Elmer's Glue Isn't Just for Making Slime: Simple Chemical Demonstrations with Elmer's Glue
Josh Kenney | Sat, 08/19/2023 - 09:13
Josh Kenney shares three simple and inexpensive demonstrations using Elmer’s glue.
chemical demonstrations
Generating explosive gases from sand
Tom Kuntzleman | Fri, 01/07/2022 - 12:16
Did you know that sand can be converted into a mixture of gases that spontaneously ignites in air? The procedures involved are relatively simple to perform, spectacular to observe, and relate to a rich assortment of chemical principles.
Effect of Temperature on Chemical Equilibrium using Copper Complexes
Tom Kuntzleman | Wed, 04/07/2021 - 11:00
This post describes a simple way to generate blue, green, orange, and yellow copper complexes, and to use these complexes to introduce students to the effect of temperature on chemical equilibria. The protcol avoids the use of caustic agents, allowing the experiments to be conducted by students as a laboratory-based investigation.
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.
Chemical Mystery #14: Loves Me…Loves Me Not
Tom Kuntzleman | Tue, 02/19/2019 - 09:46
You can figure out how this Valentine's Day experiment was done...if you know your chemistry, that is!
The case of aluminium metal in single replacement REDOX reactions
Andres Tretiakov | Sun, 01/21/2018 - 16:36
I have tried many different methods to demonstrate or perform displacement reactions over the years with mixed results regarding one particular metal, aluminium. Based upon my experience, the behavior of aluminium in displacement reactions often confuses students.
Put a Spark in Your Stoichiometry Lesson!
Tom Kuntzleman | Thu, 12/10/2015 - 14:40
A description of a quick and easy lesson that is sure to add some spark into your next lesson on stoichiometry.
My First Day Demonstration
Michael Morgan | Fri, 07/31/2015 - 19:23
Michael Morgan has used this demo for over 25 years! His students from 20 years ago still remember the first day of chemistry!
Community Outreach
Deanna Cullen | Wed, 05/06/2015 - 15:33
I have been involved in several types of community outreach projects to promote science education and chemistry. One of the best was a biannual event I worked on with teachers from each elementary school in our district and from our middle school. It was a Science Extravaganza.
Harry Potter and the Elephant Toothpaste Potion
Tom Kuntzleman | Tue, 04/28/2015 - 16:45
The “Elephant Toothpaste” experiment is a very popular, albeit messy chemistry demonstration. To carry out this experiment, place a 250 mL graduated cylinder on something that you wouldn’t mind getting messy.