STEM Chemistry Board Game
hunger_games_instructions.docx | |
File Size: | 583 kb |
File Type: | docx |
Description:
The assignment was to dream up and then build a board game that incorporated the chemistry concepts we'd learned in class. We needed to include a single replacement reaction, a double replacement reaction, lighting an LED, a production of gas reaction, and at least one physical phase change and one chemical change in energy.
Our board game was inspired by the Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins. In the popular YA novels, a competition takes place in an "arena," which is the board itself in our interpretation. The arena is where the contestants (players) battle to be the last one surviving (still on the board). The arena and game is created and monitored by the "Game Makers," which is the role my group members and I took. To play, each player takes a game piece and begins on one of the neutral white spaces before rolling a die to move spaces clockwise. If the player lands on a blue space, they must draw a blue reaction/action card. These cards must be played immediately and some start the reactions around the board. If the player lands on a red space, they draw a cornucopia card which can be stockpiled and often defend the player against any blue cards they may draw or have played on them. See the above downloadable file for the game's complete instructions. |
Term definitions and their application:
single replacement reaction: When an element replaces its like element in an ionic compound or acid. This reaction will only happen if the element is more reactive than its like element in the compound, which you can determine using the reactivity series
double replacement reaction: When two aqueous, ionic compounds exchange ions to form two new ionic compounds. combustion reaction: A hydrocarbon and oxygen react to produce carbon dioxide and water. (ex: C2H6O+ 3O2 → 2CO2+ 3H2O) decomposition reaction: Oone reactant yields two products. synthesis reaction: Two or more reactants make one product. dissociation: The separation of ions when an ionic compound dissolves; product is abbreviated SS for soluble solution. (ex: NaOH + NaC2H3O2 → NaOH + NaC2H3O2) precipitation: When a solid forms out of solution; product is abbreviated PPT for precipitate. (ex: Cu(NO3)2+ K2CrO4 → 2K(NO3)+ CuCrO4) Aqueous: An aqueous solution is any solution in which water is the solution that is present in the greatest amount (also known as the solvent). chemical change of energy: The substance changes and energy is either given off or absorbed. (ex: combustion reaction produces heat) physical change of energy: Phase change, but no change in actual substance. (ex: CO2 turning into gas) ion: An atom with number of electrons differing from that of its element. *In AP Bio, we learned that ions with positive and negative charges can form ionic bonds. A cation has a positive charge because it has fewer electrons than protons, and an anion has a negative charge because it has more electrons than protons. |
Single replacement reaction:
- combined zinc and hydrochloric acid Double replacement reaction: - mixed different combinations of 5 chemicals NaOH, Cu(NO3)3, K2CrO4, AgNO3, and NaC2H3O2 - when mixed, some form precipitates and others remain soluble Lighting LED: - lemon battery - zinc-coated nail that had been electro-galvanized as the circuit's negative charge and copper penny as the positive charge Physical change/Production of gas: - production of carbon dioxide gas CO2 - combined baking soda and vinegar - blew up a balloon Chemical change/Combustion reaction: - set fire to a string soaked in ethanol |
Reflection
We had several challenges working on this project. One was when our LED wouldn't light up. We eventually figured out that the copper wire didn't conduct electricity well enough. We switched to using pennies, which conducted enough voltage to light the LEDs. We also struggled to find old pennies that still contained a high percentage of actual copper. Another roadblock occurred on the final workday when we couldn't find any nitric acid. We had planned to use that in the single replacement reaction. We had to change plans last minute and we ended up using hydrogen gas and zinc chloride instead.
Despite the tough moments, this project was a lot of fun. I worked during a Saturday for over 5 hours to complete the painting featured on the board. My group members also worked hard to create a professional looking game. Our playing cards were very high quality, and in every stage of this project I was excited to play our resulting product. When game night finally arrived, our game drew a crowd and we had many people playing.
If I had the opportunity to redo this project knowing what I now know, I would begin testing reactions sooner so that we wouldn't be caught off-guard if the reactions didn't work. I would also try to build a more complex design incorporating our reactions as the players move around the board, even if that would mean sacrificing some of the aesthetic of the board's appearance.
Overall, this was a wonderful experience that resulted in a board game that I was proud to share with other people.
Despite the tough moments, this project was a lot of fun. I worked during a Saturday for over 5 hours to complete the painting featured on the board. My group members also worked hard to create a professional looking game. Our playing cards were very high quality, and in every stage of this project I was excited to play our resulting product. When game night finally arrived, our game drew a crowd and we had many people playing.
If I had the opportunity to redo this project knowing what I now know, I would begin testing reactions sooner so that we wouldn't be caught off-guard if the reactions didn't work. I would also try to build a more complex design incorporating our reactions as the players move around the board, even if that would mean sacrificing some of the aesthetic of the board's appearance.
Overall, this was a wonderful experience that resulted in a board game that I was proud to share with other people.