Student teachers at Ball State University are required to complete an in-depth unit long data driven analysis of their student teaching called Learning Assessment Model Project (LAMP). I chose to run the project during the stoichiometry unit. Stoichiometry is a unifying topic of chemistry. It synthesizes previously taught topics of writing chemical formulas, calculating molar masses, performing molar conversions, and balancing chemical reaction equations so that students may apply prior knowledge to its fullest use. Stoichiometry is rigorous and challenging for students. My aim was to make this topic both accessible and useful for my students by relating it to their everyday lives. We chose the stoichiometry unit to run our LAMP project in as most students, except possibly those who have taken integrated chemistry and physics, have no experience with stoichiometry. We wanted to see the direct impact that our teaching had upon students. The following is a summary of the project, its outcome and conclusions drawn from it.
Category Archives: InTASC 8
Solution Riddles
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.
Activity: Conjugate Acid/Base Pairs
Chemistry II students have sat and listened to a lot of lecture here lately, as we have been covering chemical kinetics and equilibria. They have been cooperative, using the quadratic formula and solving problems along the way. However, once we got into weak acid/base equilibria, in particular conjugate acids and bases, I wanted a kinesthetic activity that would get the students up an engaged. That was the genesis of this activity.
Gas Law Demo Day
I started teaching the Gas Law unit lacking inspiration. I have always considered the Gas Laws to be rote and uninspiring. My first period unit opening lesson was less than engaging. After class Mr. Smith asked me how I thought it went I said that it was less than ideal. After some discussion, and finding a vacuum pump, I scrapped my lecture plans in favor of performing Gas Law demonstrations.
Balancing Chemical Reaction Equations Using Beads
Kinesthetic activities are one of my favorite ways to engage students in their learning. We utilized several methods in modeling the art of balancing chemical reaction equations, but one of my favorite activities was balancing reactions using beads.
Continue reading Balancing Chemical Reaction Equations Using Beads
Science Behind the Thanksgiving Day Table
Oftentimes, the last school day before a break is a day of lost instruction. My goal in forestalling this before Thanksgiving was to plan a lesson based around the science of things found on a Thanksgiving Day table. Continue reading Science Behind the Thanksgiving Day Table
Problem-Based Learning: Unit Plan
Students complain that school isn’t relatable. Employers complain that we don’t generate problem solvers. Problem Based Learning answers the complexities of both of these issues in one fell swoop, all the while being aligned to state curriculum standards.
Alexandria received a grant of $335,000 from the state of Indiana as part of the Hardest Hit Fund Blight Elimination Program to help with the demolition of eyesore properties around town. The question remains: was this a good deal for the city? A slideshow outlining the entire project may be viewed at: https://www.emaze.com/@AFRWRLTW/razed-and-rising
Find Me a Solution, Please
The origin of this activity stemmed from myself graduating with a degree in chemistry, without ever calculating or making a 1.0 M solution. I felt that this was a disservice to myself, and vowed that my students wouldn’t have the same experience.
Celebrating 10/23: Mole Day Activities
October 23 is recognized and celebrated by chemists worldwide as a day of celebration for the unit of measure specific to our field: the mole. We voted to spend the day doing activities reinforcing the mole concept. A link to the full list of activities from that day may be found here.
Quality Control of Al Foil Inquiry Lab
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.