Vom Erz zum Metall

Objective: This worksheet uses the cooperative learning method known as the “group puzzle” to teach complex concepts in chemistry and atomic physics. The goal is for students to gain a deep understanding of the selected topic through self-directed learning and peer teaching.

Content and Methods: The content is taught using a structured five-phase model that combines cooperative and independent learning: In home groups, each member takes on a specific subtopic, which is then explored in a subsequent “expert phase” in groups of students with the same subtopic, using informational texts and in-depth tasks. Afterward, the students return to their core groups, share their knowledge with one another, and consolidate their findings together before moving on to a cooperative work phase in which they solve complex tasks that can only be mastered by combining all the individual aspects. The process concludes with a joint evaluation in a plenary session and a reflection on the learning process.

Competencies:

• Subject-Specific Competence: Acquiring in-depth knowledge of a topic in chemistry
• Social Competence: Fostering teamwork and communication skills through the “expert” model
• Methodological Competence: Applying cooperative learning methods to independently process information and convey knowledge
• Transferability: Applying expert knowledge to hypothetical scenarios, such as the discovery of new elements

Target Audience and Level: High School

Objective: This workbook explores a historical and materials-science phenomenon: the production of casein, an early milk-based bioplastic. Students work as a team of researchers to investigate how the organic components of liquid cow’s milk can be transformed into a solid plastic through the action of acid.

Content and Methods: The content is conveyed through a combination of historical contextualization, experimental laboratory work, and material analysis: Starting with the question of how a solid material can be produced from milk, students explore the composition of milk and the effect of acids on proteins. They then experimentally extract casein, document the course of the reaction, and examine the properties of the resulting bioplastic. Finally, the results are used in a scientific application to evaluate the historical significance and material properties of casein as an alternative to plastic.

Competencies:

• Technical expertise: Understanding of protein denaturation (acid precipitation of milk protein/casein) and the classification of galalith as a historical bioplastic
• Knowledge acquisition: Planning, conducting, and systematically documenting a preparative organic chemistry experiment (filtration, solid isolation)
• Materials and testing skills: Criteria-based analysis of the physical properties of a self-produced solid
• Argumentation and language skills: Writing a technically sound report using precise scientific explanations

Target audience and level: Middle school

Objective: This worksheet explores the electrochemical fundamentals of galvanic cells and how a lemon battery works in the context of modern, sustainable technology development. Students take on the role of a startup research team to experimentally and ecologically evaluate the suitability of a lemon as an environmentally friendly electrolyte, as well as the efficiency of various electrode pairings.

Content and Methods: The content is taught by combining theoretical fundamentals, experimental data collection, error analysis, and sustainability assessment: First, students explore the structure and functioning of electrochemical cells as well as the underlying redox reactions. They then test their hypotheses in an experiment, document measurement data, and analyze typical sources of error in the laboratory. Finally, they evaluate the performance and sustainability of various materials before summarizing their results in a technical report and a persuasive presentation.

Competencies:

• Technical Competence: Understanding of redox reactions, electrode potentials, and the role of electrolytes in generating electrical power
• Data Analysis: Conducting quantitative electrochemical measurements, systematically comparing variables, and identifying sources of methodological error
• Evaluation Competence: Balancing maximum technical performance with environmental factors (extraction, recycling, toxicity) in the context of sustainable chemistry
• Communication skills: Targeted, audience-oriented presentation of laboratory data for a business analysis or an investor pitch

Target audience and level: Middle School

Objective: The glossary serves to systematically document terminology and knowledge in this subject area. The goal is to foster a solid understanding of key technical terms and to develop the ability to apply them in professional contexts and visually connect them.

Content and Methods: The content is conveyed through precise definitions and the application of that knowledge: First, key technical terms are explored. Learners then deepen their understanding by visually representing relationships in a concept map and by independently writing a text using technical terminology that incorporates the terms they have learned.

Competencies:

• Subject-matter expertise: Proficient use of chemical nomenclature and understanding
• Methodological skills: Ability to organize complex information using concept maps
• Language skills: Writing texts that are linguistically accurate in technical terms to demonstrate a thorough understanding of the subject matter

Target audience and level: Grades 7 and above

Objective: This worksheet uses a fictional criminal case to introduce students to the basics of nuclear chemistry and atomic structure in a playful way. Students examine β⁻ decay using the example of an isotope and learn to quantitatively determine atomic composition and radioactive decay processes based on atomic and mass numbers.

Content and Methods: The material is taught by combining contextual learning, tabular particle analyses, and mathematical methods for describing radioactive processes. The starting point is a fictional case file in which a laboratory investigation is used to develop fundamental questions about nuclear transformations and radiation. Building on this, the isotopes are analyzed in terms of their proton, neutron, and electron counts, and nuclear reaction equations and the principle of β⁻ decay are explored. This is supplemented by a quantitative evaluation of radioactive decay using half-life calculations to determine residual amounts and sample age, before students assess their understanding in a short, summary exit ticket.

Competencies:

• Subject-specific competence: Distinguishing between basic physical and chemical concepts (isotope, atomic number, mass number) and classifying nuclear transformations
• Scientific inquiry: Mathematical modeling of decay processes using half-life functions and deriving nuclear reaction equations
• Communication and Explanation Skills: Simplifying complex atomic processes to suit the audience

Target Audience and Level: Middle School

Objective: The worksheet is structured as a motivating chemistry puzzle (based on the escape room concept). Students assist a professor in the lab in deciphering the mixed-up labels of three unknown liquids/substances (samples A, B, and C) using systematic, experimental identification tests.

Content and Methods: The activity combines theoretical preliminary considerations, experimental analysis, and cooperative quality assurance to investigate various classes of substances in aqueous solution. Students compare solutions/substances, formulate hypotheses about particle behavior, and analyze the samples through experiments. The results are reviewed as part of a peer-review process and subsequently theoretically justified through transfer tasks at the particle level.

Competencies:

• Subject-specific competence: Applying knowledge of substance properties to identify unknown substances
• Knowledge Acquisition: Independently sketching and labeling experimental setups, as well as implementing a qualitative analysis strategy
• Media Competence: Approaching scientific problems
• Language Competence: Formulating a logically consistent detective report using specialized chemical terminology

Target Audience and Level: High school

Objective: The worksheet is structured as a motivating chemistry puzzle (based on the escape room concept). Students assist a professor in the lab in deciphering the mixed-up labels of three unknown liquids (samples A, B, and C) using systematic, experimental identification tests.

Content and Methods: The content is conveyed by combining a digital problem-solving task with qualitative identification experiments: Guided by an audio guide, students gather relevant information and examine the unknown liquids for their solubility, acid-base and redox behavior, and evaporation properties. The results are systematically documented in a lab report and subsequently used to identify the substances in a scientifically grounded final report.

Competencies:

• Subject-Specific Competence: Applying knowledge of material properties (solubility, pH, acid-metal reaction) to identify unknown substances.
• Knowledge Acquisition: Independently sketching and labeling experimental setups, as well as implementing a qualitative analysis strategy.
• Media Competence: Using digital learning elements (QR codes/audio) to approach science-related problems.
• Language Competence: Writing a logically consistent detective report using specialized chemical terminology.

Target Audience and Level: Middle School

Students investigate how artificial intelligence is transforming a specific field, gaining an understanding of both the benefits and challenges of AI. The goal is to develop critical awareness of AI’s capabilities, ethical issues, and the ongoing need for human judgment in decision-making.

Content and Methods:

The worksheet guides students through an exploration of AI in a specific field by examining real-world examples. Students analyze ethical concerns. Methods include comprehension questions, multiple-choice tasks, comparison of benefits and risks, open-ended reflection questions, and a short argumentative essay about AI’s role in that field.

Competencies:

• Understanding technological applications of AI in a real-world professional field
• Critical evaluation of the benefits and risks of AI in that field
• Ethical reasoning about data privacy, bias, and human–machine interaction
• Analytical thinking about the balance between AI capabilities and human expertise
• Argumentative and reflective writing skills

Target Group and Level:

Grade 8 and up.

With the help of the worksheet, learners engage with a film in a structured way in order to develop a deeper understanding and to reflect on and transfer what they have seen.

Contents and methods: 

The worksheet is structured like a brochure and asks questions about the content and further questions about the film. The worksheet ends with a personal evaluation of the film.

Skills:

• Concentrated extraction of information from a visual medium
• Analysis, reflection and transfer of film content

Target group and level:

Grade 7 and above

With the help of the worksheet, learners engage with the content of a film in a structured manner before, during and after viewing it in order to develop a deeper understanding and to reflect on and transfer what they have seen.

Content and methods: 

The worksheet begins by testing prior knowledge of the film. While watching, the pupils complete multiple-choice tasks to actively engage with and consolidate their understanding. After the film, transfer tasks are used for further processing and reflection on the topic.

Skills:

• Activating and building on prior knowledge
• Concentrated extraction of information from a visual medium
• Analysis, reflection and transfer of film content

Target group and level:

Grade 7 and above