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Total Duration:
61 to 90 Minutes
Materials and Resources:
Water
Electrical conductivity testers (1 per group is ideal)
Sugar
Salt
Epson Salt
Moth Balls
Mortar and pestle (1 per group is ideal)
Beakers (250 mL- about 4 per group)
Stirring rods (about 4 per group)
Electrolyte Nonelectrolyte Card Sort activity (attached)- print and cut 1 set of cards for each group. Make certain to shuffle the cards. If you print on cardstock and laminate the cards can be reused multiple times.
"What Makes a Substance an Electrolyte" activity (attached)
Students should have a strong understanding of ionic and covalent bonding.
Before:
Start a class discussion by asking students if they have heard of electrolytes before and then continue the conversation by asking them where. Many students are familiar with electrolytes from advertisements for Gatorade. Discuss how electrolytes are important for many processes in the human body, and ask students if they know of other sources for obtaining electrolytes. You may wish to tell students what an electrolyte is or have them look up the definition.
During:
Students will work collaboratively to complete "What Makes a Substance an Electrolyte?" activity (attached) by designing their own investigation with a set of given materials to test the conductivity of common ionic and covalent substances in a solution. After the teacher approves the investigation, students will conduct their experiment. By working collaboratively students will develop teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Students will work collaboratively to complete the card sort activity to classify common ionic and covalent substances in a solution as electrolytes or nonelectrolytes based on conductivity. The card sort activity is attached. Print one set per group and cut the cards apart. Students will use the knowledge gained from "What makes a substance an electrolyte" activity to sort the compounds listed into 2 groups: electrolytes and nonelectrolytes.
After:
Watch Video: What happens when stuff dissolves? and discuss as a class why ionic compounds are good conductors (electrolytes) and why covalent compounds are nonelectrolytes. Relate back to the introduction discussion and have students list other sources of electrolytes. Discuss why Gatorade may emphasize electrolytes in advertising campaigns.
Assessment Strategies
The students will be assessed on their ability to design and conduct an experiment to test the conductivity of common ionic and covalent substances in a solution during the activity "What makes a substance an electrolyte?"
The students will be assessed for understanding of conductivity of common ionic and covalent substances in a solution during the card sort activity.
The students will be informally assessed during class discussion to identify preconceptions and especially any misconceptions.
Sample test question: Have students draw a diagram that shows what happens on the atomic level when sugar dissolves in water and when salt dissolves in water and use the picture to explain why ionic compounds are electrolytes.
Acceleration:
Intervention:
The website below is useful for students who need further instruction on the conductivity of common ionic and covalent substances in a solution.
View the Special Education resources for
instructional guidance in providing modifications and adaptations
for students with significant cognitive disabilities who qualify for the Alabama Alternate Assessment.