What is a Chemical Reaction?

"The teacher will use a small candle flame to demonstrate a chemical reaction between the candle wax and oxygen in the air. Students will see a molecular animation of the combustion of methane and oxygen as a model of a similar reaction. Students will use atom model cut-outs to model the reaction and see that all the atoms in the reactants show up in the products." From: www.middleschoolchemistry.com. This resource from the American Chemical Society is a 5-E learning cycle plan which includes everything a teacher needs for this GLE including multimedia, activity, and assessment. Includes background information for the teacher on physical and chemical changes.

Weblink address (URL): 
What is a Chemical Reaction?

Standards & Objectives

Learning objectives: 

Objective:

Students will be able to explain that for a chemical reaction to take place, the bonds between atoms in the reactants are broken, the atoms rearrange, and new bonds between the atoms are formed to make the products. Students will also be able to explain that in a chemical reaction, no atoms are created or destroyed.

Lesson Variations

Blooms taxonomy level: 
Understanding

Helpful Hints

Materials for the Demonstration

  • Tea light candle or other small stable candle
  • Matches
  • Glass jar, large enough to be placed over the candle

Materials for Each Student

  • Atom cut-outs from the activity sheet
  • Sheet of colored paper or construction paper
  • Colored pencils
  • Scissors
  • Glue or tape

References

Contributors: 
Lindsay Talarico
Originator: 
Ayers Institute for Learning & Innovation