What Happens When Compounds are Added to Water?

Authors

Abstract

This activity aims to deepen or refine students understanding of the dissolution process. The activity guides students from the macroscopic level to the symbolic and particulate levels. This activity begins with students observing the dissolution of a salt (sodium chloride) and a molecule (methanol) at the macroscopic level. Students are then provided with 3D molecular models to explore dissolving using tactile models to guide in visualizing the abstract particulate level. From there, students are provided conductivity data as additional evidence to refine their skills at writing chemical equations and drawing particulate diagrams to represent what happens when ionic and molecular compounds dissolve in solution.

Level: Undergraduate or Advanced High School
Setting: Classroom
Activity Type:  Application
Discipline: Chemistry
Course: General Chemistry
Keywords: solution chemistry, molarity, ionic compounds, molecular compounds, particulate nature of matter, conductivity.

 

Author Biographies

Abdi-Rizak M. Warfa, University of Minnesota

Abdi is assistant professor of biology teaching and learning at the University of Minnesota where his group conducts interdisciplinary research that blends aspects of biology, educational theory, cognitive science, and educational research methodologies to improve the teaching and learning of biological sciences at the undergraduate level. Most recently, his group conducted studies that examine the nature of classroom interactions and how students learn and reason in the context of active learning classrooms. He is also interested in research methodologies as they pertain to undergraduate STEM education research. Before getting interested in the learning sciences, Abdi studied biochemical pathways in malaria parasites, specifically the thymidylate synthase pathway. He did his undergraduate studies in biochemistry and chemistry at UC San Diego, graduate studies in chemical biology at the UW Seattle, and Chemical Education at the University of Minnesota.

James M. Nyachwaya, North Dakota State University

James Nyachwaya is associate professor of Chemistry/Biochemistry and Science Education at North Dakota State University. His research focuses on students’ conceptual understanding of the particulate nature of matter. He also studies chemistry curriculum, looking at the nature and use of representations in textbooks.

Downloads

Published

2021-01-30

How to Cite

Schneider, J. L., Abdi-Rizak M. Warfa, & James M. Nyachwaya. (2021). What Happens When Compounds are Added to Water?. POGIL Activity Clearinghouse, 2(1). Retrieved from https://pac.pogil.org/index.php/pac/article/view/145

Issue

Vol. 2 No. 1 (2021)

Section

Activities for Testing

License

Copyright of this work and the permissions granted to users of the PAC are defined in the PAC Activity User License.