Apologia Chemistry Flame Tests, Quantum Theory, and the Periodic Table

Quick Update:  Read Dr. Wile’s Module on Atomic Structure.

Last week, we met Tuesday and completed the flame tests lab, which involves a spectroscope and calculations.  (Thursday was a snow day--no class.)  Before the lab, I had introduced Quantum Theory to the kids and explained how the Periodic Table coincides with electron configuration charts.  Now they have seen and used a spectroscope, observed the unique colors of the flames for different compounds, it's time to tie these seemingly disparate ideas together.  Wish me luck.

Apologia Chemistry: Flame Tests

Flame Tests are fun.  Let me share one quick idea: Flame test Crayons on Etsy!This lab is usually a favorite.  Yes, I do use Flinn's Flame Test kit.  Home Science Tools has an excellent Spectroscope Analysis Kit to order.  The reason I like this kit is the the spectroscope is included along with instructions.  Flinn's lab is written to include a spectroscope.  Here's how the lab goes.  First, I show the kids what a spectroscope is and how to use a fluorescent light bulb to calibrate it.  The spectroscopes are hard to use.  Theses flame test candles (also available through Amazon) produce a steady flame color which is easier to use with a spectroscope.  Here are the chemicals used in the flame test candles.)  The main issue is the flame. The lab is designed for use with a Bunsen burner to produce flame tests similar to these.

First, the kids practice using the spectroscopes with a tube fluorescent bulb in order to read the nanometers.  Then the kids experiment burning these chemicals: strontium chloride, potassium chloride, calcium chloride, lithium chloride, and copper chloride.  We used tea candles.  The kids tried dipping the wood splints (coffee stirrers) into the chemical samples.  I find the scoopulas filled with the chemical work better.

Once the kids determine the flame color for each chemical, they can use the chart in the Flinn lab for the wavelengths if they're unsuccessful determining the spectra.  Here's the key.  Read the directions and teacher tips from the Flinn lab carefully.  I usually have the kids use the energy formula to calculate the change in energy. (This requires a scientific calculator to handle the exponents.)  But, when I taught kids with special needs, we just created a chart with the chemical formula, its name, and flame color without doing these calculations.

Apologia Chemistry: Quantum

Last time, we created periodic charts with Flinn's Periodic Chart Lab and began exploring Quantum Theory.  Today, I spent time explaining more about Quantum Theory and showed the kids how to write Electron configurations.  These rules, this tutorial, this video, and this dynamic periodic table will help.  My emphasis is on the relationships among line spectra, the Periodic table, and the elements' electron configurations. This is one activity that probably requires Khan Academy.

Apologia Chemistry: Periodic Properties Lab

We are still working on periodic properties.  Today, I brought Periodic Chart Lab from Flinn.  The idea is to recreate a periodic table based on each element's properties, such as boiling point, much as Mendeleev did.  The kit cost about $15; Flinn will deliver to a church office--but not a house.  In this activity, the kids use arrange the cards into three rows and columns according to their properties.  Flinn's directions are always excellent and include teacher notes with an answer key. Flinn's "It's in the Cards" is also terrific--but more expensive. Try it.

  

Apologia Chemistry: Models, Trends, Definitions, and March Madness

Let me share Flinn’s March Madness just for fun.  And it’s March!  The kids are at different places completing their models and timelines.  I keep activities on hand just for these occasions.  Flinn has similar activities, such as Sweet 16 Chemistry Compound Tournament.  I had the kids summarize all of the trends they modeled: atomic radius, Ionic radius, Electronegativity, electron affinity, boiling point, melting point, density, valency, metallic character, nonmetallic character, and first ionization energy.  BTW, I let the kids model each trend creatively and supply markers, paper plates, straws, etc.      After completing their models, the kids put the summaries on the board for everyone to copy.  Here are a few examples.