By Trilby
Are you looking for an engaging and hands-on chemistry for middle schoolers activity? The DIY Cold Pack STEM Challenge is the perfect way to introduce students to chemical reactions, endothermic processes, and real-world applications of science. In this middle school chemistry project, students will explore how chemical reactions can absorb heat and create an instant ice pack—just like the ones used for injuries!
Teachers, are you short on time? Grab a done-for-you Cold Pack Project here.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. This means I get a commission if you decide to purchase through my links at no cost to you.
The Science Behind the DIY Cold Pack
This activity demonstrates an endothermic reaction, where a chemical process absorbs heat from its surroundings, causing a temperature drop. Commercial instant ice packs use this principle to provide quick cooling without the need for refrigeration. By using safe and accessible materials, students will recreate this effect and investigate how different substances affect the reaction.
Materials List
To facilitate this chemistry STEM project, gather the following materials:
- Resealable plastic bags (snack size and quart size)
- Water
- Vinegar
- Baking soda
- Calcium chloride (ice melt)
- 3 oz plastic cups
- Measuring spoons
- Graduated cylinders
- Timer or stopwatch
- Thermometers
- Paper and pencil for recording observations
Click here to add the materials to your Amazon shopping cart.
DIY Cold Pack STEM Challenge Instructions
Your students will apply the engineering design process to design, build, and test their own cold packs.
Step 1: Define the Problem
The school nurse is running low on ice packs, and we need to create a DIY cold pack to help replenish the supply! Students will design a cost-effective, efficient cold pack using chemical reactions to achieve the best cooling effect. Introduce the materials available and outline the project’s criteria and constraints, such as size, cooling duration, or reusability.
Step 2: Research & Brainstorm
Before designing, students will explore key scientific concepts:
- Thermal energy transfer: How does heat move between substances?
- Endothermic vs. exothermic reactions: Which type absorbs heat and causes cooling?
- Cold pack chemistry: What common chemicals create an endothermic reaction?
After researching, students brainstorm potential materials and reaction combinations for their DIY ice packs.
Step 3: Plan & Design
Students will sketch a detailed design plan, select materials, and predict how their cold pack will work. They must create a materials list and describe their step-by-step procedure. Before proceeding, teachers review and approve their plans, ensuring feasibility and safety.
Step 4: Build & Test the Prototype
Students construct their cold pack and immediately measure the starting temperature. They activate the reaction and record temperature changes over a set time interval to assess effectiveness.
Step 5: Analyze & Improve
Each group will evaluate their prototype by considering:
- How much the temperature dropped
- How long the cold pack stayed cool
- Any leaks, structural issues, or safety concerns
They discuss potential improvements, such as using different chemical ratios, insulation, or packaging adjustments.
Step 6: Iterate & Optimize
Based on their analysis, students refine their design and build a second prototype. They retest, comparing results to their first model to determine improvements.
Step 7: Present Findings
Students present their best-performing cold pack to the class, explaining the science behind their design, their data, and how they improved their prototype. A final discussion can highlight real-world applications, such as how commercial ice packs work.
Why this Chemistry Project is Perfect for Middle Schoolers
This DIY Cold Pack challenge makes chemistry for middle schoolers interactive and applicable to everyday life. It encourages curiosity, hands-on experimentation, and critical thinking – key elements of STEM learning. Plus, it’s a great way to address NGSS Performance Expectation MS-PS1-6 and reinforce science and engineering practices in an exciting and memorable way!
Want a Ready-to-Go Version of This Chemistry Project?
If you love this DIY Cold Pack STEM Challenge but want to save time on planning, I’ve got you covered!
My complete project bundle includes:
- Student-friendly worksheets to guide research, brainstorming, and data collection
- Detailed teacher instructions for smooth implementation
- Lesson slides to introduce key concepts and facilitate discussion
- Rubrics and reflection prompts to assess student learning
Make hands-on STEM learning easy and engaging—grab your copy here and bring this exciting chemistry challenge to your classroom with minimal prep!
