These lessons introduce chemical reactions, starting with a demonstration of a burning candle. Is it a chemical reaction? If so, what are the reactants and the products? Where do those materials come from? The big idea is that, in a chemical reaction, the bonds between atoms are broken and the atoms are rearranged. The type and number of atoms in the reactants and the type and number of atoms in the products are the same, which means that mass is conserved. This idea is explained clearly in the introductory video for teachers.

A line of questioning can start with this: If you put a jar over the candle, the flame goes out. Why did it go out? What reactant was it missing? What other reactants might there be? The lesson provides guidance to continue this exploration to explore using a tea candle.

There are another 9 lessons in the Chemical Change chapter, but if you don’t have time, you could probably stop after this lesson (though the baking soda and vinegar demonstration in lesson 6.2 is really cool when you compare it to the chemical formula). Students will probably not be tested on a deeper knowledge of chemical reactions.

Each section includes a full lesson plan, activity sheets, answers to activity sheets, background material for teachers in the form of readings and introductory videos, student readings and videos. Some of the videos introduce the material to teachers so they understand the science and the purpose of the lesson. Other videos help students understand the material. Demonstrations are mostly done with common materials you can buy at a supermarket. Highly recommended.

The full 740-page Middle School Chemistry curriculum is available for download.