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Recrystallization in the Organic Chemistry Laboratory.

Daniel Rivera | Mon, 11/17/2025 - 18:49

Implementing a Process-Oriented Guided Inquiry Learning (POGIL) style recrystallization activity provides students with an opportunity to actively engage in the learning process while reinforcing key chemical concepts such as polarity, solubility, and purification techniques. Research has shown that a POGIL approach promotes improved conceptual understanding, critical thinking, and teamwork skills compared to traditional laboratory approaches1,2.

2026 CLC Innovators Program Announcement

Peter Sanders | Wed, 11/05/2025 - 16:15

The Chemistry Laboratory Curriculum (CLC) Innovators Program is now accepting applications for the 2026 cohort! This program offers institutional teams from across the U.S. the chance to participate in a week-long summer institute and ongoing virtual support meetings during the 2026-2027 academic year.

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

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

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.

Three Turmeric Treats

Dean Campbell | Wed, 07/16/2025 - 08:32

Curcumin, found in the spice turmeric, varies from yellow in acidic conditions to orange-red in basic conditions. This enables curcumin to be used in many acid-base demonstrations and incorporate ideas such as hidden messages and mechanochemistry.

The Value of Microtitrations

Michael Jansen | Sun, 06/22/2025 - 15:58

Microtitrations can be used as a stand-alone lesson or as an introduction to more complex titrations. Done without expensive glassware and materials, this alternative to buret titrations is easy to implement in most classroom situations.

A Critical Look at Units

Michael Jansen | Sun, 05/18/2025 - 10:23

In this blog, Michael Jansen considers the significance of using proper units and their role in helping students develop a conceptual understanding of Chemistry. 

Not so Green Up Close: a Peek at a dyed Chicago River Sample

Dean Campbell | Sat, 05/17/2025 - 22:36

Light absorbance and fluorescence were studied for a sample of the Chicago River that had been dyed green for St. Patrick’s Day. The sample had weak green fluorescence, showing that the intense green appearance of the river was in part due to the long path length of light through the water. The ability of the green color to partition into 1-octanol was also explored.