I adapted the http://espace.bsu.edu/akhouck/2015/10/08/find-me-a-solution-please/ lab from Chemistry II for the Chemistry I students to use as a lab in preparation for the end of unit lab practical exam that some students had chosen to take.  Aside from reinforcing solution chemistry calculations, this lab offered more in class practice using volumetric glassware and their associated techniques.  A problem arose when each lab group required 3 volumetric flasks and our room only had a total of 12 flasks available for use.  In order to circumvent extra large lab groups, but still keep students engaged, I composed a nine question problem set involving molarity, molality and dilution caluclations.  In order to solve the problems, students had to answer riddles and find clues hidden around our room.  At each location students solved a particular problem and then moved on to find a the next clue to solve.

The riddles included:

This is the place to go

If the teachers need a rest

Or a student must make up a test

You enter 208 through one door

But did you know there is one more?

Head here and find a way to increase your score

Safety is key

Really, it’s the only way to be

So this is the best place to do chemistry

You’re in chemistry and that’s cool

But there’s another class offered here at school

Where Newton reins king

And this is where we keep his things

This is where we make

your solutions so great

Go head to the back…. Don’t hesitate!

This activity aligns with InTASC 3’s learning environment status and InTASC 8’s planning for instruction, which works in tandem with HLP 6.  I really enjoyed planning for this lesson because it allowed me to use my creativity, which was something that I hadn’t done since the beginning of the unit.  I also like that both projects were student led ones that I had generated and I felt like I could adequately monitor two activities at once.