Chemistry Lab: The Thickness of Aluminum Foil

This lab is an Oldie but Goldie that has been modified to add honors level enrichments, and differentiated for the standard level chemistry class. I like starting off the calculations unit with this lab because it leads into pretty much all of the topics in this unit. But, most importantly, students will determine that there is a need for a standardized method of measurement and a standardized method of recording measurement – the first three lessons of the unit that follow this inquiry lab. Students will work together collaboratively to plan, design, and carry out an investigation that will determine the thickness of aluminum foil. The main objective is to lead to a discussion about the need for a standardized method of measurement and a standardized method of recording those measurements – the next three lessons. This lab is formatted with two versions – honors and standard. The honors level lab has two enrichment possibilities included. NGSS Science &