Resource to Help You Combat Climate Science Denial
Tom Kuntzleman | Sat, 06/10/2017 - 06:29
A fantastic resource to help you learn more about how to teach climate change and global warming is described.
public understanding
Reduction of Permanganate Ion by Acids in Rhubarb, Apples, and Candy
Tom Kuntzleman | Mon, 06/05/2017 - 17:00
If rhubarb stem is placed in a solution of permanganate, the purple permanganate ion is reduced to the colorless Mn2+ ion. It is thought that the oxalic acid present in rhubarb causes this reduction. The investigations presented in this post provide evidence that this may not be the whole story...
Exploring the Diet Coke and Mentos Experiment
Tom Kuntzleman | Tue, 05/09/2017 - 07:39
I think this experiment provides a fantastic vehicle to involve students of all ages in small, hands-on and exploratory research projects. Like many others, my students and I have investigated various aspects of this interesting fountain.
Investigations of Chemicals in Natural Food Coloring. Part 3: Sunflower
Tom Kuntzleman | Tue, 03/28/2017 - 08:39
The chemistry of the Sunflower dye found in McCormick’s Color from Nature food dyes is explored in this post. This is the last in a three-part series in which several experiments and demonstrations that can be done with Color from Nature food dyes are described.
Book Review: "Chemistry: A Very Short Introduction" by Peter Atkins
Lowell Thomson | Sat, 03/18/2017 - 10:43
I was at a workshop recently, when a friend suggested I read, Chemistry: A Very Short Introduction(link is external) by Peter Atkins, Oxford University Press. The friend suggested the book would not take long to read, and given the name included the phrase "A very short introduction" who was I to argue? So I bought the Kindle Version(link is external) of the book for about $7 U.S. and got to reading.
Investigations of Chemicals in Natural Food Coloring. Part 2: Berry
Tom Kuntzleman | Mon, 02/27/2017 - 13:42
The chemistry of the Berry dye found in McCormick's Color From Nature food colors is explored. This is part two of a three-part series in which the chemistry of McCormick's Color From Nature food colors is presented.
Chemical Investigations of McCormick's Color From Nature Food Colors. Part 1: Sky Blue
Tom Kuntzleman | Tue, 01/31/2017 - 09:15
The chemistry of the Sky Blue dye found in McCormick's Color From Nature food colors is explored. This is part one of a three-part series in which the chemistry of McCormick's Color From Nature food colors is presented.
Chemical Connections to Climate Change
Tom Kuntzleman | Wed, 01/25/2017 - 11:11
It is becoming increasingly important for citizens to understand various concepts related to climate change and global warming. This post describes several chemical concepts that are pertinent to these issues, in the hopes that teachers of science and chemistry can introduce the topic of climate change into their classrooms and everyday discussions.
Solution to Chemical Mystery #9: Liquid Nitrogen vs. Dry Ice
Tom Kuntzleman | Mon, 01/16/2017 - 09:21
The solution to Chemical Mystery #9: Liquid Nitrogen vs. Dry Ice is presented. Why does liquid nitrogen launch the bucket so much higher than dry ice and water?
Chemical Mystery #9: Liquid Nitrogen vs. Dry Ice
Tom Kuntzleman | Thu, 01/12/2017 - 07:20
A 2L soda pop bottle is filled about one-third full with either liquid nitrogen or solid carbon dioxide (dry ice) and water. The bottle is sealed and a plastic bucket is placed on top. Do you think the liquid nitrogen or dry ice and water will make the bucket go higher? Can you explain the results using chemistry?