Chemistry – Learning with Ms. Medrano

Day 15: Chemistry and Algebra

Looks like this week’s theme is: ALGEBRA We were working on finding the average atomic mass of elements’ isotopes. This involved percentages, solving for one unknown…and solving for two unknowns. Most students were comfortable with percentages and solving for one unknown. Once we got to solving for two unknowns, we kind of gave up. ThereContinue reading “Day 15: Chemistry and Algebra”

Chem Day 11: Periodic Table continued

I had big plans for Day 11. We spent most of the class completing the Periodic Table instead. We had to take some time to review the Lesson 8: What Comes Around, Goes Around that was assigned for homework. Student feedback was that it was repetitive. I said that it was supposed to be repetitive.Continue reading “Chem Day 11: Periodic Table continued”

Chem Day 10: The Copper Cycle

Whew! Our first actual lab in Chemistry, and this one was a heavy lab! It was the first time Gen Chem was going a lab of this sort in a while. I’m glad that the students were able to experience a “real” chemistry lab with “real” chemicals. Real is in quotes because all labs inContinue reading “Chem Day 10: The Copper Cycle”

Class 5: Density & Balloons on a Friday

To teach density in alignment with modeling instruction, I would have had students find a material’s density by measuring various mass and volumes. The density labs generally have students identify the unknown substances by comparing calculated density to known values. While what I envision would have taken longer, it would have allowed students to trulyContinue reading “Class 5: Density & Balloons on a Friday”

Chemistry Day 3: Safety & Equipment Quiz + Matter

We had the General Chemistry students take a Safety & Equipment Quiz. They must pass it in order to participate in the labs. Students generally thought this was a fair deal. The quiz had a portion where they identified some lab equipment. We all switched it up for each of the blocks so that noContinue reading “Chemistry Day 3: Safety & Equipment Quiz + Matter”

Chemistry Day 1: Save Fred!

Starting a new prep always gives me a certain level of anxiety because of the unknowns. I’m unsure how the delivery of different activities will go and what not. Documenting this round so that I remember for next time. Classroom Bingo I found a template on Canva and changed some of the descriptions. I addedContinue reading “Chemistry Day 1: Save Fred!”