The concept of polymers is taught after students have learned about atoms …
The concept of polymers is taught after students have learned about atoms and molecules. We first build up the background knowledge of the Periodic Table of Elements and the structure of an atom, then begin to combine atoms to create molecules. We create models of atoms and molecules, allowing students to visualize what is normally unable to be seen (a Science and Engineering Practice). Students learn that the way we combine atoms (structure) and the atoms we use (composition) impact the properties that a substance will have. After some time, we begin to introduce that we can combine molecules together in similar ways that we combine atoms. These repeating patterns of molecules are called polymers. Which is where this lesson falls. This is their instruction into what a polymer is, its naming conventions, and how depending on the molecule used, we can create synthetic materials that have specific properties that suit our needs.
In this demonstration of chemical change, the presenter blows breath into a …
In this demonstration of chemical change, the presenter blows breath into a methylene blue solution releasing carbon dioxide which acidifies the water and changes it from a bright blue color to green.
Students use a simple pH indicator to measure how much CO2 is …
Students use a simple pH indicator to measure how much CO2 is produced during respiration, at rest and after exercising. They begin by comparing some common household solutions in order to determine the color change of the indicator. They review the concepts of pH and respiration and extend their knowledge to measuring the effectiveness of bioremediation in the environment.
In this interactive activity from the Building Big Web site, use your …
In this interactive activity from the Building Big Web site, use your knowledge of bridge design to match the right bridge to the right location in a fictitious city.
Bridges come in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, and lengths and …
Bridges come in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, and lengths and are found all over the world. It is important that bridges are strong so they are safe to cross. Design and build a your own model bridge. Test your bridge for strength using a force sensor that measures how hard you pull on your bridge. By observing a graph of the force, determine the amount of force needed to make your bridge collapse.
Students act as engineers to learn about the strengths of various epoxy-amine …
Students act as engineers to learn about the strengths of various epoxy-amine mixtures and observe the unique characteristics of different mixtures of epoxies and hardeners. Student groups make and optimize thermosets by combining two chemicals in exacting ratios to fabricate the strongest and/or most flexible thermoset possible.
A new chapter in Introductory Organic Chemistry course. Lecture PowerPoint file and …
A new chapter in Introductory Organic Chemistry course. Lecture PowerPoint file and laboratory document are also included in this work. The goal of this chapter is to cover the basic ground of the food additives from the perspective of organic chemistry.
Lecture PowerPoint slides have all in-class questions/discussions and after-class assignments listed.
Laboratory document – Synthesis of Yellow 5 (Sunset yellow), an azo dye used in food industry. Document includes a short introduction, detailed experimental procedure and post-laboratory questions.
In this Spreadsheets Across the Curriculum module, students build spreadsheets and draw …
In this Spreadsheets Across the Curriculum module, students build spreadsheets and draw graphs to explore a chemical buffer's ability to resist pH change, i.e., the buffer capacity. Quantification of buffer capacity is conceptually straightforward but involves multiple repetitive calculations. The key relationship is the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation: , which follows from the Law of Mass Action and The spreadsheets automate many of the calculations, thereby simplifying the process. Instead of focusing on the calculations, students can see what buffer capacity means and focus on the a deeper understanding of its implications. After reviewing several buffer calculations, the stduents use the spreadsheet to investigate buffer capacity graphically and characterize blood's physiological buffer system. While solving the question of how many breaths one can take before alkalosis sets in, the students manipulate a logarithmic equation, do "what if" modeling, and analyze rates of change from plots of their cacluated results.
In this episode, Hank talks about how nutty our world is via …
In this episode, Hank talks about how nutty our world is via Buffers! He defines buffers and their compositions and talks about carbonate buffering systems in nature, acid rain, pH of buffers, and titration. Plus, a really cool experiment using indicators to showcase just how awesome buffers are.
Chapters: Nature is Nutty Carbonate Buffering and Acid Rain Definition of Buffers Composition of Buffers pH of Buffers Titration Carbonate Buffering in Nature
We can combine our knowledge of acids and bases, equilibrium, and neutralization …
We can combine our knowledge of acids and bases, equilibrium, and neutralization reactions to understand buffers and titrations. Solubility equilibria will build on concepts from solubility, precipitation, and equilibrium.
Student groups construct simple conductivity probes and then integrate them into two …
Student groups construct simple conductivity probes and then integrate them into two different circuits to test the probe behavior in solutions of varying conductivity (salt water, sugar water, distilled water, tap water). The activity culminates with student-designed experiments that utilize the constructed probes. The focus is to introduce students to the fabrication of the probe and expose them to two different ways to integrate the probe to obtain qualitative and quantitative measurements, while considering the application and utility of a conductivity probe within an engineering context. A provided handout guides teams through the process: background reading and questions; probe fabrication including soldering; probe testing and data gathering (including circuit creation on breadboard); probe connection to Arduino (including circuit creation and code entry) and a second round of testing and data gathering; design and conduct their own lab experiments that use the probes; online electrolyte/nonelectrolyte reading, short video, comprehension check and analysis questions.
Students learn about atoms and their structure (protons, electrons, neutrons) — the …
Students learn about atoms and their structure (protons, electrons, neutrons) — the building blocks of matter. They see how scientific discoveries about atoms and molecules influence new technologies developed by engineers.
In this video segment adapted from ZOOM, the cast shows how the …
In this video segment adapted from ZOOM, the cast shows how the 34 steps in their Rube Goldberg invention use everything from gravity to carbon dioxide gas in order to accomplish one simple task: pouring a glass of milk.
A bungee jump involves jumping from a tall structure while connected to …
A bungee jump involves jumping from a tall structure while connected to a large elastic cord. Design a bungee jump that is "safe" for a hard-boiled egg. Create a safety egg harness and connect it to a rubber band, which is your the "bungee cord." Finally, attach your bungee cord to a force sensor to measures the forces that push or pull your egg.
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