Let's Do Some Bonding! Writing Balanced Formulas and Naming Ionic Compounds

Students gain practice with both naming and balancing formulas of ionic compounds. Students also have the opportunity to meet and 'bond with' students and staff outside the chemistry classroom.

This activity is designed for high school students. Students should have at least 24 hours to complete this bonding activity as they need to meet and talk to 10 people outside the classroom. Students need nametags containing the name of an ion. Distribution should be controlled so the students have to seek appropriate ions to bond with outside the classroom. Could also be useful in a second year chemistry course as a getting to know you activity.

Students are given a nametag containing the name of a cation or anion. The goal is for the students to meet and create an ionic bond with 10 other students or staff outside of their chemistry classroom. When students find an appropriate ion to bond with they must provide the correct ionic formula and name for the compound created as well as provide the name of the student or staff wearing the nametag. Materials include nametags and worksheets. Optional handouts include student handout and flowchart.

Let's Do Some Bonding! Worksheet (Microsoft Word 12kB Sep25 07)
Naming/Balancing Formula Handout (Microsoft Word 28kB Sep25 07)
Naming/Formula Flowchart (Microsoft Word 58kB May20 11)

Students really enjoy this activity. Nametags should be distributed in a manner so that they cannot bond with members of their own class. Staff and administrators especially enjoy being included in this activity. I usually do this for two days.

This activity is easily assessed by determining whether students correctly balanced formulas and used the correct name for compounds.

Grade Level: 9-12; II. Physical Science; A. Structure of Matter; 6. Bonding