Plating Pennies with Tin
Tom Kuntzleman | Tue, 02/02/2021 - 10:06
Learn how to give pennies a beautiful, silvery-colored plating.
General
Bubbly BBs and Vaccinated Mentos: Chemical Illustrations to Promote Public Health Measures
Dean Campbell | Mon, 02/01/2021 - 10:35
The authors revisit "flattening the curve" demonstrations published during 2020 to see how they could represent the impact of vaccinations on the COVID 19 battlefront. These demonstrations do not demonstrate the mechanisms of vaccines themselves, but are rather analogies to their potential effect on a population. In these analogies, gas production still represents illness, but this time people are represented by objects added to the solutions which either enable gas production (unvaccinated individuals) or do not enable gas production (vaccinated individuals). These simple experiments are best used as stand-alone demonstrations, and links to videos are included in this writeup.
Stoichiometry - A Free Virtual Chemistry Lab Activity
Josh Kenney | Tue, 12/15/2020 - 09:38
In this virtual activity, a video introduces stoichiometry and guides students to think conceptually using a simple baking analogy. Afterward, stoichiometry calculations connect to the analogy, that are then reinforced with a simple experiment. Finally, students explore a PhET simulation to deepen their knowledge.
Solubility and Concentration - A Free Virtual Chemistry Lab Activity
Josh Kenney | Fri, 11/13/2020 - 14:46
In this activity, students learn about solubility and concentration. They watch videos that explain the dissolving process, how to calculate the molarity, supersaturation and how to make rock candy. They also use a PhET simulation to explore factors that affect the concentration of a solution.
Thermochemical Analysis of the Devil's Milkshake
Tom Kuntzleman | Wed, 10/28/2020 - 14:14
Learn how to thermochemically analyze the Devil's Milkshake chemical demonstration - just in time for Halloween!
Practice Measuring Using Significant Figures In-Person or Virtually
Carrie Clippard-Cope | Wed, 10/07/2020 - 10:07
This activity allows students to see many different types of scales in order to become proficient at measuring and determining how many digits to record in any measurement, whether it be volumes, masses, lengths, etc.
NGSS-ify Alka-Seltzer Rocket Activity - With Virtual Options
Stephanie O'Brien | Sun, 10/04/2020 - 16:22
In this lab students are given a film canister, a quantity of Alka Seltzer of their own choosing and any materials available in the room to investigate factors that affect the rate of reaction. They work with their groups to create CER boards and then the class engages in a Glow and Grow session. Tips for using this activity in a virtual setting are offered as well.
Introducing Density - A Free Virtual Chemistry Lab Activity
Josh Kenney | Wed, 09/16/2020 - 11:24
The author explains a virtual chemistry lab activity for use in a high school chemistry class. This activity is an excellent way to introduce measurements, significant figures, and the concept of density.
Aqueous red cabbage extracts: More than just a pH indicator
Iain Smellie | Wed, 09/02/2020 - 09:35
The use of anthocyanins in red cabbage extracts as pH indicators has long been a popular classroom activity. Flowers, fruits and vegetables contain a diverse range of anthocyanins. This investigation explores further applications of plant-derived dyes including reversible reactions based on oxidation/reduction chemistry and other reactions to illustrate colour changes that are not solely dependent on pH change. By using household materials and plant dyes, this investigation may potentially be completed at home if necessary.
Color Changing Coke and Mentos
Tom Kuntzleman | Wed, 09/02/2020 - 03:07
What's a better way to start the new school year than with some new experiments? Learn how to use a variety of color changing experiments to teach students about the Diet Coke and Mentos experiment, acids, bases, chemical and physical changes, and climate change.