Chemical Mystery #20: Magic Kool-Aid
Tom Kuntzleman | Mon, 07/11/2022 - 10:05
You can solve Chemical Mystery #20 if you know your chemistry...and your magic!
outreach
Why every student should take chemistry: An astrophysicist’s perspective
Thomas Cox | Thu, 06/02/2022 - 16:08
Student: "Why do I have to take this chemistry class?" Heard it before, perhaps numerous times right? Let's see what an astrophysicist has to say about this ubiquitous student question.
A Polystyrene Model of Polystyrene Tacticity
Dean Campbell | Sun, 11/21/2021 - 10:55
Thin sheets of polystyrene can be patterned with permanent markers to represent repeating units of the polymer and then shrunk down in size using heat. The shrunken models of the repeating units can be connected with a string and then flipped into positions to demonstrate different types of polymer tacticity.
Thermal Paper as a Polarity and Acidity Detector
Dean Campbell | Thu, 10/28/2021 - 14:09
Thermal paper such as that used for point of sale receipts typically functions by darkening when exposed to heat. The pigment system used in this paper also darkens when exposed to solvents of intermediate polarity and acids. This enables thermal paper to be used as an inexpensive sort of indicator paper for a variety of demonstrations.
Soda Fountains from Aluminum Cans
Dean Campbell | Thu, 09/16/2021 - 15:18
The familiar soda fountains that can be produced by adding Mentos candies to plastic bottles of carbonated beverages can also be produced by adding objects to carbonated beverages in aluminum cans. A variety of simple methods for producing soda fountains from cans are described.
Microplastics, Liquid Nitrogen, and Iodine: Polystyrene vs. Starch Foam Packing Peanuts
Dean Campbell | Wed, 07/28/2021 - 13:03
The differing electrostatic and solubility properties of starch and polystyrene foam packing peanuts are used in various demonstrations to describe aspects of microplastics and their interactions with the environment. Their differing responses to exposure to liquid nitrogen and iodine solutions are also described.
Celebrating our ChemEd X PAEMST Finalists
Stephanie O'Brien | Sat, 06/26/2021 - 11:10
It may come as no surprise that three of our very own lead contributors have been named as Finalists for the 2021 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) at the secondary level in their states. We would like to recognize them along with all of the amazing math and science teachers across the country that have earned this honor.
LEGO Brick Atmosphere Sticks
Dean Campbell | Sun, 06/06/2021 - 11:25
Stacks of LEGO bricks can be used to illustrate the composition and pressures of various planetary atmospheres. Guides for the construction and use of these atmosphere sticks are provided.
Surveying Litter as a Citizen Science Chemistry Activity
Dean Campbell | Sun, 05/30/2021 - 10:25
During the last few semesters, a small survey has been deployed at Bradley University where students were to describe and classify items of litter that they found. The purposes of the surveys were to get students thinking about some of the chemical implications of solid waste and give the students some experience with a citizen science project. The most recent iteration of the survey, and some of its results, are described.
Photochromic glue and spring decorations
Dean Campbell | Fri, 04/02/2021 - 23:23
The many colors of springtime can be illustrated with photochromic pigments in commercial products. These products include UV beads, and more recently, photochromic glue. The glue can be used as a photochromic paint for paper or even eggs. The resulting colorful, decorative objects can be used to illustrate chemical discussions of aspects of photochemistry.