Chemistry and the Titanic
Tom Kuntzleman | Wed, 01/04/2023 - 09:56
Some metals and metal alloys undergo a transition to brittleness at cold temperature. This phenomenon likely contributed to the demise of the Titanic.
Matter & Change
Incorporating Molecular Number Density into Demonstrations
Dean Campbell | Tue, 01/03/2023 - 08:05
Describing the number density of molecules involved in chemistry demonstrations while presenting those demonstrations can help to convey concepts such as the small size of molecules and how the distance between molecules can vary during change of physical state.
How Small is the Stuff that makes up Matter?
Chad Husting | Wed, 10/19/2022 - 12:39
Explore how small the stuff that makes up matter is and consider what those tiny particles are doing in this engaging activity.
An Important Chemistry Demonstration: The Law of Conservation of Mass
Michael Jansen | Tue, 10/11/2022 - 06:19
This demonstration lays the foundation for what science is all about: proper experiments, properly carried out, properly interpreted.
Science of Matter Interactive Notebook
Nora Walsh | Fri, 07/29/2022 - 16:34
Nora Walsh outlines the interactive notebook pages she uses for her unit on the Science of Matter. All of the documents and foldables are available for download.
Seawater Chemistry and Global Trade- Part 2
Scott Donnelly | Mon, 06/06/2022 - 20:07
This is the second blog post describing a classroom activity relating seawater chemistry to oceanic shipping. Included are questions that challenge students to apply conclusions drawn from observations to making predictions.
Simple Distillation
Chad Husting | Mon, 01/24/2022 - 19:07
This is a simple small-scale distillation that can be used several different ways.
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.
Icy Brinicle of Death: A COOL Example of Freezing Point Depression
Thomas Cox | Thu, 06/17/2021 - 12:50
What real world examples are made known to students when discussing freezing point depression? What about brinicles, also known as "Icy Fingers of Death"? A brinicle (from brine + ice) is a finger-like formation of supercooled brine solution that grows downward underneath sea ice. Intrigued? Cool (pun intended). Keep reading to find out more!
The Sanctity of the (Electronic) Balance
Michael Jansen | Thu, 05/20/2021 - 16:16
We were converted; we saw the light. No more playing with a balance. Reverence, dude. Without a balance we got nuthin’.