Chemistry

Chemistry is often called the central science because it connects and explains so much of the world around us. From the air we breathe to the food we eat, chemistry plays a role in everything because everything is made of atoms, the fundamental building blocks of matter.

In this course, students begin by exploring atomic structure and the periodic table to understand how atoms behave. From there, they investigate how atoms bond and interact to form the substances that make up our world. Along the way, students engage in hands-on experiments, collaborative projects, and guided inquiry to bring chemical concepts to life.

Playing in class

Chemistry can feel intimidating at first, so I make it a priority to create a welcoming, inclusive environment where all students feel capable of success. I emphasize the fun in chemistry without compromising academic rigor. Students work collaboratively to explore fascinating chemical phenomena and engage in interactive activities that reinforce key concepts.

One popular activity is our Chemistry Set Building Game, where students use Lewis dot structure cards to build molecules and compete for points. Through games like this, students develop a deeper understanding of concepts while staying motivated and connected to their peers.

Projects

Projects in chemistry give students an opportunity to express their creative side and opinions as well as research topics that interest them. A few of our projects are highlighted below.

Periodic Table Flip Book

Periodic Table Flipbook Project

One of the first projects my chemistry students tackle is creating a periodic table flipbook. This is a hands-on way to build familiarity with periodic trends while allowing time for reflection and a bit of fun.

Students begin by assembling the structure: cardstock folded in half for the front and back covers, a blank sheet folded in half to create the self-written introduction and key. Using this provided template, they then create two versions of the periodic table: one illustrating the element families and another focused on electronegativity trends.

The flipbook format helps them visualize patterns and make meaningful connections between periodic patterns and concepts they're learning in class. They use this resource throughout the year.

Nuclear Energy

Nclear Energy Project

In this collaborative project, students work in small groups to explore the science and societal impact of nuclear power.

They begin with a lesson on evaluating sources and effective internet research techniques, then dive into research on nuclear fission, how it generates electricity, and the environmental and political debates surrounding nuclear energy.

Each group creates a persuasive product, either a poster, pamphlet, newspaper article, or video, designed to inform their local community and advocate for or against the construction of a nuclear power plant. They make an argument from evidence using the Claim, Evidence, Reasoning framework.

Chemical Reaction Cars

Chemical Reaction Car Engineering Challenge

In this hands-on engineering design project, students build and refine simple cars powered by a chemical reaction between baking soda and vinegar. After a brief introduction to Newton’s Third Law and the gas-producing acid-base reaction, students work in pairs to design, build, and test their vehicles using recycled materials.

The cars are launched using the pressure of carbon dioxide gas released during the reaction. Students measure and record their car’s velocity over multiple trials, then analyze their results to guide a second round of redesign.

This challenge blends chemistry, physics, and engineering in a fun and engaging way, while developing skills in data collection, iteration, and problem solving.

The activity was developed based on Chemical Reaction Car Recycled STEM Project by Anne Carey

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