Chemistry

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.