The rate determining step in kinetics can be made visual. I show this same grainy video every year to help students just starting kinetics get a hold on the rate determining step. Plus, American Gladiators is a throwback to my 90’s high school years. Ultra-plus, the kids think this video is so funny. Once they get a visual on the concept of rate determining step from American Gladiators, you can link back to it.
Here's the setup. At the end of the gameshow, the two contestants race each other through an obstacle course. The winner is the person who crashed through the giant foam blocks at the end. Therefore, the “reaction” with the fastest rate is the one that makes it to the end in the shortest amount of time. Here’s this amazing clip.
Rate Determining Steps Determine the Rate
Shocking, I know. But it can be confusing to kids how multiple different elementary reactions have to happen, but it is really just one that determines the outcome. Showing Koya stuck on the Travelator helps them visualize just how much time can be spent on one step.
Elementary Steps After The Rate Determining Step Don’t Matter
If the wall that Venus had to crash through was a little bit higher and she had to fall a greater distance, it wouldn’t really change the outcome. I connect this image to any of the iodine clock reactions. Generally, the oxidation of the iodide ion is the step that limits the speed. Forming the iodine/starch complex is really fast. That is why you see the flash of the inky dark color.
Find the Travelator in Rate Mechanisms
Want to see how quickly a reaction will happen? Find the Travelator. It’s the slow step. The rate law will be determined based on the molecularity of the slow step. Find that, and find the law. I know that all of you teach that to your students, but I think having a visual in their mind helps.
Free Bonus for Showing the Video
I got this free bonus this year by showing the video. My students made amazing memes based off the Travelator. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.
Interested in connecting your students to the curriculum in a new and engaging way? Try Stoich Decks classroom card games. They are designed to become part of your first-year chemistry lesson plans.
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Fantastic!
All students were engaged. Was great watching them teach each other and have fun while doing it. Money well spent!
-Anastasia O
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