How do ions match up? In this activity kids have a card showing a particular ion with a charge and they have to locate a fellow student who has an ion with the opposite charge. They work together to determine the resulting chemical formula of the compound created. Not exactly a game... but way more fun than seat work!
No polyatomic ions are included; the emphasis is on balancing charges when ions from different groups combine. Students are taught naming conventions binary compounds, but this is not the focus of the activity.
Use this to learn and reinforce answers to questions such as:
❑ How do ions match up?
❑ Can an element make ions with different charges?
❑ What's similar about ions with the same charge?
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
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: Copies of ion cards which can be made on cardstock and/or laminated. String (optional, for necklaces). Copies of directions can be placed into page protectors or laminated.
Prep Time Photocopying the student cards and directions (laminating optional). Assembling necklaces (optional).
Teaching Time About 40 mins or more depending on accompanying writing assignment.
Student Sheets Scaffolded writing prompts & lab reporting
