HS-PS1-2 Chemical Reactions

Ramping Up the Disappearing Rainbow with the Assassin’s Water Bottle

Tom Kuntzleman | Tue, 09/16/2025 - 09:44

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What happens when chemistry and illusion collide? In The Disappearing Rainbow, a simple acid–base demonstration transforms into a spellbinding performance. With a single pour, colorless liquids bloom into a vibrant rainbow—then vanish in an instant. Now, with the arrival of the “Assassin’s water bottle,” this classic demo gets a modern twist that makes the magic easier (and cleaner) than ever.

The WEIRDEST Chemical Reaction I've Ever Seen!

Tom Kuntzleman | Sat, 09/07/2024 - 11:17

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This chemical reaction is just plain weird...but also beautiful!

Quick Lab on Mass vs Moles

Nora Walsh | Tue, 03/05/2024 - 09:08

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This quick / low-prep stoichiometry lab helps students visualize why they must convert mass into moles before performing stoichiometry calculations.

The Chemistry of Pharaoh's Serpent with Calcium Gluconate

Tom Kuntzleman | Wed, 02/28/2024 - 13:59

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Pharaoh's serpent is the name of a very interesting chemical reaction that produces a snake-like foam. Unfortunately, it requires the use of a toxic mercury compound. Explore this very similar reaction that can be achieved quite simply by using fuel tablets and calcium gluconate tablets and learn a lot about the chemistry that is involved!

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?

The Floating Soap Bubble

Tom Kuntzleman | Mon, 08/21/2023 - 09:03

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The floating soap bubble is an impressive experiment that is surprisingly easy to carry out.

Not Playing with a Full Deck: Ideas For Electron-Counting Chemical Card Games

Dean Campbell | Fri, 08/04/2023 - 14:00

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Ordinary playing cards can be used in games where the cards model valence electrons in atoms. These games could provide players with a fun and active way to practice counting valence electrons in simple chemical structures.

Seashell Chemistry

Tom Kuntzleman | Thu, 06/01/2023 - 14:15

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Placing dry ice in limewater is a great demonstration to accompany discussions on a variety of chemical topics, including the impact of ocean acidification on marine organisms that depend upon the formation of CaCO₃.

Some chemistry related to the Ohio Train Derailment

Tom Kuntzleman | Tue, 02/28/2023 - 12:49

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Diffusion of HCl(g) from concentrated solutions of HCl can be used to illustrate some chemistry related to the train accident in Ohio.

The Pumpkinator

Tom Kuntzleman | Mon, 10/17/2022 - 17:09

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This Pumpkinator is a fantastic orange-to-blue-to-orange chemical reaction that will make a great addition to your Halloween-themed chemistry demonstrations.