7 Chemistry WAR Card Games
Looking for an engaging way to reinforce chemistry concepts in the classroom? WAR card games are an exciting way to bring chemistry topics to life while fostering competitive learning. These games are perfect for reinforcing key concepts and can be easily integrated into lessons or used as review activities.
Below are seven chemistry-focused WAR card games that can add a spark to your classroom.
Oxidation Numbers WAR
Mastering Oxidation States in a Fun Way!
Understanding oxidation numbers is crucial for balancing redox reactions, but it can be a tricky topic for many students. This version of WAR challenges players to compare oxidation numbers of different chemical species, with the highest number taking the card. It's a simple yet effective method to help students familiarize themselves with common oxidation states and boost their problem-solving skills. To set up this game of WAR, come up with a series of molecules that all contain the same element. In this example, they all contain S. Students win the round of WAR by having the S with the highest oxidation number.
Why It Works:
Encourages quick thinking
Reinforces the determination of oxidation states
Great for AP Chemistry students
Periodic Trends WAR
Who Has the Strongest Element?
This game puts students' knowledge of periodic trends to the test. Each card features an element, and players battle based on properties like atomic radius, ionization energy, or electronegativity. To make it more exciting, add a wheel for students to spin when playing. Each round focuses on the outcome of the spin!
Why It Works:
Promotes an intuitive understanding of periodic trends
Encourages students to think critically about the periodic table
Ideal for visualizing how trends vary across periods and groups
Significant Figures (Sig Figs) WAR
Winning with Precision
Significant figures are vital in chemistry, ensuring precision in measurements and calculations. In this WAR game, students compare the number of significant digits in various numbers. The card with the most significant figures wins, making this an engaging way to practice rounding rules and scientific notation.
Why It Works:
Enhances students' attention to detail
Great practice for determining the significance of a number
Useful for both introductory and advanced chemistry students
I wrote a previous blog post about how to play SIG FIG WAR, which you can read more about here.
PNE (Protons, Neutrons, Electrons) WAR
Mastering Atomic Structure
This game revolves around the basic building blocks of atoms. Players compare the numbers of protons, neutrons, or electrons in different elements, and the higher value wins the round. This is a great game for reinforcing atomic structure knowledge and helping students internalize the concept of subatomic particles.
Why It Works:
Solidifies understanding of atomic structure
Perfect for both introductory students and those needing a refresher
Great for periodic table review
If you want to learn more about PNE WAR, you can check out my previous blog post here.
pH WAR
Acidic vs. Basic Battles
This game pits acids and bases against each other in a pH showdown. Students compare the pH values of different substances, with the lower number (more acidic) or higher number (more basic) winning, depending on the round's rules. This is a great hands-on way to reinforce concepts related to acid-base chemistry.
Why It Works:
Makes abstract pH concepts tangible
Can be used in conjunction with acid-base calculations to determine pH
Intermolecular Forces (IMF) WAR
Battle of Molecular Attractions
Students often find intermolecular forces (IMFs) difficult to grasp. In this WAR game, players compare molecules and their IMFs—like hydrogen bonding, dipole-dipole interactions, and London dispersion forces. The stronger the IMF, the higher the card's value. This game turns a tricky topic into a competitive, fun challenge.
Why It Works:
Helps students distinguish between different IMFs
Aids in understanding how IMFs influence physical properties
Especially useful for AP Chemistry students
Entropy WAR
Disorder at Its Finest
Entropy is a measure of disorder in a system, and this game makes it an exciting challenge. Students compare the entropy levels of different substances, with the higher entropy winning. This can be an excellent tool for helping students grasp thermodynamic principles in an approachable format.
Why It Works:
Introduces students to thermodynamics in an engaging way
Provides a hands-on way to explore complex concepts
Suitable for both introductory and advanced chemistry students
Final Thoughts
These WAR card games provide a dynamic way to review and master challenging chemistry concepts. Whether your students are learning about atomic structure, practicing significant figures, or tackling advanced topics like entropy and intermolecular forces, these games create an environment where competition meets learning.
Incorporating these card games into your chemistry curriculum can transform abstract ideas into tangible, exciting battles—and most importantly, help students grasp core principles while having fun!
Let me know if you’ve played any of these WAR Card games over on Instagram. Happy teaching!
If you want to play but don’t have time to make your own games, check out my growing category of WAR Card games on TPT, or click an image below to learn more.
