Constructing chemical concepts through a study of metals and metal ions: guided inquiry experiments for general chemistry

Science education is moving toward guided inquiry and active learning as opposed to focusing on the instructor teaching. Five experiments are provided that explore basic concepts using metals and metal ions' properties and reactivity in a guided inquiry format. These experiments involve materials that are found in daily life while some aspect of discovery is included. Instructors become facilitators and students work in collaboration with their peers to complete the experiments.