Handheld chemical equation balancing device

Abstract

The Handheld Chemical Equation Balancing Device is a utility model designed to address students' difficulty in balancing chemical equations; a key competency aligned with the Law of Conservation of Mass. Challenges often include assigning correct coefficients, identifying relationships between reactants and products, and applying multiplicative reasoning. The device is a foldable apparatus with two hinged divisions, each containing a writing panel and manipulatives. It uses colorcoded movable beads to represent atoms and rotatable hexagonal nuts with numerical multipliers to assist in determining coefficients. The method of use involves unfolding the device, writing the equation, representing elements with beads, identifying imbalances, and adjusting coefficients through nut rotation and bead repositioning until both sides are equal. Compact and non-electronic, the device promotes active, visual, and kinesthetic learning.