Bond with James: Model a Chemical Reaction with Common LEGO® Bricks!

Friday, April 18, 2014

Model a Chemical Reaction with Common LEGO® Bricks!

Another 2014 NSTA experience...
This session was geared toward the middle school level; however, I was curious to see what I could possibly learn and bring back to teachers in my district. The first activity involved the following materials and chemicals per 2-4 students: Ziploc bag, baking soda, calcium chloride, phenol red, water, and plastic vial or test tube. The presenters had us put a teaspoon of baking soda followed by two teaspoons of calcium chloride in a bag. Participants were instructed to place a vial (or test tube) with approximately 10mL of phenol red solution into the bag and hold it upright (this vial came with a cap). We were then instructed to leave the bag upright, remove the cap, and remove the remaining air inside the bag. Finally, we were instructed to tip the phenol red solution onto the solid mixture and mix it from outside the bag with our fingers. 

As always, here is a video for you demonstrating what I discussed above...

There were two other sections (I have not included pics since I've done this countless times with my students). The first allowed students to design two more experiments in order to determine which reactants would produce a color change, gas, and/or heat. Session facilitators handed baggies with different labels. Here is a rough sketch of what this part of the worksheet looked like; this is just to give you an idea.
The second section of the activity was a class activity where students and teacher worked together to determine which substances, when mixed, produced a color change, gas, and/or heat; and this was completed on a worksheet. 

On a side note, there was a participant at my table that clearly did not believe that this activity was suitable for middle school students; however, the rest of us were in agreement that this was an activity that was appropriate for the indicated grade level. Her comment baffled me and left me wondering if that was the reason why many of my students come to me with limited chemistry / wet lab experience because they had a teacher who didn't (1) believe in them and/or (2) challenge them with scientific experiences.

Anyway, the second half of the session involved playing with LEGOs®. 

I won't bore you with all the extraneous details; however, the basic concept of this activity was to help students write formulas and develop an understanding between elements and compounds. 


 If the set interests you, here is the link to a PDF flyer where you can learn more about the number of sets, costs, etc.  If you have/had children, you might just borrow from them or take a stroll to the nearest store to see if you can purchase LEGOs® for a much cheaper price.
Atoms and Molecules Set Info
Rationale for Using LEGO Bricks as Atoms


12 comments:

  1. For new finding these exploration synthetic give different advantages and used to many research purposes.buy research chemicals online

    ReplyDelete
  2. Interesting post. I Have Been wondering about this issue, so thanks for posting. Pretty cool post.It 's really very nice and Useful post.Thanks EG-018

    ReplyDelete
  3. RS DYNAMICS supports security across many markets - national and homeland security, critical infrastructure, event management, medtech and ecological tasks.
    explosive trace detector parts
    trace explosive detector
    Trace Detection
    Faster security screening
    security screening

    ReplyDelete
  4. Great post! I am actually getting ready to across this information, is very helpful my friend. Also great blog here with all of the valuable information you have. Keep up the good work you are doing here. buy eutylone online

    ReplyDelete
  5. What's going on here? MCS is characterized as a multi-framework issue typically welcomed on by harmful openness to a chemical or chemicals. tadalafil powder manufacturer

    ReplyDelete
  6. I really impressed after read this because of some quality work and informative thoughts . I just wanna say thanks for the writer and wish you all the best for coming!. Research Chemicals

    ReplyDelete
  7. Likewise, as indicated by the ACOEM, the condition was first depicted in 1952 and has since amassed more than 20 distinct names, including "ecological ailment", "all out hypersensitivity disorder", "twentieth Century illness" and "Chemical Aids". My undisputed top choice is twentieth Century sickness. mélybölcsős szállítás Europa-Road Kft.

    ReplyDelete
  8. I want my marriage to work, but lately, I just don't feel any chemistry at all. world market forum

    ReplyDelete
  9. Mmm.. estimable to be here in your report or notify, whatever, I repute I should moreover process strong for my have website want I play some salubrious further updated busy in your location. chemforum.info

    ReplyDelete
  10. After you have your brick figured out you need to get all your tools gathered. You are going to need a masons trowel, tuck pointer, striking iron, masons brush, mason's hammer, brick chisel, masons line, line blocks, line trigs, line bars, wheel barrow, mortar boards and cement mixer and possible a masons saw if you have a lot of cuts to make. Tuckpointing company website

    ReplyDelete