Activity

Mass Changes in Chemical Reactions—Microscale Chemistry

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This Mass Changes in Chemical Reactions—Microscale Chemistry activity also includes:

What better way is there to introduce conservation of mass than a few simple experiments? Young chemists conduct two chemical reactions, take the masses of reactants and products, then compare their results to determine differences in mass.

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CCSS: Adaptable
Additional Tags
Instructional Ideas
  • Have partners perform the experiment as an inquiry, then use their data as evidence for an explanation of conservation of mass
  • Lead the class in writing and balancing the chemical equations for the reactions to show the connection between molar coefficients and conservation of mass
Classroom Considerations
  • Make sure pupils zero out their balances before taking mass measurements for optimum accuracy
  • The activity calls for three-well spot plates, which can be made by cutting down standard well plates
Pros
  • Microscale labs save time and materials
  • The teacher's guide contains references materials and student copies of the experiment and worksheet
Cons
  • None