Writing Chemical Formulas and Reaction Equations: The History and Practice of Building Block Method

Abstract

One of the most difficult elements for students in chemistry is writing and balancing equations of chemical reactions. The aim of this research was to investigate the ability of the 8-9th grade students to write chemical formulas and equations of reactions. Verhovskij’s method, which involves using white and full-colour paper cards, was proposed as a chemistry teaching method for students. Some of the students suggested using non-paper-based cards, i.e. “domino sticks”. The obtained results proved that students who had participated in the building blocks activity showed significantly higher post-test scores than students who had not participated. The average grade of the students who used the cards for chemical formula formation and reaction equations increased respectively by 1.30 and 1.20. The average grade for writing and balancing of the reactions equations was lower because balancing requires strong knowledge in mathematics. The results have shown that the use of cards is a good method at an early stage of chemistry education. Keywords: general chemistry, hands-on learning, domino-stick, graphical formula, reaction equation.