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The first lesson of Topic 3 consisted of testing different elements conductivity in water and color when we burned them. To test the conductivity we put our battery conductors in water with the element inside and if the conductor made a noise it meant that it was conductive. The picture to your left shows our second test where we burned the elements to try to guess what they were based on their flame color. The ultimate lesson we learned was that covalent bonds are not conductive while ionic bonds are conductive when mixed with water.
For the second lesson of this chapter we put our knowledge to the test to try and determine each covalent compound through the combination of different substances. On a large piece of saran wrap we divided and tested each combination of the substances we were given. Using a chart, we were looking for certain color changes for each combination. At the end of the lab we determined what each substance was using a list of color changes and possible combinations. This lab ultimately helped us understand how bonding works and how covalent bonds act when bonding.
Our third lesson consisted of organic chemistry and diving into what certain elements look like and how they act. We built models and drew tattoos of the chemical compounds of elements such as serotonin to your left. In addition, we learned how to draw the molecular geometry for chemical formulas by memorizing the different shapes through a series of yoga positions led by Sonoma Academy's very own, Ramsey.
Lastly, we used our knowledge of molecular geometry to build virtual reality models of certain compounds using sketchfab.com. Although this lesson was conceptually the hardest for me, I enjoyed learning about covalent and ionic bonds and what makes them different. I studied hard for the test and was relieved when I got it back and got nearly a perfect grade for the whole thing. I look forward to using the information I've learned for the rest of our lessons together as honors chemistry students.
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