Latest articles, blogs, and events from the chemical education community

Solution to Chemical Mystery #9: Liquid Nitrogen vs. Dry Ice

// Monday, January 16, 2017 • Tom Kuntzleman

In Chemical Mystery #9, a 5-gallon bucket is launched into the air using the energy released during gas explosions. These explosions result from gas pressure buildup inside a sealed 2 L soda pop bottle. Two slightly different methods of launching the bucket are used, and one works better than the other. Why does one method work better than the other?

Chemical Mystery #9: Liquid Nitrogen vs. Dry Ice

// Thursday, January 12, 2017 • Tom Kuntzleman

A favorite experiment of mine is the bucket launch. My students and I recently tried two variations on this experiment. Watch the video below and see if you can explain the differences we observed.

The Girls of Atomic City by Denise Kiernan

// Tuesday, January 10, 2017 • Hal Harris

While we were driving through Tennessee recently, we visited the American Museum of Science and Energy in Oak Ridge, the de facto museum of the ambitious WWII project that separated the uranium and plutonium isotopes used in the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. I recommend that other scientists and science educators make the effort to visi

Isotopes, Nuts, Bolts and Eggs

// Monday, January 2, 2017 • Chad Husting

What are we doing to help kids achieve?

Dry ice in five different liquids

// Sunday, January 1, 2017 • Tom Kuntzleman

I recently posted a video on Twitter of an experiment my students were conducting in class. I thought I’d blog about the experiment, since it seemed to generate a lot of interest.

New Benefits of AMTA Membership

// Friday, December 23, 2016 • E Posthuma

The American Modeling Teachers Association (AMTA) is an international, professional community comprised of over 2800 passionate, innovative, and connected educators. Members include high school and university level STEM educators, educational research professionals, as well as pre-service and retired teachers.

Gizmos Part II: Chemical Reactions

// Tuesday, December 20, 2016 • Dan Meyers

Last month, I shared about a new PD opportunity I had the privilege of participating in called Gizmos. You can read about it here. After Thanksgiving break, my Chemistry 1 and Honors Chemistry 1 classes began our Chemical Reactions unit.

Using Tollen's test to create silver ornaments

Silver Plated Bulbs

// Monday, December 19, 2016 • Deanna Cullen

I have used many silver mirror/Tollen's test labs. I have struggled with some and over the years I have found that this version is very reliable if the directions are followed carefully and students work through the procedure fairly quickly.

Hach Professional Development Grant

// Thursday, December 8, 2016 • Deanna Cullen

High school chemistry teachers in U.S. and U.S. territories can apply for a Hach Professional Development grant to fund up to $1500 of expenses. Applications will be accepted through January 4th. Qualified expenses include registration, travel, tuition, books/resources and substitute teacher pay. Activities must be completed by August 31, 2017. Decision/notification date is February 28, 2017.

Cooking Chemistry: Additional Resources

// Wednesday, December 7, 2016 • Tracy Schloemer

It is the holiday season, and here in Colorado, it is finally starting to feel like winter with a storm predicted for this afternoon!

Cloud formed when dry ice is placed in water

The Dry-Ice-in-Water Cloud

// Sunday, December 4, 2016 • Tom Kuntzleman

Have you ever wondered where the cloud comes from when dry ice is placed in water? Consider the answer returned in my browser when I Googled the phrase “How does the dry ice cloud form”:

Is there more to formative assessment than "Get it or Don't"?

// Monday, November 21, 2016 • Nate Warrick

Oftentimes, assessment garners many negative associations by researchers in the education field, however, in my opinion this is often the result of ineffective assessment by teachers and teacher educators.