Naming the Elements
Over 100 named elements are listed on the periodic table. Some of these elements are common and very familiar, and others are so rare that they exist for just part of a second before they decay. Did you ever wonder how these elements get their names? Some of the names of elements we know today […]
The Science of Popcorn
Introduction Popcorn is one of the world’s favorite snack foods. In the US, Americans consume as much as 18 billion quarts of popcorn each year, which equates to 56 quarts per person. Some nutritionists call it a perfect snack food because it is a whole grain, a good source of fiber, and low in fat. […]
Hydrogen Spectrum Activity
Objective To observe hydrogen’s emission spectrum and to verify that the Bohr model of the hydrogen atom accounts for the line positions in hydrogen’s emission spectrum. Introduction Bohr’s model of the atom explains hydrogen’s spectrum but does not satisfactorily explain atoms that have more than 1 electron and proton and is, therefore, not the currently […]
How to Make Luminol Glow: Glowing Reaction Activity
Luminol is a chemical that produces a beautiful blue fluorescence when oxidized by hydrogen peroxide. In addition to providing one of the best-known examples of chemiluminescence, it is also a valuable crime scene investigation tool whose blue glow reveals the presence of blood. For teachers, demonstrating the luminol reaction can add to discussions of oxidation-reduction […]
Teaching the Calvin Cycle
The Calvin cycle of photosynthesis can be difficult to teach and to learn when presented only as a relentless sequence of complex reactions. Two ways to make the abstract subject easier to grasp are to help your students keep the big picture in view throughout the discussion and to have them use models for the […]
Photosynthesis and Floating Leaf Disks
If you have never tried the leaf disk assay, you are missing out on one of the best photosynthesis labs available. Here’s how to do it. The equipment and supplies needed are inexpensive, simple, and readily available. Materials Syringes, 5 cc or Larger Desk Lamps with 18- to 23-W Fluorescent or LED Bulbs Plastic Straws […]
Using Aquatic Plants to Demonstrate Photosynthesis
Introduction Egeria densa, also known as Elodea densa because of its previously incorrect classification in the Elodea genus, is the most popular aquatic plant used to teach photosynthesis in the classroom. Originally from Brazil, E. densa has spread to temperate regions on all of the continents except Antarctica. Known for its bright green color and leafy stems, E. densa is an excellent oxygenating […]
Keep Calm and Chemistry On: Tips for the New Chemistry Teacher
Looking for lab activities that work every time? Explore these easy, engaging, and safe chemistry activities that are sure to produce a reaction from your students. Whether you’re new to chemistry or feeling out of your element, you’ll learn fresh ways to create excitement in your lab.
Rat Reproduction
Examining the reproductive system of the rat, students have the opportunity to compare male and female organs, study internal fertilization, and observe gestational changes in the female. The rat is representative of mammalian reproduction where fertilization of ova occurs inside the female, and the fertilized zygotes develop in the mother during a gestation period known […]
How to Make a Good Scientific Model
Are your students able to generate observations and then construct a good scientific model? After your students complete an inquiry activity, use our scientific model checklist to guide them through constructing and refining a model. Encourage students to use the checklist to ensure their model is sound. Allow lab groups to switch models and critique them. Go […]