balancing equations

[jsfowler]

I teach middle school science. Just wondering if anyone had any new, neat ideas/activities for balancing equations. It is a topic my lower kids struggle with each year, so I welcome new ideas.

 

Jennifer Fowler

[thedarkshade]

what kinds of equation exactly?

[Chris C]

I try to put 1 in front of the "worst looking" one; start with Carbon, then H, then O, etc...just make sure they count each letter and everything equals

[thedarkshade]

I try to put 1 in front of the "worst looking" one; start with Carbon, then H, then O, etc...just make sure they count each letter and everything equals

Could you be more specific and post one equation and equalize it in your way.. cheers

[YT2095]

a Nice way to do it as an Activity is to use the Ball and Sticks, you get a good Visual and hands on appreciation of Exactly what`s happening and why it`s needed.

 

after all, chemistry and Lego have quite a bit in common, so strip down the reactants into a pile and then the do same for the Products, then it`s just a matter of counting them in and counting them out