A question set about an effervescent antacid formulation unpacks what is occurring both qualitatively and quantitatively. The student will review and apply formulas, balanced equations, percentage elemental compositions, mass-mass calculations, mole-mole calculations, theoretical yield, and limiting reagent.
"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. Topics covered include formula stoichiometry, percentage composition, empirical and molecular formulas and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry.
A variety of resources are available for chemistry faculty interested in incorporating lessons and activities around art and archeology. Find out what they are in this follow up post from the inaugural ChemEd X virtual Journal Club held April 2022.
This flipbook activity helps students to identify and solve problems involving empirical formulas, molecular formulas and percent composition while also helping them see how they are related to each other.
The two-page instruction sheet that accompanies the Luster Leaf Rapitest© Soil Test Kit could be a useful curriculum resource for chemistry teachers for generating discussion about the key aspects of the content or for helping students practice close reading skills. This article will briefly describe the contents of the instruction sheet and suggest possible uses in the general chemistry curriculum by posing questions for students to answer or consider.
Whenever possible, I try to begin a topic with something my students are familar with. For the introduction of Percent Composition in my general chemistry course, I brought in bags of Oreo cookies. Seeing the bags upon entering class was a great attention getter. If you are looking for ways to add more inquiry to your chemistry course, this a an example of how you can experiment with giving up a little control. Try it and see how it goes.
