Context

Organic Chemistry is a branch of chemistry that studies carbon compounds, one of the most abundant and fundamental elements for the structure and functioning of all known forms of life. With the ability to form covalent bonds with other carbon atoms and atoms of other elements, carbon can build a diversity of molecules with various properties. These molecules are organic functions.

Organic functions are groups of organic compounds that have similar chemical behavior due to a functional group present in the molecule's structure. The main groups of organic functions are: hydrocarbons, alcohols, phenols, ethers, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids, esters, amines, and amides.

Understanding the structure, properties, nomenclature, and reactions that can occur between these organic functions is a fundamental skill to advance in the study of chemistry, especially due to its importance for the understanding of various areas of science, such as biochemistry, pharmaceutical medicine, and materials engineering.

Importance of Organic Functions and Real-World Applications

To approach the study of organic functions with due interest, it is important to understand their application in everyday life. The truth is that organic functions are present in many moments of our lives, in situations as diverse as the composition of food, medicines, fuels, and construction materials.

For example, hydrocarbons, one of the simplest organic functions, are present in fuels such as gasoline and cooking gas. Alcohols, in turn, are present in alcoholic beverages, but also in cleaning products and disinfectants. Carboxylic acids are found in vinegars and citrus fruits, while esters are responsible for many of the aromas we know.

Practical Activity: "The World of Organic Functions"

Activity Title

Board Game: "The World of Organic Functions"

Project Objective

This project aims to solidify students' knowledge about organic functions through the creation of an educational board game. The game should address key concepts of organic functions, such as their properties, nomenclature, characteristics, and their everyday uses.

Detailed Project Description

Each group will be tasked with creating a board game involving organic functions. The game should include questions related to organic functions, their properties, nomenclature, characteristics, and everyday uses. The group also needs to create the game rules, which should be designed to be playable within a 30-60 minute period.

Required Materials

• Cardboard or other sturdy material for the base of the board
• Colored paper, markers, colored pencils, etc., for decorating and drawing on the board
• Small objects to be used as game pieces
• Question and answer cards

Step-by-Step Guide for Activity Execution

1. Research the main organic functions: their properties, nomenclature, characteristics, and everyday uses.
2. Start planning your board game. What will be the rules? How will players advance through the board? How will the questions be used during the game?
3. Write the questions and answers that will be used in your game. Make sure they are correct and appropriate for the class level.
4. Use cardboard or other sturdy material to create the base of your board.
5. Decorate the board and draw the spaces where players will move their pieces.
6. Create the game pieces from the small objects.
7. Test the game with the members of your group to ensure it is working correctly.

Project Deliverables

At the end of the project, each group must deliver the following:

1. The complete board game, including all pieces and questions.
2. A written document that includes the following sections:
   • Introduction: Provide context on the theme of organic functions and explain the purpose of the board game. Also include the importance of organic functions in the real world.
   • Development: Explain the theory behind the organic functions addressed in the game and describe the step-by-step process of designing the game, including the rules, board design, and question creation.
   • Conclusions: Reflect on what was learned during the creation and testing of the game. This section should include an analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of the game and possible improvements.
   • Bibliography: List all sources that were used to create the game and write the document.