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PROJECT in Observations, Chemical Change, Activity Series, Chemical Change, Predicting Products. Last updated March 03, 2021.

Summary

In this project, students will analyze test results in order to design a procedure for recovering certain metals from wastewater using their knowledge of the Activity Series of Metals and single replacement reactions. Based on their analysis, students will create a proposal for presentation in an effort to recommend the best plan for reclaiming the metals from the wastewater.

Grade Level

High School

NGSS Alignment

This project will help prepare your students to meet the performance expectations in the following standards:

  • MS-PS1-2: Analyze and interpret data on the properties of substances before and after the substances interact to determine if a chemical reaction has occurred.
  • HS-PS1-2: Construct and revise an explanation for the outcome of a simple chemical reaction based on the outermost electron states of atoms, trends in the periodic table, and knowledge of the patterns of chemical properties.
  • HS-ETS1-3: Evaluate a solution to a complex real-world problem based on prioritized criteria and trade-offs that account for a range of constraints, including cost, safety, reliability, and aesthetics as well as possible social, cultural, and environmental impacts.
  • Scientific and Engineering Practices:
    • Analyzing and Interpreting Data
    • Engaging in Argument from Evidence
    • Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information

Objectives

By the end of this project, students should be able to

  • Apply the Activity Series of Metals to a real world problem.
  • Analyze data pertaining to single replacement reactions.
  • Design a procedure to recover the results of a single replacement reaction.
  • Communicate their findings to a fictitious company.

Chemistry Topics

This project supports students’ understanding of

  • Activity Series of Metals
  • Single Replacement Reactions
  • Predicting Products
  • Data Analysis

Time

Teacher Preparation: ~15 minutes

Lesson: 120-180 minutes

Materials

  • Metals In Aqueous Solutions 
  • Computer or tablets with internet connection for each group of 2-4 students
  • Student handouts for each group:
    • Company Memo
    • Simulation Activity
    • Presentation Requirements

Safety

  • No specific safety precautions need to be observed for this activity.

Teacher Notes

  • Group size recommendation: 2-4 students
  • Introduce project by handing out Company Letter that outlines the problem.
  • Students will use the lab simulation listed in the company memo to perform single replacement reactions and collect data.
  • Students will analyze data to determine the recycling procedure to use in their proposal based on the data collected in the lab simulation.
  • Students will incorporate costs for the materials (metals) used in their proposal.
  • Students will write a formal business letter to the company outlining their proposal including the recycling procedure, safety, and cost of the project.
  • Students will present the proposal to the class and/or teacher.
  • An Answer Key for the simulation activity has been provided for teacher reference.
  • For more information on the simulation, see Simulation Activity: Metals in Aqueous Solutions
  • For the presentation/proposal, potential answers/recommendations by students could be:
    • Mg will precipitate all metals in waste water.
    • Specific sequence for separating each individual metal from waste water:
      • Sn would be added first to remove Cu2+
      • Zn would be added next to remove Sn2+
      • Mg would be added next to remove Zn2+
    • Note: Students may not make the connection between single replacement reactions and the recycling aspect.You might have to emphasize what happen at the molecular level, ie. Cu2+ changes to Cu when Cu is replaced in a reaction.
  • Related classroom resources from AACT Library that may be used to further teacher this topic:

For the Student

Download all documents for this project, including the teacher guide, from the "Downloads box" at the top of the page.