Make arrangements for student use of the school computer lab and/or media center for research. Provide materials and safety procedures related to the experiments.

The following Internet resources may provide relevant information. Review resources prior to teaching the lesson in order to direct and aid student research.
Chemistry Core Experiments
Internet Resources
Science Safety
The Chem Team
2002 Olympic Winter Sports

Discuss the following with the students
Athletes that participate in winter sports may experience frostbite caused by the extreme cold of frigid winter conditions in the mountains. Other athletes who compete in summer sports have to protect themselves from heat exhaustion and dehydration. Chemists have been very instrumental in producing products to protect athletes from these potentially dangerous conditions.

Chemical reactions can be used to produce technology for athletes and outdoor enthusiasts to protect themselves from extreme temperatures. When heat is released in a chemical change it is called an exothermic reaction. Exothermic reactions release energy in the form of heat or light. An example is combustion. Endothermic reactions absorption energy comes from the surroundings. An example of an endothermic reaction is a solution of ammonium nitrate in water. Physical changes may also require energy to be added or given off. Melting and evaporation are examples of physical changes that involve energy.

Use the Internet or other resources to find out more about exothermic and endothermic reactions. Have students include research found on products that have been developed by chemists to provide protection from extreme heat and cold. Make a concept map of the above research.

Use the Internet or other resources to find an experiment that can be conducted at school that demonstrates exothermic and endothermic reactions.

Use the Internet or other resources to find more about the history of at least three different types of equipment (such as skis) used at the Olympic Winter Games.

Make a timeline or chart of improvements made to the equipment. Explain how chemistry relates to the improvements made.

Students will:

Find out more about one of the above Olympic events. Using exothermic or endothermic reactions, develop your own product specific to that sport. Explain the benefits of the device in a technical paper. Be sure to include the formula for the chemical reaction involved. Design a one-page ad for your product. Share your invention with the class.

Relate exothermic and endothermic reactions to the law of conservation of energy. Describe the energy flow in examples of these reactions.

Using exothermic or endothermic reactions develop a product specific to a certain sport. Explain the benefits of the device in a technical paper. Design a one-page ad for the above product.