The Self-Carving Pumpkin: It's Not Just for Halloween!
Tom Kuntzleman | Tue, 05/02/2023 - 18:48
Learn the chemistry behind the reaction between calcium carbide and water...melon...?!
general public
Algae Connections to Chemistry Classrooms
Dean Campbell | Fri, 03/31/2023 - 09:55
This timely post is a perfect fit for the theme of Chemists Celebrate Earth Week 2023! Algae is a rich topic with many possible connections to the chemistry classroom. Algae needs to take in light, carbon dioxide, and various simple nutrients and, though it can sometimes get out of control, can produce oxygen, diatomaceous earth, and other products. It can even fluoresce pink!
Laser-Cutting CDs into Snowflakes
Dean Campbell | Wed, 03/08/2023 - 15:57
Laser cutters can be used to cut and engrave a variety of thin materials. Compact discs, composed of layers of polycarbonate plastic and aluminum metal, were explored for their ability to be shaped with a laser cutter. The laser can successfully cut and engrave the compact discs into the shape of snowflake. However, each disc must first be coated with a material like glue in order to protect the plastic from discoloration and the byproducts from cutting the plastic that can accumulate on the disc surface.
Some chemistry related to the Ohio Train Derailment
Tom Kuntzleman | Tue, 02/28/2023 - 12:49
Diffusion of HCl(g) from concentrated solutions of HCl can be used to illustrate some chemistry related to the train accident in Ohio.
Chemistry and the Titanic
Tom Kuntzleman | Wed, 01/04/2023 - 09:56
Some metals and metal alloys undergo a transition to brittleness at cold temperature. This phenomenon likely contributed to the demise of the Titanic.
Incorporating Molecular Number Density into Demonstrations
Dean Campbell | Tue, 01/03/2023 - 08:05
Describing the number density of molecules involved in chemistry demonstrations while presenting those demonstrations can help to convey concepts such as the small size of molecules and how the distance between molecules can vary during change of physical state.
Surprising Shrinking Styrofoam Stick: Using the Gas Laws to Get a Square Peg into a Round Hole
Dean Campbell | Thu, 11/10/2022 - 16:45
Polystyrene foam sticks with a square or rectangular profile will not fit into a round target hole (e.g., the opening of a soda bottle) at room temperature. However, they do contract sufficiently in contact with liquid nitrogen to fit into the hole and produce a simple demonstration of Charles’s Law. Many other polymer foams do not shrink under these conditions, but still provide opportunities to discuss and explore their structure and chemistry.
The Pumpkinator
Tom Kuntzleman | Mon, 10/17/2022 - 17:09
This Pumpkinator is a fantastic orange-to-blue-to-orange chemical reaction that will make a great addition to your Halloween-themed chemistry demonstrations.
The Chemistry of Lightning
Tom Kuntzleman | Tue, 09/20/2022 - 09:42
Learn a bit about the chemical reactions that occur during a lightning strike, and how you can demonstrate these reactions in your classroom.
Finding Flash Rocks
Dean Campbell | Sat, 08/13/2022 - 10:20
Flash rocks were discussed in a previous post as stones made of quartz that produce light by triboluminescence when struck together. This post provides some description of their origins and tips on how to find them, making connections to some of their properties.