Activities

ChemEd X activities are student-centered resources intended to aid learning chemistry topics.

ChemEd X encourages engaging activities where students (with guidance from the teacher) pose questions, analyze data, and make observations to offer a plausible explanation supported by data and consistent with physical observations.

by David Licata
Tue, 11/04/2014 - 20:09

This worksheet is intended to be used as a "Guided Instructional Activity" (GIA). It asks students to find the molar mass of selected elements and write the molar mass as two equivalent fractions ("conversion factors") and as an equality. It is designed to help develop good habits in representing molar mass and other conversion factors, and to emphasize the idea that a conversion factor has a numerator and denominator that "name" identical quantities using different measures.

Recent activity: 9 months 2 days ago
by 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.

Comments: 9
Recent activity: 9 months 2 days ago
by David Licata
Wed, 10/29/2014 - 21:41

Students combine sodium carbonate and hydrochloric acid generating carbon dioxide gas which is allowed to escape. They measure the actual yield of carbon dioxide produced (missing mass), calculate the theoretical yield using stoichiometry, and then the percent yield. Students understand that 100% yield is the most appropriate answer (based on the Law of Conservation of Mass), so after considering the meaning of significant figures and the uncertainty of their measurements they are asked to decide if they did (or did not) get an answer that might indicate the validity of the Law.

Recent activity: 9 months 2 days ago
by Shelly Belleau
Mon, 07/14/2014 - 17:43

This POGIL- Like density activity is suitable for online instruction.

Recent activity: 9 months 2 days ago
by Deanna Cullen
Tue, 04/29/2014 - 17:23

Endothermic and exothermic reactions and processes are a common topic in chemistry class. This activity provides examples that can be done with household materials.

Recent activity: 9 months 2 days ago
by Deanna Cullen
Mon, 04/28/2014 - 13:10

Make ice cream in a baggie to emphasize energy changes, direction of energy transfer, dissolution and colligative properties.

Recent activity: 9 months 2 days ago
by Michael Morgan
Thu, 03/20/2014 - 13:55

Suitable for Online Instruction: An independent study on the chemistry topic of coordination compounds and complex ions suitable for AP Chemistry and first-year college chemistry students is presented. Originally published 3/20/2014.

Recent activity: 9 months 2 days ago
by Michael Morgan
Wed, 03/19/2014 - 13:43

This laboratory exercise accompanies the article "A guided group inquiry lesson on coordination compounds and complex ions". The laboratory serves as part of an extended exercise on the chemistry topic of coordination compounds and complex ions. The entire lesson as described in the article also exposes students to how chemical research is conducted and the conflicts and uncertainties that lead to new theories and discoveries.

Recent activity: 9 months 2 days ago
by Deanna Cullen
Wed, 01/15/2014 - 17:23

I expect that most high school chemistry teachers assign some type of laboratory related to types of chemical reactions including synthesis, decomposition, single replacement and double replacement reactions. I have used several published versions, but I am sharing my modifications. 

Comments: 4
Recent activity: 9 months 2 days ago
by Tom Kuntzleman
Thu, 12/05/2013 - 09:12

I have my students use Orbital Viewer when learning about quantum numbers and their associated rules, electronic orbitals, and other quantum concepts.  I have developed a worksheet that allows students to use Orbital Viewer to explore various concepts related to electronic orbitals. 

Recent activity: 9 months 2 days ago