Contextualization
Oxides are binary compounds, that is, they are formed by the combination of two chemical elements. In this case, one oxygen molecule combines with another of an element X. Oxides are very common and have great relevance to our life on the planet. For example, carbon dioxide (CO2), a carbon oxide, is responsible for the photosynthesis of plants and also contributes to the greenhouse effect.
Understanding and correctly naming oxides is an essential skill in chemistry. The nomenclature is based on the valence of the element that combines with oxygen and may have different characteristics if the compound is ionic or covalent. In addition, many oxides receive popular names, some of which you may know: the already mentioned carbon dioxide, water (H2O, a hydrogen oxide), and the gas we breathe, oxygen (O2, an oxygen oxide).
Importance of Oxides
Oxides are present in various aspects of our daily life and the world around us. They are found in the atmosphere, in water, in food, and in many materials we use. Furthermore, the study of oxides is fundamental for understanding many natural phenomena and environmental impacts. For example, nitrogen oxide and sulfur oxide, released in the burning of fossil fuels, are responsible for acid rain.
Understanding the nomenclature of oxides is the first step to mastering the study of these compounds, paving the way for understanding chemical reactions, chemical equilibrium, solutions, and other chemistry topics.
Practical Activity - 'Oxides in Our Daily Life'
Project Objective
This project aims to enhance students' understanding of the nomenclature of oxides and the presence of these compounds in our daily life. Additionally, it is expected to develop research skills, teamwork, and scientific report writing.
Detailed Project Description
Students, divided into groups of 3 to 5, will work together to research, identify, and explore the role of oxides in our daily life. Each group will have to choose three different oxides and research about them, including basic chemistry, common uses, importance, and environmental or health impacts (if any).
After this initial research, each group will have to prepare a creative presentation for the class, explaining the nomenclature of the chosen oxides, their uses and importance, as well as any environmental or health impact. Students are also encouraged to include models, demonstrations, experiments, or other visual aids to help explain the concepts.
Finally, the groups are also responsible for preparing a detailed report (minimum 5 pages) on the researched oxides.
Required Materials
- Internet access for research
- Presentation materials (e.g., posters, slides, materials for experiments)
- Scientific journal articles, textbooks, and other reference materials
Detailed Step-by-Step
- Divide students into groups of 3 to 5.
- Each group must choose three different oxides for research.
- Students should research and collect information about the nomenclature, chemical composition, common uses, importance, and any environmental or health impacts of each chosen oxide.
- Based on the research, students should prepare a creative presentation for the class. The presentation should last approximately 15-20 minutes and include a discussion on the nomenclature, uses, and importance of the chosen oxides.
- Students should write a detailed report on the researched oxides, following the structure: Introduction, Development, Conclusions, and Bibliography used.
Project Deliverables and Connection with Activities
The project deliverables include the presentation to the class and the written report. The presentation will help students improve their communication skills, while the report will help develop scientific writing skills.
The report should follow the described structure. In the Introduction, students should contextualize the theme, its relevance and real-world application, as well as the project's objective. In the Development, students should present the theory behind the nomenclature of oxides, explain the research methodology used, and present the results obtained. The Conclusions should summarize the main points, present the learnings, and draw conclusions. The Bibliography should list sources used for the research.
