⁣⁣Lesson Plan: Silica Gel Packets Unleashed: 6 Creative Uses You Never Knew!

⁣⁣Lesson Plan: Silica Gel Packets Unleashed: 6 Creative Uses You Never Knew!


Grade Level: 6-8

Objective: By the end of this lesson, students will explore various creative uses for silica gel packets and understand the science behind their effectiveness. They will learn about the properties and benefits of silica gel, while developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Common Core Standards:
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.8.2: Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information clearly.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.6-8.3: Follow precisely a multistep procedure when carrying out experiments, taking measurements, or performing technical tasks.
- CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.8.SP.A.2: Know that straight lines are widely used to model relationships between two quantitative variables.

Materials:
- Silica gel packets (collected from various sources)
- Small containers or Ziploc bags
- Items prone to moisture damage (e.g., electronics, shoes, photographs)
- Writing materials for note-taking and reflection

Procedure:

1. Introduction (10 minutes):
- Engage students in a discussion about the purpose and function of silica gel packets.
- Explain the science behind how silica gel works to absorb moisture and prevent damage.

2. Safety Measures and Guidelines (5 minutes):
- Instruct students on proper handling and disposal of silica gel packets.
- Emphasize the importance of not consuming the silica gel.

3. Experiment: Absorbing Moisture (15 minutes):
- Provide students with small containers or Ziploc bags.
- Instruct them to place different objects prone to moisture damage, like electronics or photographs, inside the containers along with silica gel packets.
- Have students seal the containers and observe the effects over time.

4. Brainstorming Creative Uses (10 minutes):
- Encourage students to brainstorm and discuss various creative uses for silica gel packets beyond moisture absorption.
- Provide examples if needed, such as preventing tarnish on silverware or protecting important documents.

5. Research and Presentation (20 minutes):
- Assign each student or group a specific creative use for silica gel packets to research.
- Instruct them to gather information about the benefits, how it works, and any precautions or limitations.
- Students will create a short informative/explanatory presentation to share their findings with the class.

6. Presentation and Discussion (15 minutes):
- Allow students to present their research and creative uses for silica gel packets to the class.
- Encourage questions and discussions to deepen understanding and foster critical thinking.

7. Reflection and Application (10 minutes):
- Instruct students to reflect on the lesson and think about how they can apply their newfound knowledge of silica gel packets in their everyday lives.
- Have them write a short paragraph summarizing their key takeaways and any ideas they have for future uses.

Common Core Labels Correlations:
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.8.2
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.6-8.3
- CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.8.SP.A.2

Silica Gel UsesSUPPLIESSilica gel packets (found in shoe boxes, electronics, and many Asian snack foods)INSTRUCTIONSIf your phone ever gets wet, place it in a plastic bag full of silica gel packets, and leave it overnight. The packets will dry out your phone better than rice, and increase the chances of saving your phone!You can use the silica gel packets to de-clump salt, sugar, or any other ingredients that tend to clump up when moisture gets to them.Tape a packet or two to the inside of bulk snacks. This will keep them from going stale longer.Keep old photos and documents safe and dry in storage boxes by throwing in a couple silica gel packets.Need to pack a damp swimsuit? Place it in a bag with a bunch of silica gel packets (the more the better!) and throw it in your bag. The water will be sapped right out. (This is also great in gym bags!)Windshield fogging up? Save time by lining your dashboard with silica gel packets. The moisture will be whisked away. To recharge your packets, place them in the oven at 275ºF/135ºC on an aluminum foil-lined baking tray for about an hour, or use a dehydrator if you have access to one! Enjoy these tips, and remember to dehydrate them again every few months. MUSICStreet GypsiesLicensed via Warner Chappell Production Music Inc.Made by BFMP www.buzzfeed.com/videoteamGET MORE BUZZFEED:www.buzzfeed.comwww.buzzfeed.c....om/videowww.buzzfeed