Safe and economical chemistry inquiry for the K-12 classroom

CHED 1471

Jodye I Selco, jiselco@csupomona.edu, Center for Education and Equity in Mathematics, Science and Technology, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, 3801 W. Temple Ave., Pomona, CA 91768, Mary Bruno, mbruno@rialto.k12.ca.us, Rialto Unified School District, Bemis Elementary School, Rialto, CA 92376, and Sue Chan, schan@rialto.k12.ca.us, Rialto Unified School District, Kolb Middle School, Rialto, CA 92376.
The use of chemicals available in the supermarket enables students to safely explore a variety of chemical reactions in sealed Ziplock bags. After making observations when various powders and liquids are mixed, student-generated data is then shared with the entire class to facilitate the formulation of a testable question. Each group is then asked to design and perform a set of experiments to test their testable question. This process models critical processes of science inquiry such as question formation and experimental design. This inquiry lesson is appropriate for elementary, middle, and high school students. A description of the activity and methods for facilitating class discussions and guiding students will be presented.
 

Keeping it Real: Inquiry Instruction and the Chemistry Laboratory
8:30 AM-11:35 AM, Tuesday, April 8, 2008 Hilton New Orleans Riverside -- Oak Alley, Oral

Sci-Mix
8:00 PM-10:00 PM, Monday, April 7, 2008 Morial Convention Center -- Hall A, Sci-Mix

Division of Chemical Education

The 235th ACS National Meeting, New Orleans, LA, April 6-10, 2008