water

Egg-lectrons and McLewis Structures

Dean Campbell | Fri, 02/28/2025 - 22:13

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Egg cartons and beverage holders can be used as models of atoms, with their dimples representing orbitals. Each dimple can hold up to two objects such as milk jug caps, plastic eggs, and cup pieces to represent electrons in the orbitals. Partially overlapping the trays by stacking the dimples represents chemical bonding and produces molecular models resembling Lewis structures. The models can be easily made from materials that can be readily found grocery stores and fast-food restaurants.

The Diamonds of Winter

Tom Kuntzleman | Thu, 01/09/2025 - 09:44

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Take a walk and explore the chemical winter wonderland of snowflakes...and diamonds!

The Chemistry of Water Reveal Coloring Books

Tom Kuntzleman | Tue, 07/16/2024 - 07:01

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How do Melissa & Doug’s “Water WOW!” Water Reveal coloring books work? Let's do some experiments to find out!

Ice Clouds 2.0

Tom Kuntzleman | Tue, 01/16/2024 - 15:12

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What is some of the chemistry involved in the formation of ice clouds when boiling water is thrown into icy air?

Drinking Dinosaur Pee?!

Tom Kuntzleman | Mon, 11/27/2023 - 10:41

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It has been claimed that because all water ultimately ends up in the water cycle, we drink water that the dinosaurs peed out. What does chemistry have to say about this assertion?

Refresh and Reinforce: Water Maze Challenge Brain Break Activity

Melissa Hemling | Mon, 09/18/2023 - 08:42

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Brain Breaks are powerful tools in education, supported by research showing improved focus, retention, community building, and reduced stress among students. When structured using chemistry principles, like in the Water Maze Race, brain breaks can also introduce or reinforce fundamental chemistry concepts.

A Demo A Day III: Demonstrations and Props Used in My General Chemistry II Classes

Dean Campbell | Sun, 05/21/2023 - 10:50

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Dean Campbell tries to use at least one demo for every class to illustrate concepts described in his chemistry courses. In this post, he includes short descriptions of the demonstrations and props he has used while teaching his collegiate General Chemistry II courses.

The Self-Carving Pumpkin: It's Not Just for Halloween!

Tom Kuntzleman | Tue, 05/02/2023 - 18:48

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Learn the chemistry behind the reaction between calcium carbide and water...melon...?!

Laser-Cutting CDs into Snowflakes

Dean Campbell | Wed, 03/08/2023 - 15:57

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Laser cutters can be used to cut and engrave a variety of thin materials. Compact discs, composed of layers of polycarbonate plastic and aluminum metal, were explored for their ability to be shaped with a laser cutter. The laser can successfully cut and engrave the compact discs into the shape of snowflake. However, each disc must first be coated with a material like glue in order to protect the plastic from discoloration and the byproducts from cutting the plastic that can accumulate on the disc surface.

Incorporating Molecular Number Density into Demonstrations

Dean Campbell | Tue, 01/03/2023 - 08:05

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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.