Quantum Levitation and Superconductors
Tom Kuntzleman | Thu, 06/03/2021 - 13:21
Some explorations and explanations regarding superconductors and the quantum levitation (also known as quantum locking) experiment.
hands-on learning
Weathering the Storm . . . of Chemistry Labs
Michael Jansen | Wed, 06/02/2021 - 16:21
Good day, gentle readers:
Let me start by telling a story that, at first blush, has nothing to do with chemistry teaching.
Simple formation of metal mirrors
Tom Kuntzleman | Mon, 05/10/2021 - 09:57
Beautiful, metallic mirrors of copper or silver can easily be formed in test tubes. Simply add the appropriate metal salt to a test tube, and heat! These reactions should be performed in a fume hood.
Kasi: A Multi-Sensory Modeling System
Doug Ragan | Fri, 04/30/2021 - 06:26
Doug Ragan has been working with the Alchemie team -- founded by a former chemistry teacher, Julia Winter -- for a number of years. They have been working over the last year on a new project, named Kasi, which delivers sound-based feedback to students as they learn with tactile pieces on a magnetic whiteboard. The goal is to build an accessible learning system that helps ALL students learn, and is particularly important for those with visual impairments.
Some of my Favorite Things for VSEPR
Melissa Hemling | Thu, 03/18/2021 - 17:25
Melissa Hemling shares her favorite manipulatives along with cheap at-home alternatives to help students visualize VSEPR.
Plating Pennies with Tin
Tom Kuntzleman | Tue, 02/02/2021 - 10:06
Learn how to give pennies a beautiful, silvery-colored plating.
What Is the Pressure Inside a Bottle of Soda?
Tom Kuntzleman | Tue, 12/08/2020 - 13:01
What is the pressure inside a bottle of soda pop? Read this short article to find the surprising answer to this question, and also to learn how to do an experiment to answer this question for yourself!
Thermochemical Analysis of the Devil's Milkshake
Tom Kuntzleman | Wed, 10/28/2020 - 14:14
Learn how to thermochemically analyze the Devil's Milkshake chemical demonstration - just in time for Halloween!
NGSS-ify Alka-Seltzer Rocket Activity - With Virtual Options
Stephanie O'Brien | Sun, 10/04/2020 - 16:22
In this lab students are given a film canister, a quantity of Alka Seltzer of their own choosing and any materials available in the room to investigate factors that affect the rate of reaction. They work with their groups to create CER boards and then the class engages in a Glow and Grow session. Tips for using this activity in a virtual setting are offered as well.
Aqueous red cabbage extracts: More than just a pH indicator
Iain Smellie | Wed, 09/02/2020 - 09:35
The use of anthocyanins in red cabbage extracts as pH indicators has long been a popular classroom activity. Flowers, fruits and vegetables contain a diverse range of anthocyanins. This investigation explores further applications of plant-derived dyes including reversible reactions based on oxidation/reduction chemistry and other reactions to illustrate colour changes that are not solely dependent on pH change. By using household materials and plant dyes, this investigation may potentially be completed at home if necessary.