This post describes an engaging, thought-provoking capstone activity for the Redox/Electrochemistry unit in AP Chemistry1. It may be used as a homework assignment, a collaborative in-class assignment, or as a challenging test or exam question.2 It can also be used as a hands-on and MINDS-ON laboratory activity or teacher demonstration.
Nora Walsh outlines the interactive notebook pages she uses for her AP Chemistry electrochemistry unit. All of the documents and foldables are available for download.
There are some simple ways to break chemical bonds with microscale techniques.
In honor of the International Year of the Periodic Table: A familiarity with the chemistry of some of the elements more commonly encountered in everyday life is a valuable learning experience for all students. Oxygen is the second in this series of elements to be discussed as part of the Element of the Month program. #IYPT
Embracing the idea that students already create an image, create an idea, of what is happening when they observe a demonstration, lab or activity. The goal is to have the students make that model more concrete through drawing it.
Students can build their own Hoffman apparatus. An animation of the electrolysis on a particulate level is available to show students before, during or after students perform the electrolysis.
There are many places online to build a DIY Hoffman apparatus. The ACS offers an electrolysis of water lesson that includes a hand made Hoffman apparatus(link is external) as part of a unit on energy that I used as a resource.
Looking for an easy, hands-on experiment to use in your classroom at the beginning of the school year? In the June, 2013 issue of the Journal of Chemical Education, Isao Ikemoto and Kouichi Saitou describe a simple experiment to demonstrate the electrolytic dissolution of copper ions from a copper electrode. This experiment can be conducted using only items that are easily obtained around the home or in grocery stores.
