Chemistry

[]

Here's a guide to help students learn how to write lab reports and scientific papers. While there are many ways write a lab report, this manual incorporates the main features and conventions of scientific writing style.


 * Periodic trends Brainiac!** - A lot of fun for high school only. Shows trends in reactivity as we go down the alkali metals (group 1 elements). They blow up a bathtub with metallic rubidium and cesium thrown into water.

[]

I use this one when we have a shortened period. It challenges students to observe and describe what they see. Kids tend to want to say stuff like "The candle gives off carbon dioxide." True, but that is not an observation! I turn the lights out and put on mellow music while they look at the candle. They like this.

Here's a pretty nice periodic table. Also a good puzzle. I have students work in pairs and make a CONTEST out of the puzzle. Yes, they love contests! Contests for bonus points, candy, CHS key chains ...

Learning the symbols for the elements can be really boring. I made up a couple of PP that provides opportunities for discussion of how we use the elements. The Power Point also provides a "visual hook" to remember the elements and symbols.

A lab safety quiz.

Here's a pretty good lab for Boyle's law using Vernier equipment.

For high school: difference between accuracy and precision. Students like the archery metaphor.

Here's a PP on chemical equipment and glassware. You may want to modify it based on grade level and need.

Here's the isotope simulation using M&Ms (Element "Eminemium") along with a discussion about weighted average and how atomic mass is determined. Also emphasizes the difference between mass number of an atom and atomic mass.

I've attached a Power Point on LAB SAFETY. It's serious but incorporates a little humor.