Set the Scene:
Let’s start with some engaging questions to connect your everyday life to the subject of gunpowder. Please consider the following:
- Have you ever seen a fireworks display or used a firework? What do you think makes them explode?
- Have you watched any movies or series that feature guns or cannons? How do you think they work?
- Do you know anyone who works with chemicals or explosives? What kind of safety precautions do they take?
- Have you ever heard of the term “gunpowder” before? What comes to mind when you hear it?
- How do you think the invention of gunpowder has impacted our world today?
Featured Image Analysis & Prediction:
Look at the featured image and describe what you see. What do you think this activity will be about based on this image? Please consider the following questions:
- What objects or elements do you see in the image?
- How do you think these objects or elements relate to gunpowder?
- What do you think the activity will cover based on the image?
Introduction:
Please read the introduction to the activity, which covers the basics of gunpowder, its components, and its history.
Video Engagement:
Watch the video associated with the activity, which can be found at https://maestrocursos.com.br/quizzed-esl-activities/how-is-gunpowder-made/. Please pause the video at the following strategic points and consider the following questions:
- Pause the video when the components of gunpowder are discussed. What are the three primary components of gunpowder? How do they work together to create an explosive substance?
- Pause the video when the history of gunpowder is discussed. Where was gunpowder first discovered? How did it spread to other parts of the world?
- Pause the video when the production of gunpowder is discussed. What are the steps involved in producing gunpowder? How are the ingredients mixed and processed?
Conclusion:
After completing the activity, please reflect on what you have learned. How has your understanding of gunpowder changed? What are some potential applications of gunpowder beyond its military use?
Assessment:
Please complete the vocabulary quiz and grammar quiz to assess your understanding of the material.
Vocabulary Quiz:
- What is the primary role of salt peter in gunpowder?
- A) To serve as the fuel for combustion
- B) To lower the ignition temperature
- C) To act as the oxidizer, providing necessary oxygen for combustion
- D) To enhance the overall efficiency of the explosion
- Where was gunpowder first discovered?
- A) In ancient Europe during the 10th century
- B) Along the Silk Road in the Middle East
- C) In ancient China during the 9th century
- D) In the Americas during the 15th century
- What is the typical proportion of charcoal in gunpowder by weight?
- A) 10%
- B) 75%
- C) 5%
- D) 15%
- What process involves combining the powders of salt peter, charcoal, and sulfur either dry or wet?
- A) Granulation
- B) Corning
- C) Incorporation
- D) Grinding
- What has been a significant non-military use of gunpowder?
- A) Development of firearms and artillery
- B) Mining, construction, and the entertainment industry
- C) Production of sulfur and charcoal
- D) Creation of the Elixir of Life
Grammar Quiz:
- The gunpowder _______ through a series of chemical reactions.
- A) is produced
- B) produces
- C) producing
- D) to produce
- The ingredients _______ into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle.
- A) are grinding
- B) grind
- C) were ground
- D) are ground
- The mixture _______ in a process that can be done either dry or wet.
- A) incorporates
- B) is incorporating
- C) was incorporated
- D) is incorporated
- The gunpowder _______ slightly before being pressed into cakes.
- A) moistens
- B) is moistened
- C) to moisten
- D) moistening
- The knowledge of gunpowder _______ and adapted for various applications.
- A) refines
- B) is refined
- C) refining
- D) to refine