Balancing Chemical Equations Inquiry Lesson with a Quick Lab Activity and Manipulatives
This inquiry lesson starts with a quick lab activity in which students will prove the Law of Conservation of Mass, and develop an understanding for how it relates to the balanced chemical equation. Then students will use the colorful compound and ion cards to “lay out” balanced equations complete with coefficients.
Students will see that the compounds are balanced as a whole (subscripts can not be changed), and discover that polyatomic ions can be balanced together as a group.
This inquiry activity is a great way to start off the reactions/equations unit by dealing with common misconceptions from the start. Students will develop a strong understanding of the balanced equation and how it works before they even begin balancing equations. My students think back to this activity many times as they work through balancing equations.
***THIS LESSON IS INCLUDED IN TWO DIFFERENT BUNDLES***
Chemical Reactions Lesson Bundle
Chemical Reactions Mega Unit Bundle
included in this packet:
~Quick Lab Inquiry (Law of Conservation of Mass)
~Balancing Equations Inquiry Activity with Manipulatives
~Activity Directions for each group (two pages)
~Student Answer Sheet with Key (two pages)
~Compound/Ion Models Manipulatives (five pages)
~Teacher Notes & Tips (2 pages)
You will want to save this lesson and use it for years to come!
Chemistry Corner
Check out these other products that you may be interested in:
Balancing Chemical Equations Task Cards
Chemical Reactions: A Lesson Including Lab and Teacher Demos