Introduction

We know that atoms want to fill their outer energy levels with 8 valence electrons. To do so, they bond together, forming new substances. As atoms fill their outer energy level, they become more stable.

Sometimes atoms release energy during a chemical reaction, and sometimes they gain energy during a chemical reaction. Either way, energy is always gained or lost during a reaction.

 

Lesson Objectives

Following successful completion of this lesson, students will be able to...

  • Identify and describe chemical reactions, reactants, and products
  • Compare and contrast the use of energy in the following types of chemical reactions:
    • Endergonic
    • Exergonic
    • Endothermic
    • Exothermic

Enduring Understandings

  • Chemical reactions can be classified by type and by energy loss or gain.
  • During a chemical reaction, atoms are rearranged to produce new substances.
  • The Law of Conservation of Mass states that matter is neither changed nor destroyed but changed.

The above objectives correspond with the Alabama Course of Study: Physical Science standards: 5.

This lesson incorporates the following Literacy Standards: R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R10, W1, W2, W3, W4, W9, and W10.

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