The Chemistry of Water Reveal Coloring Books
Tom Kuntzleman | Tue, 07/16/2024 - 07:01
How do Melissa & Doug’s “Water WOW!” Water Reveal coloring books work? Let's do some experiments to find out!
water
Ice Clouds 2.0
Tom Kuntzleman | Tue, 01/16/2024 - 15:12
What is some of the chemistry involved in the formation of ice clouds when boiling water is thrown into icy air?
Drinking Dinosaur Pee?!
Tom Kuntzleman | Mon, 11/27/2023 - 10:41
It has been claimed that because all water ultimately ends up in the water cycle, we drink water that the dinosaurs peed out. What does chemistry have to say about this assertion?
Refresh and Reinforce: Water Maze Challenge Brain Break Activity
Melissa Hemling | Mon, 09/18/2023 - 08:42
Brain Breaks are powerful tools in education, supported by research showing improved focus, retention, community building, and reduced stress among students. When structured using chemistry principles, like in the Water Maze Race, brain breaks can also introduce or reinforce fundamental chemistry concepts.
A Demo A Day III: Demonstrations and Props Used in My General Chemistry II Classes
Dean Campbell | Sun, 05/21/2023 - 10:50
Dean Campbell tries to use at least one demo for every class to illustrate concepts described in his chemistry courses. In this post, he includes short descriptions of the demonstrations and props he has used while teaching his collegiate General Chemistry II courses.
The Self-Carving Pumpkin: It's Not Just for Halloween!
Tom Kuntzleman | Tue, 05/02/2023 - 18:48
Learn the chemistry behind the reaction between calcium carbide and water...melon...?!
Laser-Cutting CDs into Snowflakes
Dean Campbell | Wed, 03/08/2023 - 15:57
Laser cutters can be used to cut and engrave a variety of thin materials. Compact discs, composed of layers of polycarbonate plastic and aluminum metal, were explored for their ability to be shaped with a laser cutter. The laser can successfully cut and engrave the compact discs into the shape of snowflake. However, each disc must first be coated with a material like glue in order to protect the plastic from discoloration and the byproducts from cutting the plastic that can accumulate on the disc surface.
Incorporating Molecular Number Density into Demonstrations
Dean Campbell | Tue, 01/03/2023 - 08:05
Describing the number density of molecules involved in chemistry demonstrations while presenting those demonstrations can help to convey concepts such as the small size of molecules and how the distance between molecules can vary during change of physical state.
A Demo A Day II: Demonstrations and Props Used in My Environmental Chemistry Class
Dean Campbell | Sat, 12/03/2022 - 21:08
Short descriptions of demonstrations and props that Dean Campbell has used while teaching his collegiate Environmental Chemistry course. Many of these examples are also suitable for use in high school and collegiate General Chemistry courses.
Finding Flash Rocks
Dean Campbell | Sat, 08/13/2022 - 10:20
Flash rocks were discussed in a previous post as stones made of quartz that produce light by triboluminescence when struck together. This post provides some description of their origins and tips on how to find them, making connections to some of their properties.