Contextualization

The project we are going to develop refers to the important area of chemistry: "Types of Formulas". Chemical formulas are a concise way to represent chemical substances. They are like a universal language in chemistry, capable of telling other scientists the exact composition of a particular chemical substance. There are three main types of formulas that you should know to understand chemistry: molecular formulas, structural formulas, and empirical formulas.

The molecular formula of a chemical substance is a representation of the exact quantity and type of atoms that are present in a single molecule of the substance. The structural formula, on the other hand, shows how the atoms are arranged and connected in a molecule. The empirical formula, however, represents only the relative proportion of the atoms of each element present in the substance.

Chemical formulas are crucial for chemists because they provide a series of information about a particular chemical substance. They provide details about the number of types of atoms present in the substance and also details about how the atoms are connected to each other. This is extremely important for chemists in understanding the properties of substances, predicting how substances will react, and communicating information about substances to other chemists.

Now, to contextualize this great structure of chemistry with the real world, it is known that life is made of chemicals. They are present in everything we see and do. However, to understand the chemical and physical properties of these substances, we need to understand how atoms are organized and interact. Thus, chemical formulas play a crucial role in interpreting and communicating the chemical world around us.

For example, understanding chemical formulas and the types of interactions that occur between atoms is important for the development of new medications. This knowledge is also fundamental in the food industry, where different substances are added to improve the taste, texture, or shelf life of foods.

Here are some useful references that can be used to introduce and delve deeper into the topic:

1. Chemistry for High School. Single Volume - Tito & Canto
2. Chemical Formulas - Brazil School
3. What is a Chemical Formula - All Matter
4. The Different Types of Chemical Formulas - World Education

Practical Activity

Activity Title: "Exploring the World of Chemical Formulas: An Interdisciplinary Journey"

Project Objective

The objective of this project is to allow students to delve deeply into the world of chemical formulas, exploring the three main types: molecular formulas, structural formulas, and empirical formulas. In addition, the project has a strong interdisciplinary foundation, integrating concepts of Chemistry, Mathematics, and Computer Science.

Detailed Project Description

The student groups, composed of 3 to 5 members, should create a board game involving the concepts of chemical formulas. The game should contain the following elements:

1. Questions related to the identification or formulation of molecular, structural, and empirical formulas.
2. Challenges that require solving mathematical problems related to mol (a unit of measurement used in chemistry to express quantities of particles) and stoichiometry.
3. A digital tool, which can range from an Excel spreadsheet to a more complex software, to track the players' points or progress.

This project should be developed over a period of at least 30 days, given the volume and complexity of the content involved.

Required Materials

• Computer with internet access
• Textbooks and/or online educational materials for research
• Materials to produce the board game (cardboard, colored pens, colored papers, etc.)
• Spreadsheet software (Excel or Google Sheets) or basic programming software, if opting for a more complex digital tool (Scratch, Python, etc.)

Detailed Step-by-Step for Activity Execution

1. Research and Study (Duration: ~10 days): In this phase, the group should gather (online or in person) to deepen their knowledge about the types of chemical formulas and associated concepts. Each group member should take notes and make summaries to share with colleagues.

2. Game Planning (Duration: ~5 days): With the concepts well understood, the group should plan the board game, defining the rules, challenges, questions, and the digital tool to track the players' progress.

3. Game Construction (Duration: ~10 days): In this stage, students will build the board, as well as prepare the instruction manual, which should be clear and precise.

4. Creation of the Digital Tool (Duration: ~5 days): In parallel with the construction of the game, the group should develop the digital tool, testing it to ensure it functions as expected.

5. Report Writing (Duration: parallel to project development): From phase 1, students should start writing the report, updating it as the project progresses. The report should include:

   • Introduction: Description of the topic, its relevance and real-world application, and the project objective.
   • Development: Detailed explanation of the theory behind the topic, methodological description of the project, demonstration of the digital tool, and discussion of the results.
   • Conclusion: Synthesis of the main points, reflection on the learnings obtained, and conclusions drawn about the project.
   • Bibliography: List of information sources used during the project.

6. Game Presentation (Duration: 1 day): Once the project is completed, the groups will present the game to the class, explaining the rules and demonstrating the digital tool.

At the end of this project, students will have deepened their knowledge of chemical formulas, developed skills in teamwork, problem-solving, communication, creative thinking, digital skills, as well as time management and proactivity competencies.