When our Chemistry I classes were initially studying the unit of the mole, I wanted to find an activity using real life materials to further relate the mole concept. Initially I thought of using aluminum foil, and found a quality control lab that I liked, so I modified it to include mass measurements and mole conversions. Click here for the complete file download of this activity.
Although we did not have time to complete this lab before the end of the unit and Fall Break, I hope to use it in my classroom next year. I like that this activity allows for use of common materials and items that students would find in their daily lives and also helps explain the cost difference between different types of the same item.
InTASC standards 4-5-7-8 are covered during this activity. Content knowledge and application of it were demonstrated by using the mole concept and applying it to real-life. This lab activity was modified and generated in response to planning for instruction in an inquiry based way.
HLPs 1-2-6-13-14 were covered as this activity explains core content by asking questions about chemistry standards and it required small group work. Materials and procedures chosen were done so to relay the mole concept to students.