by S. Eichinger M.Sc., Grad. Dip. Ed. (Sec)

Here is an activity which is both visual and kinaesthetic that can be used to help students at various levels learn to write, or practice writing chemical formulae.

A series of cards representing common anions and cations are used. Each card has both the symbol and name of the ion written on them.

For example, students are given the cards and asked to write the formula for sodium chloride

This requires one sodium ion (card) and one chloride ion (card), therefore the formula for sodium chloride is written NaCl.

Similarly for sodium sulphate

This requires two sodium ions (cards) and one sulphate ion (card), therefore the formula for sodium sulphate can be written Na₂SO₄.

These cards can also be used as an assessment task where students discover the 'rule' for writing chemical formulae for themselves.

Some common anions and cations are represented on the following linked pages. These are ready to be printed out and photocopied onto overheads for demonstrations or onto coloured card for students to cut out and use.

Cation Cards 1

Cation Cards 2

Anion Cards 1

Anion Cards 2

 

If you have any comments or suggestions regarding this activity please email them to me at peiching@netspace.net.au. Thank you.