Lesson Plan | Active Learning | Chemical Bonds: Ionic and Covalent

Assumptions: This Active Lesson Plan assumes: a 100-minute class, prior student study with both the Book and the start of Project development, and that only one activity (among the three suggested) will be chosen to be conducted during the class, as each activity is designed to take up a significant portion of the available time.

Objectives

Duration: (5 - 10 minutes)

The Objectives stage is fundamental for establishing the learning goals of the lesson, guiding students on what they need to focus on and achieve. By clearly stating the objectives, students can direct their prior study and classroom participation toward specific areas, maximizing learning efficiency and ensuring a better understanding of the discussed topic.

Main Objectives:

1. Understand what covalent and ionic bonds are, identifying their characteristics and differences.

2. Identify compounds that are ionic or covalent, exemplifying with NaCl, which is ionic, and water, which is covalent.

Side Objectives:

1. Develop analytical skills to distinguish between different types of chemical bonds.
2. Apply the knowledge gained in practical examples and everyday situations.

Introduction

Duration: (15 - 20 minutes)

The Introduction stage is designed to engage students and review key concepts in a contextualized and applied manner. The problem situations encourage students to apply chemical bond concepts practically, stimulating critical thinking and analysis. The contextualization of the topic demonstrates the relevance of studying chemical bonds in the real world, increasing students' interest in the subject and showing the applicability of knowledge in various situations.

Problem-Based Situations

1. Imagine you have a crystal of sodium chloride (table salt) and a sample of water in your hands. How could you determine which of these compounds has ionic bonds and which has covalent bonds?

2. Consider the situation where an electronic device is not functioning properly due to an overheating problem. How could knowledge about chemical bonds, specifically the conduction of electricity in ionic and covalent bonds, help diagnose and solve this issue?

Contextualization

Chemical bonds are fundamental not only in the study of chemistry but also for understanding many processes that occur in everyday life. For example, the difference between the salt we use to season food and the diamond used in jewelry lies in the nature of their chemical bonds. Additionally, understanding these bonds can be crucial in fields such as medicine, where the formation of specific covalent bonds can determine the effectiveness of a drug.

Development

Duration: (65 - 75 minutes)

The Development stage is designed to allow students to apply the knowledge gained about ionic and covalent bonds in a practical and interactive context. The proposed activities aim to solidify students' understanding through visual, tactile, and investigative methods, promoting active and engaged learning. Each activity is structured to maximize student participation and encourage the application of theoretical concepts in practical and realistic situations.

Activity Suggestions

It is recommended to carry out only one of the suggested activities

Activity 1 - Molecular Mission: Discovering Bonds

> Duration: (60 - 70 minutes)

- Objective: Understand practically and visually the differences between ionic and covalent bonds and apply this knowledge in the formation of molecules.

- Description: In this activity, students will be divided into groups and receive colored cards representing different elements. They must use these cards to form molecules, deciding whether to create ionic or covalent bonds based on the properties of the elements. Each group will receive a list of compounds to create and must determine the most appropriate type of bond for each.

- Instructions:

• Divide the class into groups of up to 5 students.

• Distribute colored cards representing different elements.

• Provide a list of compounds that students should try to recreate using the cards.

• Students must decide whether an ionic or covalent bond is more appropriate for each compound.

• Each group presents their molecules and explains their bond choices to the class.

Activity 2 - Bonds Laboratory: An Ionic and Covalent Adventure

> Duration: (60 - 70 minutes)

- Objective: Visualize and understand the structure and fundamental differences between ionic and covalent bonds through model building.

- Description: Students will use molecular modeling kits to build physical models of ionic and covalent compounds. They will explore how the transfer or sharing of electrons leads to the formation of different types of bonds and the resulting stability in the formed compounds.

- Instructions:

• Organize students into groups and distribute molecular modeling kits.

• Explain the differences between ionic and covalent bonds.

• Instruct students to build models of at least one ionic and one covalent compound.

• Discuss in groups the properties of each type of bond and how this affects the stability and properties of the compound.

• Each group presents their models and findings.

Activity 3 - Chemical Detectives: The Mystery of the Compounds

> Duration: (60 - 70 minutes)

- Objective: Engage students in an investigative process to identify and differentiate between ionic and covalent bonds through experimentation and observation.

- Description: In this playful activity, students will take on the role of chemical detectives, investigating a series of 'crime scenes' (learning stations) where different compounds are analyzed. They will need to determine whether the compounds are ionic or covalent based on the clues provided and simple tests they can perform.

- Instructions:

• Divide the room into groups and assign each group a learning station.

• Provide clue sheets and materials to perform simple tests (like electrical conductivity).

• Students visit each station, investigate the samples, and collect data to determine the type of bond.

• Compile findings into a detective report and present to the class.

• Group discussion on how the observed properties relate to the type of bond.

Feedback

Duration: (15 - 20 minutes)

The purpose of this feedback stage is to allow students to articulate and reflect on the knowledge acquired during the practical activities. By sharing their experiences, students can consolidate their understanding of ionic and covalent bonds, as well as learn from their peers' discoveries. This discussion also provides the teacher with the opportunity to assess students' understanding and clarify any remaining doubts, ensuring that the learning objectives are effectively met.

Group Discussion

After completing the practical activities, organize a group discussion with all students to share their experiences and discoveries. Start this session with a brief introduction: 'Now that everyone has had the chance to explore chemical bonds practically, let's share what we learned. Each group will have the opportunity to discuss their findings and how these experiences helped them better understand ionic and covalent bonds.'

Key Questions

1. What were the main differences you observed between ionic and covalent compounds during the activities?

2. How do the properties of the compounds you modeled relate to the type of chemical bond (ionic or covalent)?

3. Was there any challenge or surprise when trying to determine the type of bond during the activities?

Conclusion

Duration: (10 - 15 minutes)

The purpose of the Conclusion is to ensure that students have a clear and consolidated understanding of the studied concepts, linking them to practical and real-world applications. This stage serves to reinforce learning, ensuring that students can apply knowledge in different contexts and recognize the relevance of chemistry in their lives.

Summary

At the end of the lesson, gather the students for a collective summary of the concepts learned. Review the definitions and characteristics of ionic and covalent bonds, highlighting the practical examples explored during the activities. Reinforce the students' ability to identify these types of bonds in common compounds, such as NaCl and water.

Theory Connection

Explain how today's lesson united theory and practice through interactive activities. Show how theoretical knowledge of chemical bonds was applied in the creation of molecular models and the resolution of practical problems, thus connecting classroom learning with real-world situations.

Closing

Conclude the lesson by highlighting the importance of chemical bonds in everyday life. Discuss how understanding these bonds impacts everything from the creation of new materials to understanding biological and technological processes. Emphasize that the knowledge gained today is fundamental for various fields, from engineering to medicine.