The EPA’s School Chemical Cleanout Campaign
Here’s a practical approach to providing a safer learning environment
for students and teachers. It’s centered on 3 actions: (1) promoting
chemical inventories, (2) the removal of large unneeded quantities of
dangerous chemicals, and (3) training handlers in appropriate chemical
management. Learn more at the link below.
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Chemistry Laboratory Closeout
With the end of the school year approaching, it’s time to start
preparing your laboratory for summer break. We’ve compiled a checklist
to help you complete the task. Although we recommend performing the
chemical inventory first, the rest of the checklist can be customized to
suit your needs. Visit the link below to begin.
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Chemistry Demos |
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Chemistry Activities |
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Bubbling Cylinder
A horror film staple, the bubbling cylinder is a sure sign of a mad
scientist at work. In this demo, it’s a sure sign of a savvy teacher at
work addressing topics such as changes in states of matter, acid-base
chemistry, equilibrium, and more. Your students should enjoy and
remember this one. Click the link below to learn how to do it. |
Ice Creamer
Spring brings showers, sunshine, and the prospect of summer break.
Celebrate with this cool, fun activity. It requires just a few
inexpensive materials and can be the basis of an engaging lesson on
colligative properties. Includes background information, instructions,
and an extension activity. See the link below for the sweet details. |
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Workshops & Tradeshows |
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Order & Shipping Options |
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ChemEd 2011
Join us in Kalamazoo on July 24–28 at ChemEd 2011, hosted by Western
Michigan University. ChemEd unites nearly 1,000 chemistry educators from
the US, Canada, and countries around the world to share their passion
for chemistry and discover ways to improve their teaching. For complete
event details, click below.
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Order Now, Get It Later!
Sometimes delayed gratification is a good thing. For instance, you want
to order your fall supplies now, but don’t need them delivered until
August. No problem; just give us your preferred delivery time when
ordering by phone, fax, email, or Web. When August rolls around, you’re
set. Click the link below to learn more. |
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Featured Video: Petri Dish Electrolysis
This easy, inexpensive demo gets your students’ attention and can help
you teach them about electrolysis and oxidation-reduction (redox)
reactions. Each step is carefully shown and explained. Use the mnemonics
in the wrap-up to help your students remember and identify the
reactions. To view, just click the link below.
See the video
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iPhone® and iPad® Apps |
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NEW! Building Atoms, Ions, and Isotopes App
Explore the elements by building atoms, ions, and isotopes with
our latest app for iPhone®,
iPad®, and iPod touch®. Check it out!
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Teacher 2 Teacher Tips |
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Which One Melts Faster?
Here’s a fairly quick and inexpensive way to demonstrate heat transfer
(conduction) and the difference between conductors and insulators.
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Divide your class into groups and let each group examine a block of
aluminum and a block of plastic. |
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2. |
Ask each group to form a hypothesis about which ice cube will melt
faster; one placed on the aluminum block or one placed on the plastic
block. (Most groups will say the one on the plastic block will melt
faster.) |
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3. |
Test the groups’ hypotheses by placing each of the 2 blocks in its own petri
dish, and then placing an ice cube on top of each block. The ice cube on the
aluminum begins to melt immediately, and you can hear the oohs and aahs
coming from all over the room. |
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Use a stopwatch to time the process. |
I let the kids touch the aluminum and plastic during the demonstration and they
are always amazed at how cold the aluminum gets while still melting the ice. To
conclude, I have students identify the conductor and the insulator, and then
write a statement about what they have learned.
Submitted by:
Susan Cook
Rockbrook Elementary
Lewisville, TX
Congratulations to Susan Cook for submitting the winning tip. We’re pleased
to present her with an 8-GB iPod touch® and a gift card. Thanks to all the
readers who submitted their tips. We’ll be posting our favorites in future
issues. Remember, you can still submit a tip anytime, and if we publish it,
you’ll receive a gift card!
Submit your tip |
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