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...?!
General
Solar Eclipse Trip Recap
Dean Campbell | Mon, 05/01/2023 - 17:26
A trip to see the 2024 solar eclipse provided the opportunity to explore ideas associated with sulfur in petroleum, sunlight intensity measurements, laser interference patterns from eclipse glasses, and large-scale light emission from excited hydrogen.
The Salting-Out Effect: A Colorful Demonstration That Leads to Student - Teacher Activities
Jim Webb | Wed, 04/26/2023 - 20:53
Have you seen the "salting-out effect"? This interesting demonstration shows a separation of two layers in a solution of water and an organic solvent by adding an ionic salt. Although this concept has important applications in organic chemistry and biochemistry, it can also be visually stunning and engaging for audiences. Read on to learn how to incorporate this demonstration into your chemistry lessons.
Colourful Chemistry of Canning – Part 3
Iain Smellie | Thu, 04/13/2023 - 13:38
Part 3 includes further anthocyanin experiments to make a connection between the food we eat and the chemical principles that are employed to ensure that canned foodstuffs can be preserved properly. These recent studies have focused on the reaction of tinplate cans with iodine.
Simple, Quick, and Accurate Determination of the Heat of Vaporization of Water
Michael Jansen | Mon, 04/10/2023 - 11:31
This activity allows for the simple and accurate determination of the heat of vaporization, ΔHvap, of water at 100°C, and ultimately the approximate strength of a hydrogen bond in boiling water, in kJ·mol–1.
Algae Connections to Chemistry Classrooms
Dean Campbell | Fri, 03/31/2023 - 09:55
This timely post is a perfect fit for the theme of Chemists Celebrate Earth Week 2023! 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!
Confidence Level: Measurement and Significant Figures Simplified
Michael Jansen | Mon, 03/27/2023 - 17:33
The concepts of Measurement and Significant Figures can induce discomfort for both teacher and students. Michael Jansen shares his approach to teaching this important topic.
A Student-Led Lab: The Carbonate Project
Erin Woulfe | Wed, 03/22/2023 - 09:43
This empowering activity provides students the opportunity to drive their own lab experience. It allows students to perform research, execute lab techniques and identify an unknown substance.
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.
Some chemistry related to the Ohio Train Derailment
Tom Kuntzleman | Tue, 02/28/2023 - 12:49
Diffusion of HCl(g) from concentrated solutions of HCl can be used to illustrate some chemistry related to the train accident in Ohio.