Context

Chemistry is a science that is present in all aspects of our lives, from the food we eat to the products we use to clean ourselves. A fundamental part of chemistry is nomenclature, which is how we name chemical compounds. Understanding chemical nomenclature is essential to be able to communicate effectively about compounds and their properties.

Chemical nomenclature may seem complex at first glance, with its specific rules and conventions. However, by understanding these rules, it is possible to identify and name any chemical compound. Nomenclature allows scientists to share information about compounds in a precise and unambiguous way, facilitating the research, study, and practical application of chemistry.

Importance of Chemical Nomenclature

Chemical nomenclature is essential for communication in chemistry. Without it, chemists would not be able to share information effectively about the compounds they are studying. This would make the research and development of new compounds and medications extremely difficult.

Furthermore, chemical nomenclature is highly relevant in the industry. Whether in the creation of medications, food production, or manufacturing consumer products, the correct nomenclature of chemical compounds is essential to ensure the quality and safety of these products.

Practical Activity

Activity Title: "Exploring Chemical Nomenclature through the Creation of an Interactive Chemical Dictionary"

Project Objective:

The project's objective is to develop a deep understanding of chemical nomenclature, applying this knowledge in the creation of an interactive chemical dictionary. The project should be carried out in groups of 3 to 5 students and should last approximately one month, with each participant dedicating five to ten hours of work.

Detailed Project Description:

Students should research, study, and understand the nomenclature of chemical compounds, focusing on naming the main chain of a compound, branches and unsaturations, as well as naming hydrocarbons. With this knowledge, students should create an "Interactive Chemical Dictionary," which will be a digital database of the studied chemical compounds, with their correct nomenclature and relevant information about each one.

The dictionary should be designed to allow users to search for a compound by name and obtain relevant information. Each entry in the dictionary should include, at least, the correct name of the compound, an image of its molecular structure, a description of its properties and uses, and an explanation of the etymology of its name (i.e., why it is named the way it is).

Required Materials:

• Computers with Internet access for research and creating the interactive dictionary.
• Text editing, image editing, and database creation software.

Detailed Step-by-Step for Carrying Out the Activity:

1. Group Formation: The teacher should divide the class into groups of 3 to 5 students. Each group will be responsible for creating its own "Interactive Chemical Dictionary."

2. Study of chemical nomenclature: Students will research and study chemical nomenclature, using the suggested resources and any others they consider relevant.

3. Selection of compounds: Each group will choose a list of compounds to include in its dictionary. This list must be approved by the teacher.

4. Research and compilation of information: For each chosen compound, students must research and compile information, including its name, molecular structure, properties and uses, and the etymology of its name.

5. Creation of the dictionary: Using the collected information, students will create their "Interactive Chemical Dictionary." They can use any software or platform that allows the creation of an interactive database.

6. Final presentation: Each group will present its dictionary to the class, explaining their design choices and highlighting some of the included compounds.

Upon completing the practical activity, the groups must prepare a report, with the following main topics:

• Introduction: The group must contextualize the theme, its relevance and real-world application as well as the objective of this project.

• Development: The group must explain the theory behind chemical nomenclature, detail the creation of the dictionary, indicate the methodology used, and finally present and discuss the chosen compounds and their nomenclatures.

• Conclusions: The group must conclude the work by summarizing its main points, explaining the learnings obtained, and drawing conclusions about the project.

• Bibliography: The group must indicate the sources they relied on to work on the project such as books, web pages, videos, etc.

Each submission must be clearly connected to the initially suggested activity, that is, the written report must reflect the practical work carried out by the students in creating the "Interactive Chemical Dictionary."