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Journal Articles: 34 results
"Having a Ball with Chemistry": More Things to Try  Thomas S. Kuntzleman, David Sellers, and Rachel Hoffmeyer
An activity is described in which students test the rebound properties of superballs, racquetballs, "happy" and "sad" balls at many temperatures. Students use the results to estimate the glass transition temperature of the elastic polymer that comprises each ball, a segue into the classic demonstration of shattering a racquetball that has been immersed in liquid nitrogen.
Kuntzleman, Thomas S.; Sellers, David; Hoffmeyer, Rachel. J. Chem. Educ. 2008, 85, 1478.
Physical Properties
Organometallic Chemistry: Development and Study of Catalytic Activity  Caroline R. Pharr and Shannon Stahl
This Today's Science for Tomorrow's Scientists (TSTS) tutorial introduces current scientific research on the development and investigation of new catalysts for the selective oxidation of organic substances by molecular oxygen.
Pharr, Caroline R.; Stahl, Shannon. J. Chem. Educ. 2008, 85, 1453.
Catalysis |
Oxidation / Reduction |
Periodicity / Periodic Table |
Physical Properties |
Synthesis |
Transition Elements
Fog Machines, Vapors, and Phase Diagrams  Ed Vitz
This series of demonstrations elucidate the operation of commercial fog machines using common laboratory materials and can be adapted for elementary through tertiary levels. The formation of fogs is discussed in terms of the phase diagram for water and other chemical principles.
Vitz, Ed. J. Chem. Educ. 2008, 85, 1385.
Liquids |
Phases / Phase Transitions / Diagrams |
Physical Properties |
Water / Water Chemistry
Impact of Polymers in Impact Sports  Sandy Van Natta and John P. Williams
This article describes some aspects of the design and testing of helmets and two inquiry-based activities for evaluating different polymers used in helmet construction.
Van Natta, Sandy; Williams, John P. J. Chem. Educ. 2008, 85, 1326.
Applications of Chemistry |
Consumer Chemistry |
Physical Properties
[#97] The Sweeter Side of Density  Michael Davis and Charles Henry
Students determine the density of different sugar solutions and then devise a method for layering them in a graduated cylinder. Dyeing the solutions with food coloring results in a rainbow-colored, heterogeneous mixture.
Davis, Michael; Henry, Charles. J. Chem. Educ. 2008, 85, 1088A.
Physical Properties |
Solutions / Solvents |
Aqueous Solution Chemistry |
Student-Centered Learning
Colorful Chemical Fountains  Nicholas C. Thomas and Stephen Faulk
A chemical fountain, constructed from several vertically stacked plastic champagne cups, is used to demonstrate acidbase and chemiluminescence reactions.
Thomas, Nicholas C.; Faulk, Stephen. J. Chem. Educ. 2008, 85, 1061.
Acids / Bases |
Dyes / Pigments |
Physical Properties |
Reactions
Soda Can Density and Unexpected Results  Erica K. Jacobsen, Donald R. Paulson, and Michael J. Sanger
Reader Donald R. Paulson reports on an unexpected result seen while performing a sink/float test similar to that described in the JCE Classroom Activity "Whatever Floats (or Sinks) Your Can", and describes an extension to the Activity. Activity author Michael J. Sanger and JCE editor-in-chief John W. Moore also discuss possible extensions.
Jacobsen, Erica K.; Paulson, Donald R.; Sanger, Michael J. J. Chem. Educ. 2008, 85, 18.
Consumer Chemistry |
Physical Properties
Colorful Lather Printing  Susan A. S. Hershberger, Matt Nance, Arlyne M. Sarquis, and Lynn M. Hogue
Students explore the chemistry of polar and nonpolar substances and surfactants while marbling paper with shaving cream and food coloring.
Hershberger, Susan A. S.; Nance, Matt; Sarquis, Arlyne M.; Hogue, Lynn M. J. Chem. Educ. 2007, 84, 608A.
Applications of Chemistry |
Consumer Chemistry |
Noncovalent Interactions |
Physical Properties |
Surface Science |
Water / Water Chemistry
Whatever Floats (or Sinks) Your Can  Michael J. Sanger
Students determine which property of the sodas (caffeine content, soda color, or sugar content) is responsible for whether soft-drink cans float or sink in water.
Sanger, Michael J. J. Chem. Educ. 2006, 83, 1632A.
Consumer Chemistry |
Physical Properties |
Nonmajor Courses
A Demonstration of Refractive Index Matching Using Isopropyl Alcohol and MgF2  Frederick C. Sauls
Isopropyl alcohol and magnesium fluoride have nearly identical refractive indices; thus a chip of MgF2 disappears when immersed in isopropanol.
Sauls, Frederick C. J. Chem. Educ. 2006, 83, 1170.
Mathematics / Symbolic Mathematics |
Physical Properties |
Solids |
Materials Science
The Ultrasonic Soda Fountain: A Dramatic Demonstration of Gas Solubility in Aqueous Solutions  John E. Baur and Melinda B. Baur
An ultrasonic bath is used to accelerate the rate at which carbonated beverages equilibrate with the atmosphere. The resulting fountain, which can reach heights in excess of 3 meters, is a dramatic demonstration of the solubility of gases in liquids.
Baur, John E.; Baur, Melinda B. J. Chem. Educ. 2006, 83, 577.
Aqueous Solution Chemistry |
Kinetics |
Physical Properties |
Solutions / Solvents |
Precipitation / Solubility
Bowling for Density!  Kathleen Holley, Diana S. Mason, and Kirk Hunter
Students are to decide whether or not an assigned bowling ball will float or sink in water. They must make their prediction based on a mathematical determination, as they are not permitted to place the bowling ball in water until it is time to test their hypotheses.
Holley, Kathleen; Mason, Diana S.; Hunter, Kirk. J. Chem. Educ. 2004, 81, 1312A.
Physical Properties
Discrepant Event: The Great Bowling Ball Float-Off  Diana S. Mason, William F. Griffith, Sharon E. Hogue, Kathleen Holley, and Kirk Hunter
The concept of density is central to the study of science. Because of its importance, density is one of many physical properties that are studied in first-year chemistry and physical science courses. Determining the density of a solid or liquid is a routine laboratory activity in these classes, and is easily adapted to inquiry-based methods. In this activity students are to decide whether an assigned bowling ball will float or sink in water. They must make their predictions based on a mathematical determination, as they are not permitted to place the bowling ball in water until it is time to test their hypotheses. Students gain practice in various measurement techniques as well as calculations involving significant digits, unit conversions, and geometry formulae.
Mason, Diana S.; Griffith, William F.; Hogue, Sharon E.; Holley, Kathleen; Hunter, Kirk. J. Chem. Educ. 2004, 81, 1309.
Nonmajor Courses |
Physical Properties
Rethinking the Classroom Laboratory  Diana S. Mason
Do you have an idea, activity, vision to share with our readers? Find out more about submitting JCE Classroom Activities. Direct laboratory experience is one of the best ways to bring home lessons and have meaningful learning experiences. The Journal not only publishes interesting articles and tested activities but it also shares tidbits of information that might be lost to obscurity if not recorded.
Mason, Diana S. J. Chem. Educ. 2004, 81, 1241.
Physical Properties |
Administrative Issues |
Conferences
JCE Classroom Activity: Out of "Thin Air": Exploring Phase Changes  John J. Vollmer
This Activity illustrates sublimation/deposition with para-dichlorobenzene (mothballs) and evaporation/condensation with water.
Vollmer, John J. J. Chem. Educ. 2000, 77, 488A.
Phases / Phase Transitions / Diagrams |
Crystals / Crystallography |
Physical Properties |
Solids |
Gases
Crystals Out of "Thin Air"  John J. Vollmer
In this experiment crystals of para-dichlorobenzene form readily and efficiently from mothballs in a safe setting, using canning jars with ice cubes. The experiment can serve as an introduction to the concept of molecules, especially when combined with the condensation of liquids and the perception of odors.
Vollmer, John J. J. Chem. Educ. 2000, 77, 486.
Consumer Chemistry |
Descriptive Chemistry |
Phases / Phase Transitions / Diagrams |
Physical Properties
Magic Sand  
Students compare and contrast the properties of Magic Sand and ordinary sand.
J. Chem. Educ. 2000, 77, 40A.
Surface Science |
Physical Properties
Distillation Apparatuses Using Household Items  Danielle R. D. Campanizzi , Brenda Mason, and Christine K. F. Hermann
Inexpensive but effective distillation apparatuses from equipment that can be easily purchased at local department, grocery, or hardware stores.
Campanizzi , Danielle R. D.; Mason, Brenda; Hermann, Christine K. F. J. Chem. Educ. 1999, 76, 1079.
Laboratory Equipment / Apparatus |
Phases / Phase Transitions / Diagrams |
Physical Properties
The Joys of Liquid Nitrogen  William T. Nolan and Thaddeus J. Gish
In this paper we describe a laboratory experience with liquid nitrogen that youngsters find especially exciting.
Nolan, William T.;Gish, Thaddeus J. J. Chem. Educ. 1996, 73, 651.
Phases / Phase Transitions / Diagrams |
Physical Properties |
Water / Water Chemistry |
Gases
Chemistry Abounds: An Educational Outreach Program Designed for Elementary School Audiences  Henry J. Tracy, Chris Collins, and Paul Langevin
Description of "Phases of Matter" program, consisting of nine modules, to awaken curiosity among elementary students.
Tracy, Henry J.; Collins, Chris; Langevin, Paul. J. Chem. Educ. 1995, 72, 1111.
Phases / Phase Transitions / Diagrams |
Physical Properties
The Physical Reality of Molecules: They're Dense and They Move Around!  Silverstein, Todd P.
Diffusion of ink in water as it is heated to illustrate density and the atomic/kinetic theory.
Silverstein, Todd P. J. Chem. Educ. 1995, 72, 177.
Physical Properties |
Kinetic-Molecular Theory
Gas reactions in plastic bags: Relating laboratory observations to the atomic-molecular model  Robinson, Maurice; Barrow, Gordon M.
Carrying out chemical reactions in Ziplock bags to investigate a variety of chemical concepts.
Robinson, Maurice; Barrow, Gordon M. J. Chem. Educ. 1992, 69, 1026.
Kinetic-Molecular Theory |
Gases |
Reactions |
Acids / Bases |
Oxidation / Reduction |
Photochemistry |
Atmospheric Chemistry |
Physical Properties
C-H-E-M spells "chemistry is fun": An outline for a very involving chemistry demonstration  Sherman, Marie C.
The striking features of the demonstration can be outlined using the first four letters of the word chemistry. C-H-E-M is used as an acronym to introduce what the students will actually see, hear, feel, and experience during the demonstration.
Sherman, Marie C. J. Chem. Educ. 1992, 69, 413.
Thermodynamics |
Physical Properties |
pH
Floating versus sinking   Pool, Gary L.
An assignment is offered for students to explore density of objects as they sink and float.
Pool, Gary L. J. Chem. Educ. 1992, 69, 59.
Physical Properties
MacMendeleev: A program for exploring the periodic table (Clardy, Jon)  Bertrand, Gary L.
A review for a software program that serves as a database for properties of the elements.
Bertrand, Gary L. J. Chem. Educ. 1991, 68, A291.
Periodicity / Periodic Table |
Physical Properties
KC? Discoverer: Exploring the properties of the chemical elements  Liebel, Michael
This software program allows users to explore a large number of properties of the elements. The program can find all elements associated with a certain property, graph numeric properties against other numeric properties, list elements, sort elements, and use the periodic table to select elements.
Liebel, Michael J. Chem. Educ. 1991, 68, 956.
Periodicity / Periodic Table |
Physical Properties |
Chemometrics |
Descriptive Chemistry
Method for separating or identifying plastics  Kolb, Kenneth E.; Kolb, Doris K.
This article suggests the use of differences in density as a means for separation and identification of plastics.
Kolb, Kenneth E.; Kolb, Doris K. J. Chem. Educ. 1991, 68, 348.
Consumer Chemistry |
Green Chemistry |
Physical Properties
A hands-on introduction to chemistry for gifted students in the intermediate grades  Greco, Thomas G.; Greco, Catherine B.
Experiments involving density, metals and acids, acids and indicators, pH, neutralization reactions, and analytical chemistry in the kitchen for upper elementary students.
Greco, Thomas G.; Greco, Catherine B. J. Chem. Educ. 1987, 64, 537.
Physical Properties |
pH |
Metals |
Acids / Bases |
Dyes / Pigments |
Reactions |
Consumer Chemistry
An exhibition on everyday chemistry: Communicating chemistry to the public  Ucko, David A.; Schreiner, Rodney; Shakhashiri, Bassam Z.
A recent addition to a large urban museum aids in the efforts to better educate the public about the role of chemistry in their lives.
Ucko, David A.; Schreiner, Rodney; Shakhashiri, Bassam Z. J. Chem. Educ. 1986, 63, 1081.
Acids / Bases |
Applications of Chemistry |
Periodicity / Periodic Table |
Photochemistry |
Physical Properties |
Reactions
Density demonstration using diet soft drinks  Checkai, Gary; Whitsett, John
Separation of particles by using a density gradient has always been a difficult concept for students to grasp. Most suggested demonstrations require long preparation and use materials unfamiliar to the students. This demonstration suggests an improved method.
Checkai, Gary; Whitsett, John J. Chem. Educ. 1986, 63, 515.
Physical Properties
A quick, simple demonstration to distinguish between HD and LD polyethylene  Kolb, Kenneth E.; Kolb, Doris K.
An really neat, easy, quick, and clear way to demonstrate a physical property.
Kolb, Kenneth E.; Kolb, Doris K. J. Chem. Educ. 1986, 63, 417.
Physical Properties
The gelation of polyvinyl alcohol with borax: A novel class participation experiment involving the preparation and properties of a "slime"  Casassa,E.Z.; Sarquis, A.M.; Van Dyke, C.H.
In this report, the authors describe a safe, interesting, and inexpensive class participation experiment, easily and quickly done by all the students in small to moderately large lecture halls.
Casassa,E.Z.; Sarquis, A.M.; Van Dyke, C.H. J. Chem. Educ. 1986, 63, 57.
Alcohols |
Polymerization |
Physical Properties
A unique demonstration show for the elementary school classroom  Waterman, Edward L.; Bilsing, Larry M.
Utilizing a unique program of short term professional leaves, these authors developed and presented a series of chemical demonstration shows for elementary school children. The major goal of the program was to kindle interest and instruct students in chemistry though motivational illustrations of chemical and physical phenomenon.
Waterman, Edward L.; Bilsing, Larry M. J. Chem. Educ. 1983, 60, 415.
Physical Properties |
Reactions
A visual aid in learning the principle behind determining the density of irregularly shaped objects  Meloan, Cliff E.
Using clay to demonstrate that mass loses weight when suspended in water, and the same mass loses the same amount of weight, regardless of its shape.
Meloan, Cliff E. J. Chem. Educ. 1980, 57, 791.
Physical Properties