We are requesting conductivity meters. These are essential for hands on inquiry labs where students investigate the "unseen" world of atoms and chemical bonds. The meters use visual representations to indicate a substance's electrical properties. In the lab, students test various compounds in aqueous solutions to determine if they are strong electrolytes, weak electrolytes, or non-electrolytes.
Students will plan and conduct inquiry investigations in a laboratory based setting. They will be able to use hands on learning and peer collaboration. Through these two experiences students will be able to better grasp the concepts and retain them for future knowledge. This also provides a different medium to assess understanding compared to a traditional quiz or test.
Students will be able to identify physical and chemical differences in various compounds. Students will be able to identify specific types of bonds holding the compounds together. Students will be able to use laboratory techniques related to the chemistry field.
All of these will be measured through post lab questions related to the data gathered by students. If students are able to relate types of bonds correctly from data they gathered then this was successful.
The conductivity meters will be used for an inquiry lab, where students will use them to determine what type of chemical bonds are present in different substance based on the chemical/physical properties. Students will work in collaborative groups and collect data by dissolving various compounds in water and testing for their electrical conductivity. Some of the compounds are conductive, ionic compounds, while others are not, covalent compounds. Students will record their findings and answer a series of post lab questions relating to the data gathered.
The conductivity meters can also be used in biology for diffusion of ions through membranes. The Advanced Chemistry, and AP Chemistry classes, can use these meters for oxidation reduction reactions identification. All of the chemistry courses will use these for ion identification.
Yearly department budget