ABOUT THE CHEMICAL REACTIONS LESSON
This lesson is appropriate for children ages 11 and up. Students are introduced to atoms, molecules, compounds, and mixtures, using LEGO® bricks as atoms. In an engaging hands-on wet lab, students experience a chemical reaction and then model the same reaction with LEGO bricks. This lesson is also offered as a 3-hour academic field trip LEGO Chemistry at the Edgerton Center.
TEACHING THE CHEMICAL REACTIONS LESSON
Co-Teaching Video from BLOSSOMS:
Teacher Guides and Resources:
MIT Edgerton Molecule videos on our YouTube channel:
CURRICULUM STANDARDS
This lesson meets the following items of the Massachusetts State Frameworks for grades 6-8, Physical Sciences Strand: Elements, Compounds & Mixtures:
5. Recognize that there are more than 100 elements that combine in a multitude of ways to produce compounds that make up all of the living and nonliving things that we encounter.
6. Differentiate between an atom (the smallest unit of an element that maintains the characteristics of that element) and a molecule (the smallest unit of a compound that maintains the characteristics of that compound).
7. Give basic examples of elements and compounds.
8. Differentiate between mixtures and pure substances.
10. Differentiate between physical changes and chemical changes.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Document Versions prior to June 2012:
LEGO®, the LEGO logo, and the brick and knob configurations are trademarks of the LEGO group, used here with permission. ©MIT. All rights reserved.