How can we visualize how ions combine to form compounds? By using manipulatives. Once students have learned to form ions, here they take the next step in seeing how ionic bonds are formed between two different ions. This ionic bonding activity starts with simple one to one ratios and builds to show how different amounts of each ion are needed to balance the charges. Through this process kids learn to write the formula for different binary compounds so that their charges balance. A worksheet is included to help students track their learning. The focus is on binary compounds only.
Use this to learn and reinforce answers to questions such as:
❑ How do ions match up?
❑ What causes the charge on an ion?
❑ When is an ion negative? Positive?
Once students work through the activity, they can capture their observations using the included Lab Notes or probing questions included in the instructions.
Concepts Addressed
♦ Ions have charges ranging from -4 to +4
♦ Different ions can have the same number of electrons but their numbers of protons will differ
♦ Ions are not neutral but will pair with other ions so that their charges cancel
♦ Ions don't exist in isolation but typically in connection with other (oppositely charged) ions.
♦ Opposite charges of ions attract and bind them together into compounds
♦ Atoms of the same element may differ in their numbers of electrons (making them ions) or neutrons (making them isotopes)
Standards Addressed
NGSS MS-PS1-1
TEKS 8.5D
VA SOL Science PS.4c
Answer Keys and Teacher Notes address most questions and issues that might arise in this study—you shouldn’t have to do any outside research unless you want to.
Materials Needed Nonconsummables: small game pieces to use as electrons, about 20 per lab group. Copies of atom/ion cards which can be made on cardstock and/or laminated. Copies of directions can be placed into page protectors or laminated.
Prep Time Collecting electron pieces. Photocopying the student cards and directions (laminating optional). Game pieces and atom/ion cards and can be reused for other activities in this series
Teaching Time About 40 mins or more depending on accompanying writing assignment.
Student Sheets Scaffolded writing prompts & lab reporting
