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K–12 teaching and learning · from the UNC School of Education

Chem-speak (introduction to chemical equations)

Students will understand what constitutes a chemical reaction and how chemical equations represent chemical reactions by means of discussion and demonstrations.

A lesson plan for grades 9–12 Science

By Brenda Rock

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Learning outcomes

Students will identify chemical changes and write balanced chemical equations.

Teacher planning

Time required for lesson

80 minutes

Materials/resources

  • molecular model kit
  • 250 milliliter beakers
  • balance
  • graduated cylinder
  • acetic acid
  • ammonium chloride
  • barium hydroxide octahydrate
  • sodium bicarbonate
  • sucrose
  • concentrated sulfuric acid
  • barium chloride
  • dilute sulfuric acid

Technology resources

  • CBL System /temperature probe by Texas Instruments
  • graphing calculator
  • graphical analysis program by Vernier

Pre-activities

Students should be familiar with the CBL and graphing calculators, and be able to write chemical formulas.

Activities

  1. Key terms on overhead: reactant, product, coefficient, endothermic, exothermic, precipitate.
  2. Instructor will demonstrate:
    • acetic acid (vinegar) reacting with sodium bicarbonate (baking soda)
    • sucrose reacting with sulfuric acid
    • ammonium chloride reacting with barium hydroxide oxyhydrate
    • barium chloride reacting with sulfuric acid
  3. Use CBL temperature probe and graphing calculator to record and chart temperature change in reaction between ammonium chloride and barium hydroxide oxyhydrate.
  4. After each reaction, students identify any indicators of a chemical reaction—color change, energy change, odor change and evolution of gas.
  5. Instructor writes word equations for each of the four demonstrations and then translates into “chem speak” (i.e. writes chemical equations).
  6. Demonstration with molecular model kit of molecular structure of ethyne, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and water.
  7. Write word equation for reaction of ethyne burning in oxygen to produce carbon dioxide and water. Have students translate into “chem-speak.”
  8. Have students check to see if the Law of Conservation of Mass has been observed.
  9. Ask students to offer solutions for solving this problem.
  10. Instructor leads students through balancing equation using coefficients.
  11. Students use molecular model kit to rearrange the atoms to form CO2 and 2 H2O.
  12. Worksheet with eight equations to be balanced.

Assessment

  • feedback during discussions
  • correct completion of equations worksheet

Supplemental information

Attachments:

North Carolina curriculum alignment

Science (2005)

Grade 9–12 — Chemistry

  • Goal 5: The learner will develop an understanding of chemical reactions.
    • Objective 5.01: Evaluate various types of chemical reactions:
      • Analyze reactions by types: single replacement, double replacement (including acid-base neutralization) , decomposition, synthesis, and combustion including simple hydrocarbons.
      • Predict products.
    • Objective 5.02: Evaluate the Law of Conservation of Matter.
      • Write and balance formulas and equations.
      • Write net ionic equations.
    • Objective 5.03: Identify the indicators of chemical change:
      • Formation of a precipitate.
      • Evolution of a gas.
      • Color change.
      • Absorption or release of heat.

  • North Carolina Essential Standards

    • Science (2010)

      • Chemistry

        • Chm.2.2 Analyze chemical reactions in terms of quantities, product formation, and energy. Chm.2.2.1 Explain the energy content of a chemical reaction. Chm.2.2.2 Analyze the evidence of chemical change. Chm.2.2.3 Analyze the Law of Conservation of Matter and...