Oxidation Reduction

Oxidation Argumentation Activity

Stephanie O'Brien | Mon, 07/08/2019 - 14:19

oxidation-argumentation-activity-preview.jpeg

I facilitate a working group of chemistry teachers in the New York area and we recently created our own activity surrounding the topic of oxidation. The goal of the probe was to force students to think about what the meaning of oxidation is, as well as to allow students to engage in the science and engineering practice of argumentation. This was an introductory lesson to my oxidation and reduction unit prior to students learning the terms oxidation and reduction.

Formative Assessment via Redox Reactions

Stephanie O'Brien | Wed, 04/24/2019 - 15:51

formative-assessment-redox-reactions.png

My district recently provided a professional development session focused on utilizing three dimensional formative assessments in the classroom. The ideas I learned in the session as well an an activity for students to engage in formative assessment are outlined.

Citrus Fruit Peel Powder and its Capacity to Remove Copper From Wastewater

Andrea Amato | Mon, 04/15/2019 - 17:15

citrus-fruit-peel-powder-and-its-capacity-remove-copper-wastewater-quick-investigation.png

Biosorption is a method that can be used for the removal of pollutants from wastewater, especially those that are not easily biodegradable. This experiment uses citrus fruit peels as part of a iodometric titration to conduct a wastewater treatment binding copper.

Why Do Dead Batteries Bounce? Chemistry, of Course!

Tom Kuntzleman | Fri, 04/05/2019 - 07:16

why-do-dead-batteries-bounce-chemistry-course.png

Did you know there is a simple test you can do to see if an alkaline battery is fresh or dead? All you need to do is bounce the bottom of a battery onto a hard, flat surface. Guess what causes this difference in bouncing ability between fresh and dead batteries? Chemistry, of course!

Introduction to the Concept of Antioxidant - A Demo

Andrea Amato | Thu, 05/31/2018 - 11:42

introduction-concept-antioxidant-simple-demonstration.png

In this blog post, I would like to share a relatively simple demonstration you may use to introduce the concept of antioxidant along with its potential in everyday life.

The Case of the Barking Dog

Doug Ragan | Tue, 01/24/2017 - 21:12

case-barking-dog-preview.png

The lab was a success as I watched startled students produce the so-called barking dog sound as they combusted the hydrogen gas in their inverted test tubes.

Silver Plated Bulbs

Deanna Cullen | Mon, 12/19/2016 - 13:16

silver-plated-ornaments-preview.jpg

I have used several different versions of the Silver Mirror or Tollen's Test lab. I am sharing the method that has proven to be the most reliable for me. The solutions should be made fresh, the directions must be followed closely and timing is very important. I like the fact that relatively small amounts of the chemicals are required, but as always you must be vigilant with safety precautions.

A Look Into My General Chemistry Reactions Unit- Supporting Students with Making Connections among the Nanoscopic and Macroscopic

Tracy.Schloemer | Fri, 05/06/2016 - 10:14

look-my-general-chemistry-reactions-unit-supporting-students-making-connections-among-nanoscopic-and.png

Organic chemistry was when I fell in love with chemistry. Also known as Chem 210 at the University of Michigan, it was the first time I actually started to connect what was going on at the nanoscopic level to the macroscopic world. Since then, I’ve been hooked.

An Orange to Black Halloween Chemistry Demonstration You Can Do with Household Items

Tom Kuntzleman | Tue, 10/27/2015 - 15:27

untitled.jpg

You can perform an orange to black chemistry demonstration using materials commonly found in stores. The reaction appears to be similar to the Old Nassau reaction, but uses greener reagents. This is a great demonstration to do around Halloween time.

Trusty or Rusty? Oxidation Rate of Nails

In this Activity, students investigate the process of rusting by studying the oxidation of steel nails in a gel using supermarket chemicals. An indicator makes the presence of Fe³⁺ produced by the oxidation visible. Factors that accelerate or retard the rate of iron oxidation are studied.