Contextualization

Introduction

Organic chemistry is the branch of chemistry that studies carbon compounds and their derivatives. Carbon has a unique ability to form stable covalent bonds with other carbon atoms, resulting in carbon chains and rings.

Within organic chemistry, we have organic series, which are groups of compounds that exhibit similar chemical behavior due to the presence of a characteristic atomic grouping called a functional group. Organic series are subdivided into homologous, isologous, and heterologous.

Compounds belonging to a homologous series have the same chemical function, and the difference between their carbon and hydrogen atoms is a constant. In the isologous series, compounds have different chemical functions, but with similar physical and chemical properties. In the heterologous series, compounds have the same chemical function and the same number of carbon atoms, varying only the heteroatom.

Relevance and Real Contextualization

Organic chemistry is present in virtually all aspects of our daily lives. From the food we eat, the medicines we take, to the fuels we use to move our cars and heat our homes. Without organic chemistry, our lives would be very different.

Organic series play an extremely important role in the development and production of new drugs and materials. They provide a model for creating new molecules with specific properties, contributing to significant advances in medicine, the food industry, energy production, among others.

Atividade Prática

Activity Title: Organic Series - A Chemical Space Journey

Project Objective:

This project aims to lead students to understand and explore organic series in a playful and collaborative way, using imagination and creativity to go beyond chemical structures and explore their properties and applications in the real world.

Detailed Project Description:

In the project "Organic Series - A Chemical Space Journey," students will become explorers of the chemistry universe. Groups of 3 to 5 students will be responsible for identifying, characterizing, and presenting an organic series, whether homologous, isologous, or heterologous.

As true chemical astronauts, the students' mission will be to explore their organic series, identifying the chemical compounds that compose it, describing their properties, and elucidating their relevance and applications in the real world. For this, they will have to delve deep into the universe of organic chemistry, conducting research, interpreting information, and working as a team to fulfill their mission.

Required Materials:

• Computer with internet access for research
• Paper and pen for notes
• Text editing program (Word, Google Docs) for report writing
• Presentation editing program (PowerPoint, Google Slides) for project presentation
• Molecular modeling software (optional)

Detailed Step-by-Step:

1. Form groups of 3 to 5 students.
2. Each group should choose an organic series (homologous, isologous, or heterologous) to explore.
3. Students should research and identify the organic compounds that are part of the chosen series, as well as their properties and real-world applications.
4. Each group should prepare a written report, where they will discuss the chosen organic series, its component compounds, properties, and real-world applications. The report should follow the proposed format, containing an Introduction, Development, Conclusion, and Bibliography.
5. In addition to the report, each group should prepare a visual presentation that synthesizes the information from the report and is engaging for the audience. Use your creativity to make the presentation interesting and captivating!
6. At the end of the project, groups should present their work to the class.

Deliverables:

Students must submit a written report and present their project to the class. The report should be structured as follows:

• Introduction: Students should introduce the organic series they chose to explore, explaining its general characteristics and its relevance in the real world.
• Development: Here, students should discuss in detail the chosen organic series, explaining the compounds that compose it, their properties, and real-world applications. They should also discuss the research methodology used.
• Conclusion: Students should conclude the report by summarizing the main points of their project, reflecting on what they learned and what they concluded about the explored organic series.
• Bibliography: Here, students should list all sources of information used for the project.

Remember, the goal is not only to learn about organic series, but also to develop teamwork, time management, research, critical thinking, and communication skills.