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Procedure:
1. To prepare for the activity, write 10 chemical formulas and 10 formula names on the ends of black lab tables.
Number these 1–20.
2. Review ionic and covalent characteristics.
3. Create a flow chart identifying the thought process students will have to follow as they are naming compounds.
a. Am I going from formula to name, or name to formula?
b. Is it ionic or covalent? Look at the first element in the compound to decide.
c. If ionic name to formula:
i. Write the ions with the charge
ii. "Criss cross" the charges
iii. Write the element with the subscript and simplify
d. If ionic formula to name
i. Write the name of the first element
ii. Write the name of the second element, and add "-ide"
iii. If a polyatomic ion, do not change the name
e. If covalent name to formula:
i. Prefixes tell the subscripts
ii. Do not cross charges or simplify
f. If covalent formula to name
i. Write the name of the first element with the prefix
1. Do not use "mono" for the first element"
ii. Write the name of the second element with the prefix, and add "-ide"
4. Students number their papers 1–20. Working in pairs, go around the room to each table, writing either formula
or name of the compound.
5. Allow 10-12". Call time, and check answers. Correct for misconceptions. The team with the most correct answers may
win a small prize.
Chalk it Up! A Bonding Race (continued)
