Getting Familar With Functional Groups

Purpose: To learn the formulas for the functional groups.
To find examples of compounds with these functional groups in daily life.

During the unit on organic chemistry, students must become familiar with the functional groups- hydroxyl (alcohols), carbonyl (ketones and aldehydes), carboxylic acids (organic acids), amines, ethers and esters. They mus be able to recognize compounds that have these groups, and be able to give examples of where they are found, their uses and properties. To introduce this unit I would have students make a class video. Each person, or group of two would be responsible for videoing one aspect of the functional group.
Groups 1-2 show the formula of each functional group
Groups 2-4 video examples of daily substances containing these functional groups
Groups 5-7 video properties of these functional groups
Groups 8-9 video labels, or names of compounds containing these functional groups.

Each video may be no longer than 10 seconds. The students would have to research their topic, storyboard their ideas, and then film.

Upon completion of the students videos, the class will then compile a class animoto on Organic functional groups. The class can decide on which video clips to include in the final product. This can be done in class- or I could post the clips on our class wiki and students could vote on their favorites- making sure we cover each functional group thoroughly.

I envision this taking about 3 periods ( 50 minute periods)- One for the assigning, research, and storyboarding; one for videoing, and one for compiling

By the time we are done with the project and watch the video, the students will have a good handle on functional groups.