 |
| Students use the grid method to learn about bonding. |
By: Rachael Stowe
STEM is known for its non-traditional learning environment, and this year’s juniors are getting a taste of that as they go through and complete a unit of learning using the grid method. The grid method consists of a “grid” created by the teacher and corresponding assignments to go with each part of the grid. The grid for Chemistry is specifically designed in order for students to learn and understand bonding.
The bonding grid begins with Level 1, which focuses on Lewis Dot structures and different bonds types. Level 1 has five different sections, each consisting of notes and/or a quiz. Once the student has achieved at least an 80% on the individual section they are then free to go onto the next section of the grid.
Once mastery has been achieved for a level of the grid (meaning that the student passes the final assessment or task on the level), they are free to move onto the next level of the grid. For level 2 of the bonding grid, students focus on the difference in electronegativity and how that effects bond type. Students also learn about the Lewis Dot structure of polyatomic ions. This builds on what they learned in the last level.
Level 3 of the grid has students focus on molecular geometry and molecular/bond polarity. This level consists of tasks completed using online simulations, followed by a quiz to test learning. Level 4 has students creating and executing a lab, figuring out what properties determine bond type and determining the bond type of multiple different substances, including an unknown substance.
A full lab report, including procedures, results, clean-up and a conclusion is required to finish Level 4. The final level is Level 5 and requires students to write a four-paragraph essay on one of a couple topics including bonding in polymers, snowflake formation or the folding of proteins in biochemistry.
Chemistry isn’t the only class where the grid method is being used. For sophomores, multiple grids have been used in Biology, over subjects like DNA replication. They even completed a grid in Language Arts about research, in preparation for the cancer video/letter project.
Students have mixed opinions about the grid method, but the reception to the method is mostly positive. “I think the grid method is a great way to learn, especially for upper classmen”, one student told me. “I feel like being self-responsible and learning how to manage our time properly is a great way to prepare for college. And the assignments themselves are very interesting.”
It remains to be seen how many teachers try and adopt the grid method, but for now, it’s just a reminder of how progressive and innovative STEM can really be.
