Introduction to Chemical Reactions for Middle Schoolers

Many students know that chemical reactions take place around them, but they do not understand what a reactant is, or how to read a simple chemical equation.

This PowerPoint is primarily designed to teach students in grades 6-8 about the basics of chemical reactions, but it could also be used at the beginning of the year as a refresher for Chemistry students. The file begins by outlining how chemical reactions can be observed. Two short video clips have been embedded in the PowerPoint so that students can watch and make their own observations.

Then the PowerPoint discusses how to write and read chemical formulas, first by introducing the Periodic Table of the Elements and explaining the letter symbols. Next, students are introduced to reactants and products. Finally, students learn whether or not a chemical equation is balanced or unbalanced. (They do not however learn HOW to balance a chemical equation).

Student interest will be held by:
colorful design, video clips, animations, and a group activity that can be done in conjunction with this PowerPoint.