Chemical see saw

Short description

A balance is set up with two pieces of iron wool. One piece is set alight - it looks to be getting smaller but mysteriously the balance tips the other way. In this lesson the students use ideas about chemical reactions and constructing explanations to explain why iron gets heavier when it burns.

Learning objective

• Construct explanations: Write a scientific explanation to explain why mass changes
• Types of reaction: Use particle diagrams to show what happens during a reaction

Blueprint curriculum link

• Unit: Matter & energy
• Concept: Atom conservation: During a chemical reaction, the atoms are rearranged. A chemical equation must be balanced with the same number of atoms on each side
• Skills: Write: Use diagrams to communicate
• Learning stage: Acquire

Activity contents

• Teachers guide
• PowerPoint file

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