Instructional Software

Lesson Idea Name: Balancing Chemical Equations

Content Area: Chemistry
Grade Level(s): 9-12

Content Standard Addressed: SC3.a. Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about how the Law of
Conservation of Matter is used to determine chemical composition in compounds and chemical reactions. a.
Use mathematics and computational thinking to balance chemical reactions (i.e., synthesis, decomposition,
single replacement, double replacement, and combustion) and construct an explanation for the outcome of a
simple chemical reaction based on the outermost electron states of atoms, trends in the periodic table, and
knowledge of the patterns of chemical properties.

Technology Standard Addressed: ISTE 4- Innovative Designer, ISTE 5-Computational Thinker

Selected Technology Tool: Gizmo

URL(s) to support the lesson (if applicable):

https://www.explorelearning.com/index.cfm?method=cResource.dspView&ResourceID=408

Type of Instructional Software:

Drill and Practice Tutorial Simulation Instructional Game e-books/e-references

Features of this software (check all that apply):

Assessment Monitoring/Reporting
Allows teacher to create customized lessons for students
Multi-user or collaborative functions with others in the class
Multi-user or collaborative with others outside the class
Accessible to students beyond the school day
Accessible via mobile devices
Multiple languages
Safety, security and/or privacy features

Blooms Taxonomy Level(s):

Remembering Understanding Applying Analyzing Evaluating Creating

Levels of Technology Integration (LoTi Level):

Level 1: Awareness Level 2: Exploration Level 3: Infusion Level 4: Integration
Level 5: Expansion Level 6: Refinement

Lesson idea implementation:

I will provide students a brief summary on how to balance equations. Perhaps start with a simple water
equation and go through with them on balancing it. Then students will work on the software and try different
options and try to balance the equation with visual simulation. Students will use mathematics and
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computational thinking to balance chemical reactions (i.e., synthesis, decomposition, single replacement,
double replacement, and combustion) and construct an explanation for the outcome of a simple chemical
reaction.
Once done with simulation activity they will do drills to check their knowledge. To further reinforce we will
balance some reactions using colored M &Ms or Skittles. I would like to take this further by having students
do an experiment by soaking an egg in vinegar, making Naked Egg. Students to split in groups and come up
with their hypothesis as to what they predict. They will soak the egg in vinegar for 5-7 days and students will
observe visually the changes in egg. After the experiment each group will determine the chemical equation. I
will ask students to present their findings in which ever way they desire graphs, video, PowerPoint etc.

Summer 2017_SJB