For this project, our task was to create a simple and fun boardgames that would be safe and easy to play. Even though it looked simple in the end, it involved many complicated reactions. The safety aspect was very important because kids would be playing the games at our STEM project night. It involved a lot of work, but we were able to create a product that met all the requirements. My group decided to base our game off of the Wizard of Oz, which included all the characters as well as the Yellow Brick Road, poppy field, and emerald city. We included chemical reactions along the way, and finished by lighting up the Emerald City.
Concepts
Single displacement reaction- chemical reaction where an element reacts with a compound and takes the place of another element in that compound A+BC --> AC+B Double displacement reaction- chemical reaction where two compounds react, and the cations and the anions of the two reactants switch places AB+CD --> AD+CB Synthesis reaction- multiple reactants combine to form a single product A+B ---> AB Decomposition reaction- a single compound breaks down into two or more elements or new compounds AB --> A+B Ion- version of an element that is not electrically neutral, and has a charge Anion- negatively charged ion Cation- positively charged ion Chemical change- change in the chemical properties of a material Physical change- change in the physical properties of a material
Reflection
This project was a great way for my group and I to get a better and more hands on understanding of chemistry. It taught me a lot about chemical safety which is very important for lab work, as well as how chemicals react with metals and metalloids. Being able to create your own reactions using a variety of different elements and compounds really helped me to get familiarized with what chemists do in labs. The project also refreshed my mind on the circuit board work we spent a lot of time on in freshman year physics. Having the freedom we had during this project allowed us to use our imaginations to create a completely original product. Being able to design everything from scratch with little instruction is the most helpful and thorough way of learning to me, and by far my favorite way of doing things. The design and reactive aspects involved a lot of trial and error because of the need to pay attention to detail. Even though it was tedious work and proved to be frustrating at times to make all reactions and make them work consistently, it all paid off in the end and proved to be a success. Overall, we were able to put our knowledge together and create a chemical board game that we were all proud of in the end.