Heating things up: A day in the Chemistry Lab

As a hands-on subject concerned with the very makeup of the physical world , it's no surprise that lab experiments are an essential component of any chemistry course. These experiments allow students to observe chemical reactions firsthand and gain a deeper understanding of the principles and concepts they are learning in class.

Last week, IBDP Year 1 students gathered in the lab to investigate enthalpy changes and put their knowledge of thermochemistry to the test.

Students combined copper-sulfate and zinc to see their reactions with each other, to determine the enthalpy change of the reaction between copper-sulfate and zinc, and they used their observations to calculate the enthalpy change per mole of zinc. From starting to set up the experiment, making use of unfamiliar apparatus, and collecting data, the lab provided students the opportunity to practice collaboration and research in a fresh environment using a direct practical approach.

When the lab did not go as expected, students reflected on their findings and potential errors, inquiring into what may have gone “wrong” and how to present it in their next labs. Requiring students to develop problem-solving skills & fosters a deeper understanding of the scientific method.

This hands-on experience helped students understand the practical applications of thermochemistry and its importance in various fields of science.

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