Content

KoolAid and similar drinks as convenient laboratory reagents: The weak acid-strong base titration of citric acid or malic acid

David Cash | Fri, 05/13/2022 - 08:06

koolaid-and-similar-drinks-convenient-laboratory-reagents-weak-acid-strong-base-titration-citric.png

The major component of a non-carbonated drink such as KoolAid or a similar beverage is usually a fruit acid, either citric acid or malic acid. The titratable acid (H⁺) concentration of such drinks has been found to be in the range of 0.02 to 0.04 M. A weak acid-strong base titration of these drinks with 0.1 M NaOH solution is feasible as a student exercise. The use of such drinks as reagents is safe, convenient, and inexpensive. Experiment instructions are included.

Manufacture and Use of an Effervescent Antacid

David Cash | Sun, 06/30/2024 - 10:13

manufacture-and-use-effervescent-antacid.png

A question set about an effervescent antacid formulation unpacks what is occurring both qualitatively and quantitatively. The student will review and apply formulas, balanced equations, percentage elemental compositions, mass-mass calculations, mole-mole calculations, theoretical yield, and limiting reagent.

Red #40 Food Dye in a Cherry Cough Drop

David Cash | Fri, 02/14/2025 - 17:36

red-40-food-dye-cherry-cough-drop.png

Looking for a simple, engaging Beer’s Law experiment? Use Red #40 from cherry cough drops! This hands-on activity introduces students to spectrophotometry and quantitative analysis. Read more for the full method and teaching tips.

Magnesium Citrate: Synthesis of a Pharmaceutical Compound at Time of Use

David Cash | Fri, 08/29/2025 - 10:28

magnesium-citrate-synthesis-pharmaceutical-compound-time-use.png

This post offers a case study of magnesium citrate used as a pharmaceutical. How does adding a dry white powder to water form aqueous magnesium citrate? To understand what occurs requires students to name chemical compounds, balance chemical equations, calculate theoretical yields, limiting and excess reagents, and use elemental percentage composition. A student question set is available as a resource.

Electrons as Waves?

Thomas Shiland | Fri, 11/19/2021 - 18:01

electrons-waves.jpg

A simple demonstration for high school chemistry students is described which gives a plausible connection between electrons as waves and the shapes of the s and p orbitals. This demonstration may build a transition from electrons as particles to electrons as waves.

Applying "Make it Stick" to Chemistry Teaching

Thomas Shiland | Fri, 05/27/2022 - 09:26

applying-make-it-stick-chemistry-teaching.png

"Make it Stick" is filled with research-based recommendations to improve the effectiveness of learning.

Making Science Come Alive: Teaching for Engagement and Deep Learning

Patrick Brown | Thu, 09/16/2021 - 19:41

making-science-come-alive-teaching-engagement-and-deep-learning.png

A primary goal of modern education is to prepare students for a globally competitive society. Importantly we must ask questions such as, “who is doing the hard intellectual work in the classroom?” and "what does doing hard intellectual work look like?"

Light and color: A virtual laboratory for future pre-school and primary school teachers

Marianna Marchini | Tue, 12/21/2021 - 10:11

light-and-color-virtual-laboratory-future-pre-school-and-primary-school-teachers.jpg

This post focuses on the virtual chemistry laboratory activities created for students pursuing a bachelor of science degree in Primary Teacher Education at the University of Bologna.

How do antacids work? Titration of an Antacid

Michael Garoutte | Wed, 10/05/2022 - 07:08

how-do-antacids-work-titration-antacid-preview.png

Heartburn is a very common ailment. Many people rely on antacids such as Tums^®, Rolaids^®, or Milk of Magnesia to settle their stomachs, but have you ever wondered how those antacids work?

Three-dimensional figure to improve the didactics of the Periodic Table

PABLO CASSINELLO | Mon, 04/04/2022 - 10:00

three-dimensional-figure-improve-didactics-periodic-table.png

A kaleidocycle is presented in which the entire periodic table has been collected. In this three-dimensional figure are the elements organized in four blocks according to their final electronic structure. It is intended that students with this playful figure actively participate in classes by rotating their kaleidocycle looking for the groups or elements that are being studied. The entire periodic table fits in one palm of their hands. It is also a didactic device because students only focus their attention on one block or group of elements from the entire Periodic Table. It can be achieved a more entertaining, motivating and exciting learning about the subject of the Periodic Table.