There’s not much time for lab work this year. For inexpensive chemistry lab ideas to expand your repertoire, buy my lab book Chemistry on a Budget for $20.56 at amazon.com or $23 at lulu.com. It will take a few weeks to get to you, so order now!
http://www.amazon.com/Chemistry-Budget-Marjorie-R-Heesemann/dp/0578129159/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1389410170&sr=1-1&keywords=chemistry+on+a+budget
http://www.lulu.com/shop/marjorie-r-heesemann/chemistry-on-a-budget/paperback/product-21217600.html
This book contains 13 labs using consumable materials purchased from local stores including Analysis of a Mixture, Paper Chromatography, and Coinium (using pennies to demonstrate half-life). There are two versions of each lab, one with a ten-question conclusion and one with directions for a full lab report. This way the teacher has the option! Each lab is two pages to allow for one two-sided handout.
Last year, I posted “Final Exams – End of Year Preparation” on 06/08/2014. It’s very comprehensive – check it out! Also, “Quizzes and Tests” posted 09/05/2014 may be helpful as well.
You may not have time to complete a Lab Practical at this time of year, but do consider inserting long answer / essay questions to your final (instead of just multiple choice).
Students could analyze the lab data you provide for a laboratory you have completed (such as Density), analyze the quality of lab data provided, or write an analysis of student lab report provided in the exam.
You can be creative if there isn’t a state or department exam being given, just check what else is happening in your department. There could be complaints if your exam isn't like the beloved teacher who's been there 25 years.
Maybe run a test question that doesn't count for the exam but gives you feedback about student abilities for analyzing data.
I’d love to hear what you do!
This Blog contains several entries that would be helpful to your chemistry classroom. Remember, you can check out the Topic List to help you to find past Blog entries.
Have a good weekend!