Overview
This lesson is an activity using molecular model kits to balance chemical reactions. Students will build reactants, then disassemble the reactants to build products. Students are also asked to draw models of the overall balanced reactions on their handouts. After students understand balancing they will be provided with basic notes on a preferred element order to balance equations.
Standards
Next Generation Science Standards
- Physical Science
- [HS-PS1] Matter and its Interactions
- NGSS Practice
- Using Mathematics
- NGSS Crosscutting Concept
- Energy
Computational Thinking in STEM
- Data Practices
- Analyzing Data
- Modeling and Simulation Practices
- Assessing Computational Models
- Using Computational Models to Understand a Concept
- Systems Thinking Practices
- Defining Systems and Managing Complexity
- Thinking in Levels
- Understanding the Relationships within a System
Credits
Unit designed by Carole Namowicz a teacher at Lindblom.
Activities
- 1. Please proceed
Student Directions and Resources
The Law of Conservation of Mass states: that mass is neither created nor destroyed in any chemical reaction. Therefore balancing equations requires the same number of atoms on both sides of a chemical reaction. The number of atoms in the reactants must equal the number of atoms in the products.
You will use molecular model kits to help you balance equations. You will begin by building reactants then disassembling them to build the products. If you have any atoms of the reactants left, you must go back and adjust the number of reactant molecules in such a way that none of the atoms are left over after you build the products.
After completing the activity you will be provided with basic notes on a preferred element order to balance equations.
You will need the following resources to complete this assignment.
1. Please proceed
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