Contextualization

Chemistry is the science that studies the substances of nature, the transformations they undergo, and the energy involved in these processes. Within this broad and fascinating science, one of the fundamental topics we need to explore is Base Nomenclature.

Bases are substances that have a well-defined chemical behavior - they donate pairs of electrons and react with acids to form salt and water, a process known as neutralization. In addition, bases tend to make the medium (solution) more basic or alkaline by releasing OH- ions in aqueous solution. But what really sets one base apart from another is its chemical formula, and this is where base nomenclature plays a key role.

Nomenclature is the way we name bases, and although there are thousands of different bases, they all follow very specific nomenclature rules that allow us to know the exact composition of a base just by its name. In order to correctly name bases, we need to understand these rules and apply them correctly and consistently.

In the world around us, bases are present in many areas of our daily lives and have numerous applications. In food, bases can act as preservatives or acidity regulators. In medicine, the antacids we use to combat heartburn are bases that neutralize excess acid in the stomach. In industry, strong bases like sodium hydroxide are used in processes such as paper and soap manufacturing.

So, we can clearly see that the study of base nomenclature is not limited to the pages of a book or the walls of a classroom. It is knowledge that has real relevance and application in industry, medicine, food, and much more. Now, our challenge will be to understand the rules for naming bases and apply this knowledge.

Practical Activity - "Naming Bases: A Chemical Card Game"

Project Objective

The objective of this project is to provide students with the opportunity to explore, in depth, base nomenclature in a hands-on and playful activity that promotes collaboration, critical thinking, and reflection.

Detailed Project Description

In this project, students will create and then play a card game based on base nomenclature. Each group of students should design cards representing various bases, including relevant information (such as the chemical formula) and create rules for a card game involving these bases. By playing the game, students will practice naming bases and better understand the characteristics and applications of each one.

Required Materials

1. Paper or cardstock to make the cards
2. Colored pencils and/or markers
3. Computer with internet access for research
4. Book "Chemistry - The Central Science" by Brown, LeMay, Bursten, Murphy, Woodward. Or other Chemistry books of equivalent level.

Detailed Step-by-Step for Activity Execution

1. Divide into groups of 3 to 5 students.
2. Each group should choose 15 to 20 different bases for their deck (the exact quantity can be adjusted as needed and desired difficulty).
3. For each base, research to better understand its characteristics and uses. This can be done using the recommended book, the Khan Academy website, or other reliable sources.
4. Draw a card for each chosen base. The card should include the chemical formula of the base, its name, and some relevant information about its practical application. Be creative with the illustration!
5. After creating the deck, the group should establish rules for the game. The rules should involve base nomenclature in a way that players need to use their knowledge to advance in the game.
6. Once the game is complete, each group should play it and refine the rules as necessary.
7. Finally, each group will present their game to the class, explaining the rules and how base nomenclature is applied.

At the end of the project, groups should present a report, explaining how they developed the game, which bases they chose and why, and how base nomenclature is incorporated into the game rules.

The reports should be written according to the criteria highlighted earlier with the sections:

• Introduction: Contextualize the relevance and application of bases in the real world, and what the project's objective is.
• Development: Explain the theory used, describe the bases chosen, the methodology used to develop the game, and the application of base nomenclature in the game rules. Present and discuss the results obtained.
• Conclusion: Summarize the main points developed, explaining the learnings obtained and the conclusions drawn about the project.
• Bibliography: Indicate the sources used to work on the project.

The practical application associated with creating the card game and writing the report provides an opportunity to develop a range of technical and socioemotional skills.