Investigating catalysts and what sank the Kursk

In this set of activities, students learn about catalysts and their effects on chemical reactions while investigating what happened to the Kursk submarine. Suitable for 11–16 year olds, the resources draw on contemporary sources for context and feature activities ranging from practical experiments to investigative exercises and report writing. Motivate and engage your students while exploring:

• Key events and evidence about the sinking of the Kursk submarine
• The properties and uses of hydrogen peroxide
• The decomposition of hydrogen peroxide
• How catalysts affect reaction rates

Each activity includes instructions for students, as well as editable worksheets and resources available for download.

1. Analysing the accident

Summary

Students read a short introduction to the Kursk submarine disaster and learn that they will be playing the role of scientists investigating the mystery of ‘What sank the Kursk?’. They begin their investigation by analysing data collected at a seismic monitoring station at the time of the accident, answering a series of questions designed to draw out the key points.

Additional resources, including ‘Did you know about seismology?’ and  ‘What type of seismic disturbance was recorded?’, give students the opportunity to explore seismology and seismic data in more detail.

A ‘News timeline’ provides information about the key events surrounding the accident.

2. Which catalyst? Decomposing hydrogen peroxide

Summary

This resource includes activities based on a practical experiment, exploring the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide and the effect of different catalysts on the rate of reaction. Students conduct experiments to investigate which compound has the greatest catalytic effect on the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide. They then answer questions to reflect on their results. The worksheet also includes a variety of questions for investigation which can be used to develop the basic experiment.

A related demonstration to use alongside this experiment is available as part of the Assessment for Learning lesson plan.

3. Peroxide power in torpedoes

Summary

Students read three reports covering the use of high test peroxide (HTP) in torpedoes in relation to the Kursk and a Royal Navy submarine, HMS Sidon, which sank in 1955. They then answer a series of questions, reflecting on why the HMS Sidon sank and what connects the two accidents.

4. Report: What sank the Kursk?

Summary

Students write a report for a media organisation describing what sank the Kursk submarine. To help them write the report, students draw on their work throughout the other activities in this series, including their analysis of seismic data, their experiments with hydrogen peroxide and their conclusions from reading reports about the torpedoes carried by the Kursk.