Introduction to Balancing Chemical Equations Lab with Manipulatives

Product Description 

Looking for an engaging, hands-on method to introduce balancing equations? By using these colorful manipulatives, students are able to visualize the meaning of coefficients and gain a better understanding of why balancing a chemical equation is necessary. Students add the appropriate number of cutouts until the equation is balanced. Then, they record the final chemical equation and a visual representation in the data section of their lab. Students will balance a total of 7 chemical equations. In their analysis, students discuss the connection between the law of conservation of mass and balancing equations. 

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With what standard does this resource align?

This resource will support students in moving  towards the mastery of the Next Generation Science Standards.

Middle School 

• NGSS MS-PS1-5: Develop and use a model to describe how the total number of atoms does not change in a chemical reaction and thus mass is conserved. 

High School 

• NGSS HS-PS1-7: Use mathematical representations to support the claim that atoms, and therefore mass, are conserved during a chemical reaction.

What type of preparation is involved?  

You can choose to have students cut out the different components in their small groups to save on prep time for you; however, I find it more productive to create 1 set for each group prior to class. If you put in the time up front and print them on cardstock, you will have a complete set of manipulatives for years to come. 

How do I use this resource? 

• Small group work 

What’s included? 

• 1 student copy of the lab  

• 1 set of manipulatives (molecules, coefficients and equations). Note:  there are a handful of extras included in the set so students do not have the exact number of atoms and molecules.  

• 1 teacher answer key 

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