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Algae Connections to Chemistry Classrooms

Dean Campbell | Thu, 03/31/2022 - 09:55

The theme to this year’s Chemists Celebrate Earth Week (April 16-22, 2023) is “The Curious Chemistry of Amazing Algae”. 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!

The Liquid Nitrogen Cloud

Tom Kuntzleman | Fri, 07/26/2019 - 10:42

Have you ever seen the liquid nitrogen cloud? Do you wonder how the cloud forms when hot water is thrown onto liquid nitrogen? This post explores the liquid nitrogen cloud and possible explanations for its formation.

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.

The Dry-Ice-in-Water Cloud

Tom Kuntzleman | Sun, 12/04/2016 - 18:54

Have you ever wondered where the cloud comes from when dry ice is placed in water? If you think the answer is “atmospheric water vapor”, be sure to read this post because experimental evidence suggests that this explanation is wrong.

The Gas Laws Are Out of This World!

Tom Kuntzleman | Tue, 10/13/2015 - 13:01

A few years ago, we launched a weather balloon during our summer science camp. The balloon reached an altitude of 30 km (100,000 ft)! Among other things, this project ended up being a great way to teach campers about the gas laws and how atmospheric pressure decreases with altitude.