Activities

Co-authored by Thomas Manning*, Teighlor Livingston* *Valdosta State University, Valdosta, GA

One of my goals for my chemistry classes at the beginning of the year is to start with an engaging activity that is hands on and minds on. I hope for an activity that will meet the kids where they are at. I try for an activity that will not only engage them but try to set the tone for the year. I think I may have stumbled upon something t

The following demonstration is, in my humble opinion, the most important Chemistry demonstration, if not the most important science demonstration. It lays the foundation for what science is all about: proper experiments, properly carried out, properly interpreted.

This is a procedure for a titration experiment suitable for use both at home and in supervised high school or first-year college laboratory settings. Other than an inexpensive pH meter, all materials should be easily available for students to purchase at local stores.

Elmer’s Disappearing Purple Glue is a standard school supply in most K-12 classrooms. Many students are familiar with its bright purple color that disappears as it dries on their school projects. 

After an introduction to atomic structure, the next unit in my interactive notebook is on the Periodic Table. We explore the vocabulary and patterns on the periodic table, and examine how electrons tie into those patterns.

"Who Poisoned Veronica Merriweather?" is a fun application of formula stoichiometry for students who are placed in the role of a CSI lab sleuth helping to interpret chemical data to identify a murderer.

By the time we get into the atomic structure portion of my class, things are well under way. The students know me and my expectations, I have learned their names, and we have our classroom dance well-choreographed. This unit is short in terms of the notebook – just a two page spread. But these two pages contain a lot of information.

Once the school year has gotten into full swing, and procedures in lab and with interactive notebooks (INBs) have been established, I begin the chemistry content in my class with learning about matter and how we describe it.

Ah, sweet summertime. The time when teachers are torn between relaxing and recharging, and beginning to do planning for next year in hopes of feeling more prepared for the school year.