Balancing Chemical Equations- Remix
Balancing Chemical Equations Simulation
Follow the link below to access the Balancing chemical equations simulation from Phet.
https://goopenva.org/courses/balancing-chemical-equations/view
Recommended Student Lesson sheet
By Elise Zimmer
Name_______________________________
Balancing Chemical Equations
Part 1 – Beginning Observations
1) What can you change about the simulation?
Part 2 – Introduction Tab
2) Describe in your own words the purpose of the balance scales and bar charts in the simulation.
3) How do you know if you have a balanced equation?
4) Do the following actions and fill in the table below
|
Action |
Balanced Equation |
Particle View (center of screen) |
Steps you took to make the equation balanced |
|
Make Ammonia |
____ N2 + ____ H2 à ____ NH3
|
|
|
|
Separate Water |
___ H2O à ___ H2 + ___ O2 |
|
|
|
Combust Methane |
___ CH4 + ___ O2
à ___ CO2 + ___ H2O |
|
|
5. In each of the following items above a different verb was used. Based on the reaction how would you define the following verbs?
|
Word |
My definition |
|
Make |
|
|
Separate |
|
|
Combust |
|
6. The number placed in front of a formula is called a coefficient. The small number within a chemical formula is called a subscript. Why do we adjust coefficients when balancing chemical equations and not subscripts?
Part 3 – Game
7. Before beginning the game, if you had to explain to a friend how to balance a chemical equation, what would you say to them?
Record your score for each of the levels in the balancing game:
Score
Level 1 / 10
Level 2 /10
Level 3 / 10
Assessment:
Four question google form that allows you to quickly assess student understanding of the content in the balancing chemical equations simulation. Click on the link to "make a copy" of the form. You can then edit it and assign it to your students as needed.
How and Why Remix This Source?
I love to use this simulation with my students because it gives them a more visual understanding of balancing equations. It also teaches students about how coefficients are different from subscripts. At times, I have found that the materials at Phet that are provided with the resources can be overwhelming. I have included a particularly good resource from Phet to allow students to engage in guided inquiry using the simulation. In addition, I have included a quick google form quiz that will give students and you instant feedback on their progress in balancing equations.
Reference
Balancing Chemical Equations by
Chris Malley, Emily Moore, Kathy Perkins, Kelly Lancaster, Patricia Loeblein, Robert Parson with Phet Interactive Simulations at University of Colorado. 11/26/19. https://goopenva.org/courses/balancing-chemical-equations/view
Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 United States