(Exploring the Science of Automotive Air Bags)
Air Bags (Lesson Plan)
(Exploring the Science of Automotive Air Bags)
Suggested Grade Level 8-9
Standard Statements (Pennsylvania)
3.1.10A Discriminate among the concepts of systems, subsystems, feedback, and control in solving technological problems. 3.1.10E Describe patterns of change in nature, physical and man made systems. 3.2.10B Apply the elements of scientific inquiry to solve problems. 3.2.10C Identify and apply the technological design process to solve problems. 3.4.10A Explain concepts about the structure and properties of matter. 3.4.10B Analyze energy sources and transfers of heat. 3.8.10A Analyze the relationship between societal demands and scientific and technological enterprises.
Content Objectives
Students will know that 1. Acetic acid reacts with sodium bicarbonate to produce a gas. 2. Acetic acid and sodium bicarbonate are the chemical names for vinegar and baking soda, respectively. 3. The two main purposes of an air bag are to slow a person’s forward movement into the steering wheel (or dashboard) and to provide a cushion between the person and the steering wheel (or dashboard). 4. The three parts of an air bag are the bag itself, the sensors, and the inflation system (or gas generator). 5. The main chemical responsible for the inflation of an air bag is sodium azide, which rapidly decomposes into nitrogen gas and sodium metal when it is ignited. 6. Other reactions occurring within an air bag ensure that highly reactive, dangerous byproducts are changed into stable and safe compounds. 7. The inflation of an air bag and the other chemical reactions occur in a very short amount of time (1/25th of a second). 8. The reaction between acetic acid and sodium bicarbonate is similar to the decomposition of sodium azide because both reactions produce a gas.
Process Objectives
Students will be able to 1. Provide evidence that a chemical reaction occurs between
(Exploring the Science of Automotive Air Bags)
Suggested Grade Level 8-9
Standard Statements (Pennsylvania)
3.1.10A Discriminate among the concepts of systems, subsystems, feedback, and control in solving technological problems. 3.1.10E Describe patterns of change in nature, physical and man made systems. 3.2.10B Apply the elements of scientific inquiry to solve problems. 3.2.10C Identify and apply the technological design process to solve problems. 3.4.10A Explain concepts about the structure and properties of matter. 3.4.10B Analyze energy sources and transfers of heat. 3.8.10A Analyze the relationship between societal demands and scientific and technological enterprises.
Content Objectives
Students will know that 1. Acetic acid reacts with sodium bicarbonate to produce a gas. 2. Acetic acid and sodium bicarbonate are the chemical names for vinegar and baking soda, respectively. 3. The two main purposes of an air bag are to slow a person’s forward movement into the steering wheel (or dashboard) and to provide a cushion between the person and the steering wheel (or dashboard). 4. The three parts of an air bag are the bag itself, the sensors, and the inflation system (or gas generator). 5. The main chemical responsible for the inflation of an air bag is sodium azide, which rapidly decomposes into nitrogen gas and sodium metal when it is ignited. 6. Other reactions occurring within an air bag ensure that highly reactive, dangerous byproducts are changed into stable and safe compounds. 7. The inflation of an air bag and the other chemical reactions occur in a very short amount of time (1/25th of a second). 8. The reaction between acetic acid and sodium bicarbonate is similar to the decomposition of sodium azide because both reactions produce a gas.
Process Objectives
Students will be able to 1. Provide evidence that a chemical reaction occurs between