Equilibrium and Milk of Magnesia Rainbow
A Carolina EssentialsTM Demonstration Total Time: 15-20 mins Prep: 20 mins | Activity: 15-20 mins Chemistry 9-12 High School Overview This demonstration shows a colorful reaction that is a good introduction to Le Châtelier’s principle, solubility, stoichiometry, neutralization reactions, and reaction rates. The demonstration uses readily available chemicals, is easy to set up and perform, […]
Thermochemistry: An Endothermic Reaction
A Carolina EssentialsTM Demonstration Total Time: 10 mins Prep: 15 mins | Activity: 10 mins Physical Science 6-12 Middle/High School Overview In this thermochemistry demonstration, students observe an extreme, spontaneous endothermic reaction between 2 solid compounds, measure changes in temperature, and make observations. The demonstration may be used with physical science or chemistry students as […]
After the AP® Exam: What Now?
Your students worked hard and were well prepared. The test has come and gone, and there’s still time left on the school calendar. So, what happens now? You have a variety of options—including extending your curriculum, research projects, career exploration, service learning projects, and college preparation projects, to name a few. Ideas for Promoting Learning […]
A Model for Heat Capacity of Metals
A Carolina EssentialsTM Activity Total Time: 60-70 mins Prep: 15 mins | Activity: 45-55 mins Physical Science | Chemistry 9-12 High School Overview This simple activity models how kinetic energy is transformed into heat or thermal energy on the particle level. Additionally, by comparing data for 3 different metals—aluminum, copper, and lead—students construct a model […]
Water: A Liquid That Can Take the Heat
Water is an amazing liquid. Not only is it the main solvent of cellular protoplasm, it also helps moderate climates with its high heat capacity. Water absorbs a large quantity of heat and slowly releases it over a period of time. This is the reason coastal climates are more moderate than climates farther inland. Water’s […]
Petri Dish Electrolysis Activity
Petri dish electrolysis is a simple, colorful way to introduce or wrap up many topics in chemistry. Use this activity to introduce reduction-oxidation reactions and electrochemistry. When using it at the beginning of a lesson, you can learn what students already know, while using it at the end can highlight their learning. Student misconception: Electrolytic cells […]
Let’s Agree—Lab Safety First
Laboratory safety is paramount for every teacher in every science classroom. Communicating to students and modeling safe lab practices are requisite actions from the very first day of school and every day that follows. It’s not always easy for students to understand the importance of lab safety or master the techniques needed in class. As […]
Elephant Toothpaste
A Carolina EssentialsTM Activity Total Time: 50 min Prep: 30 | Activity: 20 Physical Science | Chemistry 6-12 Middle | High School Total Time: 50 min [ Prep: 30 | Activity: 20 ] Subject: Physical Science | Chemistry Grade: Middle | High School Introduction This quick demonstration showing the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide, catalyzed by […]
Keep Calm and Chemistry On: Successful Lab Activities for the New Chemistry Teacher
Workshop Resource Chemistry 6-12 Middle / High School Looking for lab activities that work every time, not just periodically? Explore easy, engaging, and safe chemistry activities that will produce a reaction in your students. Whether you’re new to chemistry or feeling out of your element, you’ll learn new ways to create excitement with hands-on labs, […]
Equilibrium Straw Activity
Chemistry students on all levels can have misconceptions about the definition of equilibrium. With the word sounding so much like “equal,” many students naturally assume that the concentrations or amounts of reactants and products, rather than rates, must be equal at equilibrium. This short lab activity helps to dispel that notion while reinforcing the idea […]