High schoolers conduct an experiment using the reaction of hydrogen and oxygen. After pairs balance the chemical equation for making water, they mix different ratios of hydrogen and oxygen in a chemical reaction. Classmates then determine which ratio produces the most energy and draw conclusions to their hypotheses.

Concepts

hydrogen, oxygen, chemical reactions, combustion, balancing chemical equations, chemical equations, technology resources

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Instructional Ideas

• Teach a lesson prior to this activity on balancing chemical equations
• Remove the hypotheses from the worksheet and have the teams come up with their own

Classroom Considerations

• Hydrogen and oxygen need to be created and held in gas bags, or hydrogen and oxygen generators need to be built prior to instruction
• Everybody needs to have goggles and gloves

Pros

• Lab activity shows the concept learned in balancing equations
• Background information provides a reason to look at the reaction between hydrogen and oxygen

Cons

• None

Common Core

HSN-VM.C.6