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Investigations

About the investigations

The Essential Chemistry lab manual contains a wide variety of investigations. To open the lab manual, select the Labs icon from the home screen or page navigation bar and click a link from the interactive table of contents. You can return to the eBook at any time by selecting the Book icon and clicking a link from the list of chapters and sections.

Some investigations use data collected from PASCO sensors, such as the Wireless Temperature Sensor (PS-3201), the Wireless Pressure Sensor (PS-3203), or the Wireless Voltage Sensor (PS-3211). Other investigations use only common lab equipment such as a digital balance, glassware, tongs, and a molecular model set.

The Teacher's Edition includes additional resources for every investigation, which can be accessed from the wrap-around on the left side of the screen. These resources include:

  • Helpful lab preparation tips and safety information
  • Directions for making solutions
  • Editable versions of lab directions, student answer sheets, answer keys, and lab presentations
  • Pages to help students identify proper names of laboratory equipment

The Teacher's Edition also includes a comprehensive materials list and a safety quiz based on the included lab safety guidelines. All lab answer keys include sample data, and many labs that require sensors include a sample SPARKvue data file.

Teaching with the investigations

Each investigation begins with one or more essential questions and a short introduction. This is then followed by one or more procedures, each of which address different aspects of a particular chemistry topic. Each investigation is also accompanied by all of the following teaching materials:

  • A set of directions with details on performing the investigation, a list of materials needed, and analysis procedures

  • A student answer sheet which includes blank data tables, labeled graphs where appropriate, questions, and space for writing the answers

    Note

    PDF versions of the answer sheets are form-fillable for paperless classrooms.

  • A slide presentation that facilitates student engagement and assists with teaching the investigation

Investigations that require PASCO sensors have a pre-built SPARKvue file already included in SPARKvue, as well as a sample SPARKvue data file in the Teacher's Edition. All teaching resources are editable and available with one click from the wrap-around section of the digital Teacher's Edition.