Context

Stoichiometry is a branch of chemistry that plays a crucial role in our understanding of the chemical world. It deals with the mathematical relationships between the reactants and products in chemical reactions. From determining how much reactant is needed to produce a certain product to predicting how much product will be formed under different conditions, stoichiometry is an indispensable tool for chemists, process engineers, and anyone interested in understanding the principles behind chemical reactions.

Stoichiometry begins with Lavoisier's Law, or the Law of Conservation of Mass, which states that the total mass of the reactants is the same as the total mass of the products in a chemical reaction. This law provides the basis for most stoichiometric calculations. Another key to stoichiometry is balanced chemical equations, which provide the molar relationship between the reactants and products.

Stoichiometry is not just about theoretical chemistry. Its application has profound practical implications and is at the heart of many industrial processes, such as fertilizer production, drug manufacturing, petroleum refining, and construction material production. Stoichiometry allows scientists to optimize these processes, minimizing waste generation and maximizing efficiency.

Chemistry may seem like an abstract subject, but it is essentially practical. Stoichiometry is one of the keys to understanding how the chemical world works, making it an essential skill for anyone interested in science. In this project, you will have the opportunity to explore stoichiometry problems through engaging and challenging practical activities, delving deeper into the fundamental principles of chemistry.

Practical Activity: Real Stoichiometry Challenge

Project Objective

The main objective of this project is to provide students with a deep understanding of stoichiometry problems and their practical applicability in our daily lives, as well as to stimulate collaboration among students, working on their communication, critical thinking, and proactivity skills. This project involves Chemistry and Mathematics disciplines.

Detailed Project Description

Students will be divided into groups of 3 to 5, and each group must select a chemical process that occurs in everyday life (bread production, beverage fermentation, soap production, etc.). The group should investigate the chemical reaction that occurs in this process, identify the reactants and products, and calculate the stoichiometry of the process.

Based on this information, the group will create a presentation that explains the chosen chemical process, describes the chemical reaction, and shows how to perform stoichiometric calculations related to this process. In addition, the presentation should discuss how stoichiometric calculations can be used to improve process efficiency, reduce waste generation, conserve resources, or benefit the environment in other ways.

Required Materials

• Internet access for research
• Safety equipment (goggles, gloves) if experiments are conducted
• Materials needed to carry out the chosen chemical process (if applicable)

Activity Steps

1. Form groups of 3 to 5 students.
2. Choose a chemical process that occurs in our daily lives and research about it.
3. Identify the chemical reaction that occurs during this process.
4. Based on the chemical reaction, identify the reactants and products.
5. Calculate the stoichiometry of the reaction.
6. Research how stoichiometry can be used to improve process efficiency.
7. Create a presentation that explains the chosen chemical process, describes the chemical reaction, shows how to perform stoichiometric calculations related to this process, and discusses how these calculations can be used to improve the process or benefit the environment.

Project Deliverables and Connection with Activities

In addition to the presentation, each group must produce a written document following the report format with the following topics:

1. Introduction: Provide context for the chosen chemical process, its relevance, real-world applicability, and the objective of this project.
2. Development: Explain the stoichiometry theory, detail the chosen chemical process, the involved chemical reaction, how stoichiometric calculations were performed, and discuss the results obtained.
3. Conclusions: Summarize the main points, the learnings obtained, and the conclusions drawn from the project.
4. Bibliography: Indicate the sources used for the project.

This written document is a complement to the presentation, and together they should provide a comprehensive view of the work done by the students during the project. Writing this document will allow students to work on their organization, writing, and critical thinking skills.