Properties of Ionic Compounds Lab Lesson Plan
Target Audience: 10-11th grade Honors Chemistry
Lesson Approx. Time: 45 min
Lesson Overview: This exercise is to introduce students to the properties associated with ionic
compounds and ionic bonding through an inquiry-based lab.
Materials: Properties of Ionic Compounds Lab Instructions, Lab Grading Rubric
Standards Addressed: Nebraska Science Standards: Physical Science SC 12.2.1. Students will
investigate and describe matter in terms of its structure, composition and conservation.

SC 12.2.1.a Recognize bonding occurs when outer electrons are transferred (ionic) or
shared (covalent).

SC 12.2.1.d Recognize a large number of chemical reactions involve the transfer of either
electrons or hydrogen ions between reacting ions, molecules, or atoms.
Concepts: Ionic compound bonding
Objectives:
1) After a short inquiry-based lab, students will be able to describe the properties of ionic
compounds with 90% accuracy.
Integration Area: Reading
Differentiation:
1) Content: The content presented will be the same for all students, with additional
opportunities to add enrichment activities and/or review activities for all students.
2) Process: Direct (large group discussion) and indirect (small group work) instruction will be
employed for this lesson.
3) Product: All students will be required to turn in their lab notebook with the completed lab.
Rationale Statement: This is why you should care about ionic bonding. Atoms seldom exist as
independent particles in nature. Everything around you is made up of some type of chemical
bond.
Procedures: The lesson will begin with a quick review of proper lab safety and special notes
about the lab. The following vocabulary will be covered during direct instruction:
Hardness
crystal shape
conductivity
melting point
Illustrated Lecture:
1) Students should come prepared with lab write-up started.
2) Quick demonstration about how to set up the Bunsen burner.
3) Students will work in small learning groups on the Properties of Ionic Compounds Lab. I
will walk around the room and model proper lab techniques.
4) Students will then finish their lab reports with a proper conclusion and the lab will be due
two days following the lab.
Modeling: I will walk around the room wearing goggles and an apron. I will ask the students
questions about their set-ups.
Guided Practice: I will assist students on properly setting up their Bunsen burner for the lab.
Checking for Understanding: I will ask students questions as they working in the lab.
Independent Practice: Students will work on the conclusion and analysis portion of the lab on
their own time.
Assessment:
1) Students will be assessed on their ability students will be able to describe the properties of
ionic compounds.
Closure: Students will be engaged in discussion as they work through the lab.
Sources: Holt/McDougal (2012) Chemistry, Orlando, FL. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Publishing Company
Lab Adapted from: Bronwyn Hogan, October 25, 2004,
http://ioniccompounds.webs.com/properties_of_ionic_compounds_lab.doc