Context

Organic Chemistry is a field of study that permeates many aspects of our daily lives, from the fuels we use to power our cars, to the medications we take to combat diseases. Within the universe of this discipline, a crucial theme for understanding many of these processes is the classification of carbon chains. The way these chains are structured and categorized can determine the chemical and physical properties of the substances they constitute, directly impacting their functions and applications.

Carbon chains are classified as open (aliphatic or acyclic), closed (cyclic), aromatic, homogeneous, heterogeneous, branched, normal (non-branched), saturated, and unsaturated. Each of these types has its own characteristics and properties, which define how these chains will react in different contexts. Therefore, deepening the knowledge on this subject is essential for those seeking to understand the principles of Organic Chemistry.

In this sense, we have created this interdisciplinary project to explore the classification of carbon chains in a playful and engaging way. Using the discipline of Chemistry as a base and incorporating knowledge from Mathematics and Computer Science, you will be able to understand these concepts in a dynamic and practical way.

As a fundamental part of building this project, you should consult reliable references in Portuguese to support your research. We recommend, for example, the book 'Organic Chemistry' by Paula Y. Bruice, which has an entire chapter on the subject. Additionally, the Khan Academy website has a specific module on Organic Chemistry, where you can find explanations, exercises, and videos on the classification of carbon chains.

So, let's embark together on this fascinating universe and discover how these small structures have the power to determine so many properties and characteristics of substances that are central to our lives.

Practical Activity: Building and Classifying Carbon Chains

Project Objective

The objective of this project is to encourage the practical application of knowledge about the classification of carbon chains. Students will be challenged to build models of carbon chains using recyclable materials and then classify them according to the concepts learned.

Detailed Project Description

Divided into groups of 3 to 5 students, you will explore in depth the classification of carbon chains. To make this knowledge more tangible, you will build models of carbon chains using recyclable materials and then classify them. Additionally, you will be challenged to build a board game where the objective will be to correctly identify the type of carbon chain presented.

Students will have to plan the execution of this project, manage time, and efficiently distribute tasks among team members. Additionally, they should work collaboratively to carry out the proposed activities.

Required Materials

• Recyclable materials such as bottle caps, toothpicks, straws, string, etc.
• Cardboard, cardstock, or cardboard paper.
• Colored pens and permanent markers.
• Tape, glue.
• 'Organic Chemistry' book by Paula Y. Bruice.
• Internet access (for research and consultation on Khan Academy).

Detailed Step-by-Step

1. Research: Start by researching in detail about each type of carbon chain and its characteristics. Use the recommended book and the Khan Academy platform as the main sources of research. Take notes on the characteristics of each type of chain.

2. Planning: Plan how the construction of the carbon chain models will be and how the board game will be. Efficiently distribute tasks among team members.

3. Construction of Models: Using recyclable materials, build the carbon chain models as planned. Make sure each chain is correctly represented in your model.

4. Classification of Chains: Classify the constructed chains, identifying whether they are open, closed, aromatic, homogeneous, heterogeneous, branched, normal, saturated, or unsaturated.

5. Creation of the Board Game: Use cardboard or cardboard paper to make the board and game pieces, which will be the carbon chains you built. The objective of the game will be to move on the board by correctly answering questions about the classification of chains.

6. Final Report: Based on the activities carried out, each team must prepare a final report. The report should be structured as follows:

   • Introduction: Provide context on the topic, its relevance and real-world application, as well as the objective of this project.
   • Development: Explain the theory behind the classification of carbon chains, detail the activities carried out, indicate the methodology used, and present and discuss the results obtained.
   • Conclusion: Summarize your main points, explain the learnings obtained, and draw conclusions about the project.
   • Bibliography: Indicate the sources you relied on for the project, such as books, web pages, videos, etc.

To achieve the project's objective, it is important that each step be carefully executed. Collaboration, research, planning, game construction, execution, and report writing require joint effort and efficient time management. Each team member has a fundamental role, whether in research, planning, game construction, or report writing. Remember: the success of the project depends on teamwork!