Need more fuel for your barbecue? In this simulation, you will learn the structures and reactions of alkanes and alkyl halides, compounds widely used in fossil fuels and refrigerants. Getting to know the alkanes The premise of the lab is to introduce the topic of functional groups in organic molecules. Students will start with an introduction to alkanes and a refresher on stoichiometric coefficients by balancing a combustion reaction. They will also differentiate various alkanes as primary, secondary or tertiary and learn about the halogenation process, which leads to the formation of alkyl halides. Learn chemistry with cats After an introduction to alkyl halides, students will focus on substitution reactions and differentiate between SN1 and SN2. To make the topic more visually understandable, the mechanism will be associated with a unique comic representing two cats fighting for a pillow. After this activity, there will be a 3D representation of substitution reactions, where students will be able to identify nucleophiles and leaving groups and test their knowledge with different quizzes. Test your knowledge After a brief mention of elimination reactions, students will complete reaction schemes to test their understanding of the topics addressed up to this point. When finished, you will leave with a more complete understanding of alkanes and alkyl halides. Will you be able to make more fuel to restart the barbecue? Let’s get started!