The Falcons Lair: Grade 8 Exploration of Chemical Engineering

This school year, Grade 8 students dived into the world of chemical engineering through the 'Falcons Lair' challenge. Inspired by television shows such as ‘Shark Tank’ and ‘Dragons' Den’, this Unit of Inquiry asked students to create working prototypes of products that solve real-world problems using chemical reactions.

The project kicked off back in November 2024, with students building their first prototypes before the holidays. In the new year, they focused on improving their designs, doing more research, and practising their presentations. Each group pitched their invention to a jury of Middle School teachers - the 'Falcons' - who gave honest and constructive feedback. Working without a script, students not only had to explain the science behind their ideas, but also present a business plan with pricing and profit margins. To make their pitches feel real, the teams even created company logos and business cards.

"The goal was to make it as real as possible. If the idea wasn’t good, the Falcons didn’t invest. It pushed the students to think critically - not just about the science, but also how their ideas could work in the real world."
Aaron Foster, MS Science Teacher

Eighteen groups came up with a variety of creative products. Highlights included a stain remover that used the pH scale to tackle tough stains, a glow-in-the-dark toothbrush holder made with 3D printing, and a cooling pad that stayed cold thanks to a clever chemical reaction. Other teams designed heated insoles for shoes and an invisible ink pen that revealed hidden writing using washing soda (sodium carbonate).

"It's amazing to see our students confidently present their ideas and make complex science easy to understand."
Amy Garrett, ES Technology & Innovation Coach

Two groups even took their inventions beyond the Falcons Lair. They presented their products to Grade 5 students, who were also learning about pH levels as part of their ‘Sharing the Planet’ Unit of Inquiry focusing on water sources and quality. It was a fantastic opportunity for a real world connection to an audience who was curious and excited to learn from Middle School students. Their engaging product demonstrations helped bring the concept of pH levels to life for the Grade 5 students, and they had many thoughtful questions.

"The demo was harder in front of the class than the panel of judges, but it really helped us refine our presentation skills."
Grade 8 ‘Falcons Lair’ entrepreneur

Led by Middle School Science Teacher Mr. Foster, the Falcons Lair challenge mixed science with business acumen, giving students a real-world learning experience. Through this hands-on project, Grade 8 students didn't just learn about chemistry, they also practised problem-solving, public speaking, and business skills. Whether pitching to the Falcons or sharing their work with younger students, these budding scientists showed creativity, resilience, and a knack for connecting classroom learning to the real world.