public understanding

Largest Periodic Table - World Record Attempt

Deanna Cullen | Wed, 01/30/2019 - 11:42

largest-periodic-table-world-record-attempt.png

The American Chemical Society Western Michigan Section is planning a special International Year of the Periodic Table (IYPT) celebration to be held at Grand Valley State University in Michigan on October 19th. The highlight of the celebration will be the unveiling of the largest periodic table in hopes of setting a Guinness World Record. Schools and groups are invited to help with the IYPT project by making one of the 118 elements.

The Blue Butterfly Effect

Tom Kuntzleman | Mon, 01/28/2019 - 18:59

blue-butterfly-effect.png

The June, 2018 issue of the Journal of Chemical Education contains an article that describes a simple, yet fascinating experiment that you and your students are going to love! It involves the use of butterfly wings from the genus Morpho. I obtained some of these wings and enjoyed experimenting with them. You will too!

Career Profile: Agricultural Chemical Laboratory Supervisor - Jason Kong

Jason Kong | Wed, 01/02/2019 - 09:20

career-profile-agricultural-chemical-laboratory-supervisor-jason-kong.png

Read Jason Kong’s career profile describing his background and his current position as a chemical laboratory supervisor for the Ohio Department of Agriculture.

Solution to Chemical Mystery #13: Bye Bye Blue!

Tom Kuntzleman | Thu, 11/22/2018 - 08:12

solution-chemical-mystery-13-bye-bye-blue.jpg

The solution to Chemical Mystery #13: Bye Bye Blue! is presented. This experiment is useful to demonstrate to students when discussing acid-base indicators, neutralization reactions, or the acidity of carbon dioxide when it dissolves in water.

Chemical Mystery #13: Bye Bye Blue!

Tom Kuntzleman | Mon, 11/19/2018 - 12:08

chemical-mystery-13-bye-bye-blue.jpg

A simple, but tricky experiment is displayed. Can you figure out how the trick was done?

Are Diamonds Forever? A Chemical Investigation

Tom Kuntzleman | Fri, 11/02/2018 - 14:04

are-diamonds-forever-chemical-investigation.gif

You are likely aware that diamonds are converted - albeit slowly - to graphite under normal conditions. Thus, diamonds don't last forever, in contrast to the popular advertising slogan. However, did you know that you can use chemistry to prove that diamonds are not forever? It's simpler than you think...