INQ[full]-Grade 10 applied_What Affects the Rate of a Neutralization Reaction? Options

[PilotJ]

This activity was used to start off the Chemistry unit in the grade 10 applied class Semester 2, 2007.

I have posted the document used for the lab:
 Chemistry_Inquiry_neutralization_reaction_booklet.doc ( 66.5k ) Number of downloads: 0
[booklet form]
 Chemistry_Inquiry_neutralization_reaction.doc ( 66.5k ) Number of downloads: 2
[sheet form]

I first discussed with the class what are some observations that we make that tell us a chemical reaction is taking place. This is a quick review from grade 9 (Matter).
Next I show them the Neutraliation reaction between vinegar and sodium bicarbonate. We observed how this was indeed a chemical reaction (the bubbles forming show gas produced) and discussed how it would be possible to measure how far the reaction went or how fast it went by measuring the amount of gas produced.

Next I broke the class up into 3 Expert groups. One group researched some simple information on acids, one on bases, and one on neutralization reactions (found in the Nelson 10 applied textbook). Each group had 5 minutes to skim through the info and write down what was the most important in their mind.

Next the Expert groups were broken up into Home groups. Each Home group had a member from each Expert group in it, thus they could get information on acids, bases and neutraliation reactions from each other (3 people per group). Each Home group was given just over 10 minutes to transfer the information into each other's lab booklets (see second page).

Next I showed the Home groups (the class would be working in these groups from this point on) how we could collect gas from inverting a graduated cylinder in a beaker of water and riggin a gas tube to the cylinder (see picture below);
 Gass_Collector_Set_up.JPG ( 30.7k ) Number of downloads: 3


We discussed how we could then measure the amount of gas produced from the reaction accurately. Thus we now could see what might affect the rate of the reaction.

At this point we now moved onto the next page (Planning). I gave the class the "Nature of the Problem" --> What Affects the Rate of a Neutralization Reaction?
Each group had to brainstorm a minimum of 10 variables that could possibly affect the rate of reaction I showed them. Next they were to circle one and bring their booklets up to me to be checked. I would write down the group members names and their Independent Variable. This is the variable they would study (change) in their method.

Next I discussed with the group what a Dependent Variable was (this is a review and the concepts are writen in the left-hand coloumn of the Planning page), a control trial, and constants. The groups had to fill in each section properly (with 5 constants minimum) and bring it up to be checked.

Once they had these checked we quickly discussed how to develop a Research Question and Hypothesis (again review from grade 9) and they set out to complete that. Once they were done they checked that with me.

Now it was time to list their materials and draw out the appartus (I had one similar to the picture, except without a hotplate or ring clamp, at the front of the room for the groups to draw out). They also had to develop a simple step-by-step method to complete the experiment (this took a lot of work as these student would rather do than explain how they do).

Once this was done to my satisfaction the groups had to identify how they would ensure the constants that they had identified in the Planning page would be accounted for in the procedure. They filled in steps called "Special Precautions" in the appropriate section and checked them with me.

Then they completed the section on "Safety Precautions". Once this was done they began to test their experiment.

I've included some video files below of students completing the tests. It was by no means smooth sailing each time, but a lot of good learning and fun was going on.

Vid file1:  Inquiry_SetupConversation.wmv ( 1.78mb ) Number of downloads: 7

Vid file2:  Inquiry_Lab_conducting_experiment.wmv ( 1.86mb ) Number of downloads: 9


As the students were completing the lab, there were to fill in their observations section of the report. Once they completed 3 tests for their control, and the 4 changes to the I.V. they were to complete average calculations in the space below.
Once this was done they were to complete a "Scatter Plot" graph to show any changes demonstrate if there were any effects of the I.V. on the D.V.

Example:

Once this was completed they were to complete the Discussion section on the back. At this point I gave each group questions for a "Post Lab Discussion" that I would have with each group. I then would evaluate each person's lab booklet, but also the "Interview" I would do with them as well.

Interview Questions:  Gr._10_Applied___Judged_Conversation_Questions.doc ( 21k ) Number of downloads: 0

Video of Interview: