Activity Overview
This activity is intended to help students gain an understanding of the mole concept. By determining the molar mass of the element at each station, students will be able to identify the element. Students will learn that the molar mass of each element is unique and different, although the number of atoms represented by a mole is constant.
Before the Activity
The teacher will place six moles at different stations around the room. An index card with the mass of the container will be placed at each station, along with a triple beam balance.
During the Activity
Provide each student with a copy of the lab handout.
In small groups, students should be allowed to circulate to each station in order to predict what element is present. At this time, students will record a brief physical description of the element.
Afterwards, groups of students will again rotate through to each station, measuring the mass of each mole. Students will use the periodic table Apps to determine the actual identity of the element by locating an element with a matching molar mass.
After the Activity
Students will answer the end of the lab questions. If a microscale conductivity tester is available, students could determine which of the elements are conductors or nonconductors.