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 […]
Photosynthesis Modeling with Pop Beads
While studying photosynthesis, students can have difficulty understanding how the carbon in CO2 becomes the carbon in glucose (6H2O + 6CO2?C6H12O6 + 6O2). To clarify this concept, have your students create a basic diagram of the Calvin cycle by drawing a large circle on a piece of white drawing paper and dividing the circle into thirds. Use […]
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.
A New Approach to Teaching Atomic Theory
For chemistry teacher Siobhan Julian, teaching the history of atomic theory by lecture “was dry and tedious and boring for everyone involved.†Then she took a fresh approach—one that focuses on doing science to learn science history.
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 […]
Bees, Butterflies, and Flowers
Background Spring’s arrival is marked by days that start to grow longer, temperatures that begin to rise, and the many plants that awake from their winter sleep. Certain species of flowering plants start to develop beautiful blooms and love is in the air. At first look, one might think nature is simply showing off with […]