endothermic/exothermic

The Density Bottle experiment has inspired many colorful variations over the years.^1-6 I recently came across yet another colorful variation that I’d like to discuss.

The chemistry demonstration called the self-carving pumpkin¹ is a blast (no pun intended) to conduct around Halloween. To prepare this experiment, a jack-o-lantern face is carved into a pumpkin, but the eye, nose, and mouth pieces are saved. These pieces are then gently placed back into the holes in the pumpkin.

Lightning exhibits some of the most fascinating phenomena on planet Earth.

Thermochemistry is an interesting unit to discuss with chemistry teachers, as the depth at which different teachers cover it seems to vary widely. Some teachers cover the topic in much greater depth than I do.

Introduction: 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.

A year ago I stumbled across a fun way to present the reaction between calcium metal and water. Check it out (including a video explanation): The Devil's Milkshake. Ca(s) + H₂O(l) → CaO(s) + H₂(g)       Equation 1

Kermit the Frog sings, “It’s not easy being green” but the role of Green Chemistry is to show people not only is it easier, but also the way we need to be doing chemistry. Green Chemistry is defined as, “The design of chemical products and processes that reduce and/or eliminate the use or generation of hazardous substances.

“What are we doing to help kids achieve?”

I found a version of this demonstration online a couple of years ago. I admit, when I first tried it with my class it was mostly for a crowd pleaser to demonstrate the activity series of metals, but I then became very intrigued by the processes occurring.