The Right Tool for the Right Job
At a Glance
Discipline
- STEM
- Chemistry
Instructional Level
- College & CEGEP
- University
Course
- General Chemistry II – NYB
Tasks in Workflow
Social Plane(s)
- Group
Type of Tasks
- Solving problems
Technical Details
Useful Technologies
- Smartboard, white boards
Class size
- Very small (< 20)
Time
- Single class period (< 90 mins)
Instructional Purpose
- Application & knowledge building
Overview
The aim of this activity is to encourage students to consider the nature of a chemistry problem and to identify what tools they require to solve it.
Working in groups, the students select the required equations\information from a set of cards provided for each question, and arrange them in order of use. By removing the calculation step, students are encouraged to focus on process of solving the problem as opposed to simply obtaining the answer.
Instructional Objectives
- To better understand calorimetry and acids and bases.
- To know how to write chemical equations.
Workflow & Materials
Activity Workflow
Contributor's Notes
Benefits
Challenges
Tips
Benefits
- Removing the calculations relieves stress and focuses on procedure
- It helps students have ‘Eureka’ moments grasping the nature of the questions
- It teaches students to recognize cues in the problem text
Challenges
- It can be challenging to keep students on task.
- Encouraging participation of everyone in the group.
- Getting students talking about the problems.
Tips
- Circulate and listen to the groups
- Intervene when necessary to keep students on track
- Keep the groups moving along
Published: 15/08/2019
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