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HS-PS1 Matter and Its Interactions

Measuring Surface Tension to Investigate Intermolecular Forces

Ben Meacham | Fri, 05/31/2019 - 22:38

Like most concepts in chemistry, intermolecular forces takes a bit of imagination and critical thinking to fully comprehend and apply when explaining a variety of situations. Though demonstrating the presence of these forces in a simple and explicit manner can easily be done, I wanted to change how I introduced IMFs a bit this year by focusing on a more data-to-concepts approach.

Elements, Compounds, and a Vocabulary Card Sort

Ariel Serkin | Thu, 04/11/2019 - 21:28

How many of you could recite, word for word, a definition you learned in school? When you first memorized the definition, you could state “inertia is a property of matter”, or “density is mass over volume.” However, you struggled to apply it to a new situation and maybe you were unsure of how to construct a model of what it meant.

The Blue Butterfly Effect

Tom Kuntzleman | Mon, 01/28/2019 - 18:59

The June, 2018 issue of the Journal of Chemical Education contains an article that describes a simple, yet fascinating experiment that you and your students are going to love! It involves the use of butterfly wings from the genus Morpho. I obtained some of these wings and enjoyed experimenting with them. You will too!

Review Lab - Better than a Worksheet

Chad Husting | Tue, 01/01/2019 - 07:20

It can be difficult to engage students in reviewing for semester exams by using worksheets or practicing problems on the whiteboard. If you are looking to change up your review plans, you might consider using a lab activity that provides opportunity to revisit many of the topics that need to be covered.

Silver Plated Bulbs

Deanna Cullen | Mon, 12/19/2016 - 13:16

I have used several different versions of the Silver Mirror or Tollen's Test lab. I am sharing the method that has proven to be the most reliable for me. The solutions should be made fresh, the directions must be followed closely and timing is very important. I like the fact that relatively small amounts of the chemicals are required, but as always you must be vigilant with safety precautions. 

Stoichiometry Fireworks Lab Quiz

DAVID LICATA | Mon, 11/03/2014 - 21:39

Given the amount of one reactant, students must use stoichiometry to find the ideal amount of the second reagent to use to create purple fireworks. The teacher ignites each groups' fireworks. Ideal mixture create little or no ash. Student assignment sheet with directions (and different initial amounts) plus teacher information and sample answers are included. This is an exciting and engaging activity that can be used as a stoichiometry quiz.

Trend Setter Lab

Deanna Cullen | Wed, 10/10/2012 - 11:57

Students will proceed through a pre-lab engagement activity, organize element cards based on similarities & trends, discuss trends with the class and then produce a periodic table that includes the trends discussed within the lab.