The Chemistry of Lightning
Tom Kuntzleman | Tue, 09/20/2022 - 09:42
Learn a bit about the chemical reactions that occur during a lightning strike, and how you can demonstrate these reactions in your classroom.
Environmental Chemistry
Flash Rocks from Green Chemistry and LEGO Brick Perspectives
Dean Campbell | Fri, 07/15/2022 - 23:56
Flash rocks, typically pieces of quartz that produce light when struck together, are an example of the complex phenomenon of triboluminescence. The green chemistry aspects for the flash rock demonstration are considered, and LEGO models illustrating quartz crystals, piezoelectric materials, and nonpiezoelectric materials are presented.
Seawater Chemistry and Global Trade: Part 4
Scott Donnelly | Wed, 06/22/2022 - 14:32
Continuation of the practical application of chemistry to seemingly something unrelated- global maritime trade. In this classroom activity students predict the buoyancy (and hence stability) of a merchant cargo ship based on interpretation of seawater surface salinity values. Like in the first three posts, the question types are conceptual.
Seawater Chemistry and Global Trade: Part 3
Scott Donnelly | Sun, 06/12/2022 - 15:36
This is the third post in a series dealing with seawater chemistry and global maritime trade. This classroom activity introduces the concept of salinity and tasks students to predict the range of salinities in certain regions of the ocean (coastal and open water, all four hemispheres, high and lower latitudes). Enjoy...
Seawater Chemistry and Global Trade- Huh?
Scott Donnelly | Wed, 06/01/2022 - 11:20
Maritime shipping is the backbone of global commerce and trade. How is the chemistry of seawater involved in the complex, intertwined network of international trade? Let's find out.
Online Activity: Chemical Kinetics and the “Radium Girls”
Dean Campbell | Mon, 12/20/2021 - 12:17
The classic classroom or lab activity using coin flips to illustrate the first order kinetics of radioactive decay is connected to the tragedy of radiation exposure of workers at facilities using radium-containing luminescent paint. Some of the chemistry related to the contamination of these “radium girls” is explored, with connections being made to the Principles of Green Chemistry and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Cabbage, colours and cleaning products: A citizen science inspired review of anthocyanin extractions that can be attempted at home
Iain Smellie | Mon, 12/06/2021 - 13:59
Check out this citizen science inspired review of anthocyanin extractions that can be attempted at home
Free Climate Science Workbook for Teachers
Stephanie O'Brien | Mon, 08/30/2021 - 16:08
The Wisconsin initiative for Science Literacy has published Science Climate Concepts Fit Your Classroom - A Workbook for Teachers. This is a free online Workbook, readily available for secondary teachers and college faculty. This workbook includes many hands on activities that incorporate traditional science classroom concepts within the context of climate science.
Microplastics, Liquid Nitrogen, and Iodine: Polystyrene vs. Starch Foam Packing Peanuts
Dean Campbell | Wed, 07/28/2021 - 13:03
The differing electrostatic and solubility properties of starch and polystyrene foam packing peanuts are used in various demonstrations to describe aspects of microplastics and their interactions with the environment. Their differing responses to exposure to liquid nitrogen and iodine solutions are also described.
Leading the Way in K-12 Green Chemistry Education
Scott Donnelly | Wed, 07/14/2021 - 14:15
Beyond Benign develops and supports teachers to advance sustainable science education. Learn how these teachers are practicing Green Chemistry in the classroom, mentoring colleagues, and growing professional learning communities.