Grade 8 Science: Exploring Atomic Bonding Through Hands-On Activity

In the Grade 8 science classroom at Far Hills, students recently wrapped up their study of atomic bonding with an engaging and hands-on investigation using Bunsen burners. This culminating activity allowed students to apply the knowledge they've gained throughout their chemistry unit and explore the properties of different types of chemical bonds—ionic, covalent, and metallic.

A Deep Dive into Atomic Bonding

The activity focused on understanding the properties of eight different compounds by testing their conductivity, melting points, and solubility. Students carefully observed the appearance of each substance before using various scientific methods to test their properties. They learned that substances bonded ionically tend to have high melting points, are soluble in water, and can conduct electricity when dissolved. Meanwhile, covalent compounds behave differently, and metallic bonds show their own unique characteristics.

This hands-on experiment helped solidify the students' understanding of the differences between these types of bonds, which they had been studying for months through lectures and observations of the periodic table and atomic behavior.

A First for Bunsen Burners

For many students, this activity marked their first time using Bunsen burners, adding an exciting new element to their science experience. The lesson began with a thorough review of how to safely light a match and use the Bunsen burner. With safety in mind, students worked in teams to heat their substances and perform their tests, gaining valuable skills in both teamwork and safe lab practices.

Learning Through Patterns and Collaboration

Through this hands-on investigation, students were able to apply patterns they had previously studied. By analyzing data collected during the experiment, they identified which substances were ionically bonded, covalently bonded, and metallically bonded. This was an important step in reinforcing the concepts they had learned and gaining a deeper understanding of the relationship between atomic structure and material properties.

In the words of their teacher, Cathy Cirrotti, “This is the perfect culminating activity of this unit, providing students with the opportunity to apply the patterns in melting point, conductivity, and solubility that they learned in the lecture and use this knowledge during the investigation. It is also a complicated investigation requiring teamwork and safe lab practices."

Next Steps: Writing Lab Reports

Following the investigation, students will write detailed lab reports to discuss their findings. They will determine which of the unknown solids were ionically bonded, which were covalently bonded, and which were metallically bonded, reinforcing their learning and giving them the opportunity to analyze their experimental data critically.

This activity was a crucial milestone in the Grade 8 science curriculum, allowing students to integrate their theoretical knowledge of atomic bonding with practical, hands-on experimentation. As they continue to study physical science, these experiences will provide a strong foundation for their understanding of chemistry and physics in the years to come.