Chemistry Is Cool! Programs

If your classroom isn't set up to carry out chemistry experiments, consider scheduling a chemistry exercise during your Fantastic Fridays visit. Goggles are provided for each participating student.

MAKING MAGIC WITH METALS:  Learn how scientists use spectrophotometry to analyze metal ions.  Discover how the combustion of metal ions equals a rainbow of colors.

FABULOUS FLUBBER AND SUPER STYROFOAM:  Making nylon in laboratory is demonstrated, and students  manufacture flubber and styrofoam to see how  polymers like plastic are made.

SOLVE THE ACID/BASE MYSTERY:  Students make their own purple cabbage juice indicator, then use it to determine the pH of common household acids and bases.

DISCOVERING HIDDEN WATER IN A CRYSTAL:  Students can determine the water of hydration contained within a salt, and discover how water helps to form a beautifully colored crystal.

LITTLE MISS MUFFET'S DELIGHT: PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL REACTIONS IN THE KITCHEN:  A great demonstration of the differences between physical and chemical properties of matter. Students demonstrate the actions of rennin in manufacturing cheese.

FANCY FRUITY FRAGRANT ESTER:  Esters are chemicals that have distinctive (usually pleasant) aromas. In this exercise, students combine organic acids and alcohols to form fragrant esters.