Balancing chemical equations is a crucial skill in chemistry that involves adjusting the coefficients of reactants and products in a chemical equation to ensure that the number of atoms of each element on both sides of the equation is equal. This process is essential in understanding chemical reactions and predicting the outcome of a reaction. Balancing chemical equations is also helpful in real-life scenarios, such as industrial processes involving chemical reactions or environmental studies where chemical reactions play a role in the ecosystem. In this way, understanding how to balance chemical equations can help us better understand and manipulate the chemical reactions that occur in our daily lives.               

In this lesson, the students will play in teams to balance the equation and score the correct number of goals at each molecule. The game is a race to see who can balance the equation first. The game starts chaotically since there are four molecules (goals) to score on, but as each team begins scoring, the gameplay becomes more traditional when only one or two goals are left. Be careful not to score more goals than needed to balance the equation. Otherwise, it will upset the equation, and that team will have to score (potentially hundreds) more to rebalance!

Materials: 

·      A large play area (a gym works best, but can be played outside)

·      Four small goals that can be used for soccer or hockey

o   If you have access to four basketball hoops, you could also play this game as a basketball game.

·      Depending on the sport and skills the teacher wants to practice, various equipment can be used to shoot at the goals.

o   With mini goals

§  Hockey sticks and soft small dodgeballs as the puck

§  A soccer ball

§  A soft dodgeball for handball

o   With four basketball hoops

§  Basketball

Age: Upper Elementary and Middle School