Last week was a busy week. We reviewed and then took the Unit 2 Test. We learned about physical and chemical changes. We studied reaction equations, learned how to draw pictures of the reactions, and even learned about synthesis, decomposition, and replacement.

This week we will take a pause to practice what we have learned. We will complete a four day lab called “Where’s the Evidence?” where students will be creating their own chemical reactions. Each day, students will look at a different reaction and practice all of the above skills. They will look for our four clues, classify the reactions, draw pictures, etc. The entire lab, Pages 304-310 will be due on Monday. If you missed class, you can see our first reaction (washing soda + hydrochloric acid) in the video below.

November 9 – Where’s the Evidence Day 1 (pg304)
November 9 – Day 1 Post-Lab (pg305)

In today’s CRotD, Mr. A burned a balloon full of hydrogen. It didn’t go exactly as planned. Nevertheless, the reaction was a great example to use for yesterday’s topic: chemical reaction equations and how to draw before-and-after pictures.

During the reaction, two H₂ molecules split because of the added heat, and when the atoms reformed we were left with pure H₂O. Who knew fire could make water?

We used this example to introduce the three main types of chemical reactions. Synthesis is where molecules are put together. Decomposition is where molecules are broken down. And replacement is where elements are simply switched around. In the example above, you are building water molecules out of three smaller pieces, so it is classified as a synthesis reaction. After discussing this example, students practiced classifying reactions and drawing the corresponding pictures.

November 6 – The Three Types of Reactions (pg303)

Today we began with a very simple and fundamental question. What is a chemical reaction?

An everyday, physical change is when you simply change the appearance of an object. For example, imagine ripping a piece of paper in half. On the other hand, a chemical reaction is when you change an object’s chemical formula. It can be as stunning as a fireworks display or as boring as watching a plant grow. In any case, there are actual changes to the chemistry of the objects; the actual atoms are being broken apart and put back together.

In class today, we saw our first example of a chemical reaction (the Blue Bottle). We also began to classify real-world changes as physical or chemical by looking for four clues: color change, temperature change, bubbling, and light. If an experiment produces one of more of these clues, there’s a good bet it could involve a chemical reaction!

November 4 – Physical vs. Chemical Changes (pg301)

Today marks the end of Unit 2: Basic Chemistry. Students took the Unit 2 Test, which included questions ranging from finding the number of neutrons in a Beryllium atom to diagnosing and treating a patient who accidentally inhaled helium.

Overall the students did well. Tomorrow we will start one of the most exciting, and one of my favorite units of the year: Unit 3 – Chemical Reactions.

With our Unit 2 test coming up tomorrow, students used today as a review day. We played a few quick rounds of Trashketball and then began work on our Unit 2 Study Guides. Remember everyone, all of the answers to the study guide should be found in your binders or on the website!

November 2 – Unit 2 Study Guide (pg220)

Today was the final day of the Playing Doctor project. Students had to finish their Medical Reports in class or take them home to finish for homework over the weekend. They were also instructed to add backstories, add color, and include pictures or diagrams. Some students who finished early also began work on their Unit 2 Study Guides; the unit test will be on Tuesday, November 3rd.

October 29-30 – Playing Doctor Medical Report (pg219)

Today, students finally got back the results from the Playing Doctor project. Each patient came back as either “Cured,” “No change,” or “Dead.” And results were mixed. We then discussed what the correct prescription would have been for each patient and why.

Students then began to write Medical Reports to document their experience. The report must include a separate page for each patient their hospital treated. They will have today and tomorrow to work on their reports. Final drafts must be finished over the weekend.

October 29-30 – Playing Doctor Medical Report (pg219)