Speed Dating for Your Classroom: A Fun Chemical Bonding Game
I’ve always thought chemical bonding was a perfect topic for February—love is in the air, bonds are forming, and, well... you get the idea. Around this time of year, I’m always searching for engaging, Valentine’s Day-themed resources to shake up my chemistry lessons.
That’s how Speed Bonding was born—a quirky, classroom-friendly twist on speed dating that makes learning about ionic and covalent bonding interactive and fun.
To be honest, I don’t save this activity just for Valentine’s Day. In fact, I use it whenever I’m introducing or reviewing chemical bonding. It’s a surefire way to break the monotony and get students excited about chemistry.
If you’ve ever struggled to get students interested in ionic and covalent bonding, this chemical bonding game might just be the solution. Whether you’re looking for a festive February lesson or simply need a mid-unit pick-me-up, Speed Bonding is a hit every time.
A Chemical Bonding Game: How Does Speed Bonding Work?
1. Set the Scene
Rearrange desks into pairs, mimicking a speed-dating setup. Each student gets an element card (no noble gases—they’re not into bonding, after all).
For a more structured rotation, try arranging desks in concentric circles. The outer circle rotates between rounds, so students always face a new partner. If you want to go all out, throw some red tablecloths (or budget-friendly plastic table cloths ) over the desks for a festive vibe.
2. Create Element Dating Profiles
Keeping with the theme, each student fills out an Element Dating Profile Worksheet for their assigned element. This worksheet includes:
Atomic number and mass
Electron configuration
Valence electron structure
Metal or nonmetal classification
It’s a great warm-up or quick revision before the activity kicks off.
3. Begin the Speed Bonding Rounds
Once profiles are ready, the real fun begins. During each 5-minute round, students pair up and use the Dating Card Worksheet to:
Draw the compound formed when their elements bond
Determine if the bond is ionic or covalent
Discuss properties of the compound, such as solubility or conductivity
When the timer buzzes, students rotate to the next partner and repeat the process. Transition slides with countdown timers help keep everyone on track. If your class needs more time to dive into the details, you can extend the rounds to 10 minutes.
4. Wrap Up with Reflection
After the rounds, students compare their compounds, look for trends, and share their insights. Wrapping up with a class discussion helps solidify their understanding of chemical bonding concepts.
Why This Activity Works
Here’s why Speed Bonding is a standout teaching strategy:
It’s Hands-On: Students actively engage with bonding concepts by drawing compounds and analyzing properties in real time.
It’s Collaborative: Pairing with multiple partners encourages peer learning and keeps energy high.
It’s Engaging: Let’s face it—speed dating for elements is way more fun than a worksheet.
It’s Flexible: While perfect for Valentine’s Day, this activity works year-round as a bonding unit lesson or exam review.
How to Bring Speed Bonding to Your Classroom
Prepare Your Materials: Print the element cards and worksheets, and load the transition slides onto your classroom display. Everything you need is included in the resource, except the tablecloths!
Introduce the Activity: Spend a few minutes reviewing bonding basics so students feel confident. Then explain the rules and build some excitement for the game.
Let Students Lead: Once the timer starts, step back and watch the learning unfold. You’re there to clarify questions, but students take the lead in their discovery.
Reflect Together: End with a class discussion. What patterns did students notice? What surprised them? Reflection cements the day’s learning.
Ready to Try Speed Bonding?
This resource includes everything you need for an unforgettable classroom experience:
Transition slides with timers (Google Slides and PowerPoint)
Element cards (14 unique cards, 9 per page)
An Element Dating Profile Worksheet
A Dating Card Worksheet
Transform chemical bonding into an engaging, collaborative activity your students will rave about. Whether it’s a Valentine’s Day-themed lesson or just a creative break from routine, Speed Bonding is sure to bring energy to your classroom.