools. These objectives are framed through both a scientific and cultural lens, asking students not only what materials are used in science, but why, and what that means in broader social and historical contexts. Students will explore how laboratory tools are designed with both safety and functionality in mind, and how these objects shape student behavior, scientific norms, and cultural perceptions of science itself. By the end of the unit, students will be able to:
- Recognize the role of laboratory materials and equipment as active agents that shape scientific practice, influencing not only experimental outcomes but also student behavior, safety protocols, and the culture of scientific inquiry.
- Explain how the design and material composition of laboratory tools reflect both scientific function and cultural values, linking historical developments in lab equipment with evolving scientific understanding and social expectations.
- Describe and explain the physical and chemical properties of materials commonly used in laboratory settings, such as glass, metal, plastic, and ceramics, including their roles in conducting or insulating heat, resisting chemical reactions, and maintaining structural integrity.
- Interpret and use scientific measurement tools and SI units accurately, including volume, mass, temperature, and time, with proficiency in unit conversions and proper data recording to support precise laboratory work.
- Understand and apply concepts of energy transfer, especially heat conduction and thermal resistance, through hands-on investigations and models that reveal how different materials respond under varying experimental conditions.
- Develop and communicate scientific explanations connecting material properties and energy interactions to observed phenomena, supported by evidence from experiments and observations.
- Investigate the intersections of science, culture, and history by exploring how material choices in laboratory tools and everyday objects reflect cultural identity, technological innovation, and societal needs over time.
