Want to add a wow factor to your current chemical changes lesson plan? Try a microscale experiment with colorful precipitates! Partnered learners conduct 10 single displacement reactions and record their observations.

Concepts

redox reactions, colors, precipitates, chemical reactions, chemical changes, making observations, insolubility, reactivity

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Additional Tags

science

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Instructional Ideas

• Use the lab at the middle school level to work your class' observational skills, or as an examination of the solubility rules in the upper grades
• Allow time to discuss how reactions 9 and 10 could be used at the industrial level to produce solid copper and silver from their salts

Classroom Considerations

• To avoid confusion, ensure pupils in lower grades are aware of the Stock system for naming transition metals
• Remind groups to start with clean, deionized well plates for the best results

Pros

• The lab is a good choice for larger classes and shorter lab periods due to its microscale nature
• Includes all printables with the teacher's guide
• Set up and clean up are easy, giving you more time to mingle and assess student progress

Cons

• None

Common Core

RST.6-8.3 RST.9-10.3 RST.11-12.3