Chemical Reactions

In science we just finished a chemistry unit. In this unit we learned about how elements are different and how they might react with each other. At the beginning of the unit we got assigned a partner project. We had to choose between doing a chemical reaction project where we would have to design an experiment that shows a chemical reaction, or a video project where we would have to make an animation that shows a chemical reaction equation from the perspective of the elements. I chose to do the chemical reaction project because I liked that it had more of a scientific aspect to it. I was partnered up with my friend Isobel and we were very excited to work. Before we could do the project we had to learn the information we needed it for it. Before we started, everyone did a mind map of their current knowledge on chemistry. Here is mine.

We learned a lot in this unit. We started off with some review work to remind us of the basics. After review we learned about chemical compounds and how to write them down. We also learned about how to draw them using Bohr models and Lewis diagrams. We learned the difference between acids, bases, and neutrals and how they all react with each other. After we had learnt everything we did a couple experiments as a class to help understand the design process of making an experiment. They also helped us learn about lab design for our project.

After we had to Needed knowledge, we started our project. Isobel and I originally tried to create an experiment to test for a dangerous metal in lipstick. Although this was a good idea we weren’t able to test it because the amount of metal would be too low and there were too many other uncontrolled variables. We then changed our experiment to testing to see what fake jewelry is made out of. We got a cheap silver ring to test. First we had to predict what it is made out of and we predicted copper. We designed the experiment to test for copper using nitric acid. To tell if we were right we also had to test a copper wire with nitric acid to see if we got the same results. Here is our lab design.

The reaction did not go exactly as we had planned. The nitric acid concentration was not very high so nothing happened when we first put the copper in it. After a few days the reaction had happened. The copper wire reacted as expected. The ring did not react as we expected. The copper was under layers of silver and only the silver reacted with the nitric acid. Although the results were not what we expected, the experiment was still successful.

To end off the unit we had to do another mind map with the new knowledge we have. Here is mine.

This was such a great unit. I learned so much and the project was really fun. I much prefer doing projects that allow creativity and freedom that are as related to the subject as possible. I had a great experience working with my partner on this project and I hope we do more partner projects soon. I’m very excited for the next unit.