Chemistry Lab

Chemistry Lab allows users to mix chemicals in a virtual lab. After launching the app, users are presented chemicals organized by category (e.g., metals, non-metals, acids, salts, oxides, and bases), flasks, and a Bunsen burner. Users must tap the flask and chemicals they would like to mix. The app will then mix the chemicals, and users can heat the chemicals by tapping the Bunsen burner. They will then see the chemicals mixed, and they can add water to the mixture by tapping the flask labeled “H2O” that is off to the side. Additional tools are located on the left of the screen. For instance, users can tap the “Notepad” icon to view the equation, reactants, and products that resulted due to the mixture; the “Trashcan” icon to clear the mixture and start over; the “Flask” icon to clear away the contents of the mixture; and the “Fire Extinguisher” icon to put out any fire started by the mixture.

Instructional Ideas

1. As a guided experiment, teachers can instruct students to mix certain chemicals using this app. As they do, students can record any reaction caused by the mixing of the elements. In addition, students can research the mixture by tapping the “Notepad” icon to learn more about the mixture.
2. Teachers can let students experiment with mixing chemicals to see who can create the biggest explosion or fire. After mixing the elements and viewing the reaction, students can explain why the chemicals reacted in the way they did.
3. Students can mix chemicals together. Next, they can add water to the mixture. Finally, they can heat the mixture using the Bunsen burner. As they add water and heat to the mixture, students can record any changes they observed.
4. Students can mix chemicals in different categories and record any similarities and differences when mixing the chemicals. For example, students can mix metals with salts, acids with bases, and/or non-metals with oxides. As students mix these different chemicals together, they can record their observations. Furthermore, they can mix multiple chemicals across the categories to see if the different mixtures result in the same or different reactions.