Carnegie Mellon University
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To learn more about our classroom kits, please refer to the below listing. To check the availability of a kit, view our calendar of availability. To request a kit, please submit a request form.

Abstract

Students create pigments that have been used for centuries, opening up an enlightening connection to society and science. Balancing chemical equations and learning about coordinated compounds can be done with the transition metal reactions of these simple syntheses. The naming schemes for compounds based on charged states can be introduced as well. The relationship between subtractive and additive color mixing is also presented to introduce concepts of spectrophotometry.

Appropriate Grade Level

Upper high school, AP Chemistry

Time

120 minutes

Resources

Download kit guide [pdf]
Download PowerPoint Presentation [ppt]
Request Teacher Answer Key

Kit Adapted From:

Douma, Michael, curator. Pigments through the Ages. http://www.webexhibits.org/pigments (accessed June 6, 2012). Institute for Dynamic Educational Development.

Abstract

This series of small experiments is designed to reinforce the concept of solubility and introduce the idea of dispersions. Students test solubility with chewing gum, sugar, chocolate, oil and water. Emulsifying agents are introduced to create an emulsion with oil and water. Then foam is created with air and juice. The last part of the kit is to make an emulsion formed with chocolate and juice to form a Chantilly.

Appropriate Grade Level

High school, Advanced middle school

Time

Approximately one hour (three 20-minute modules):
• 20-minute chocolate Chantilly demonstration
• 20-minute sugar, salt, gum solubility activity
• 20-minute oil/water mixture activity

Kit Materials

Download kit guide [pdf]
Download PowerPoint Presentation [ppt]

Kit Adapted From:

Chamber, Iv, and C. S. Setser. Illustrating Chemical Concepts through Food Systems: Introductory Chemistry Experiments. Journal of Chemical Education. [Online] 1980, 57.4: 312. http://pubs.acs.org/doi/pdf/10.1021/ed057p312 (accessed June 21, 2012).

Grove, Nathaniel. JCE Classroom Activities. Journal of Chemical Education. [Online] 2003, 80.10: 1139. http://pubs.acs.org/doi/pdf/10.1021/ed800135j (accessed June 21, 2012).

Myers, Grace. EHow ("Science Projects on Gelatin Enzymes”). http://www.ehow.com/info_7958252_science-projects-gelatin-enzymes.html (accessed June 21, 2012).

And class materials from Dr. Subha Das at Carnegie Mellon University

Abstract

The concept of acids and bases is an important topic in any introductory chemistry course. It is not only a crucial part of standardized exams but also is so prevalent in real life applications that learning the concept by hands-on experiments will enhance the student’s understanding while also inducing curiosity and interest. The teaching plan follows the PPP model which stands for presentation, practice and production. The following set of activities emphasize on characterizing acids and bases of common household items by pH indicators and understanding the importance in the role of acids and bases in controlling homeostasis in biological systems. 

Appropriate Grade Level

Upper high school, AP Chemistry

Time

Two 40-minute class periods

Kit Adapted From:

A Demonstration of Acid Rain. http://www.ied.edu.hk/apfslt/v5_issue1/fongmw/index.htm#contents (accessed June 29, 2012).

Exploring Acids and Bases. http://scifun.chem.wisc.edu/homeexpts/ACIDBASE.html (accessed June 29, 2012).

Haroff, Tracy; Lenon, Melyssa. A Colorful New Start: Acids and Bases. http://www.wmich.edu/chemed/documents/acidsbaseshandout.pdf. Western Michigan University, 2011.

Download kit guide [pdf]

Abstract

The concept of calorimetry is part of thermodynamics, focusing on problems relating to energy and heat. These topics are not only crucial parts of standardized exams, but are also largely present in everyday life. Learning these concepts through hands-on experiments enhances a student’s understanding while also sparking their curiosity and interest.

The teaching plan suggested in this classroom kit follows the PPP model, which stands for presentation, practice and production. The following set of activities emphasizes how hand warmers and instant cold packs utilize endothermic and exothermic reactions to produce heat or absorb heat. By doing so, the students will be able to determine the amount of heat involved in illustrative chemical reactions and then evaluate mathematical formulas to calculate the efficiency of specific chemical and mechanical systems.

Appropriate Grade Level

Upper high school, AP Chemistry

Time

Approximately one hour:
• Two 25-minute activities
• One 10-minute demonstration

Resources

Download kit guide [pdf]
Download PowerPoint presentation [ppt]
Download Elephant Toothpaste Student Pre-Quiz [pdf]

Kit Adapted From:

Elephant Toothpaste. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tnB-uU3w6g8 (accessed June 29, 2012).

Science Buddies Staff. "Cold Pack Chemistry: Where Does the Heat Go?" Science Buddies. Science Buddies, 23 Oct. 2014. Web. 7 Nov. 2014 <http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project_ideas/Chem_p081.shtml>

Abstract

Understanding the relationships and characteristics of geometric objects can be applied in wide variety of contexts.  For example, an artist in creating a masterpiece based on the golden ratio, in medicine where different isomers can lead to different effects, and also in industries where one decides the most efficient use of the material.  In this lesson, the students will build modular origami to represent isomers and to identify the symmetry elements in complex models.  By doing so, the students will be able to model situations geometrically to solve problems and to enhance their understanding in the relationship of geometric objects.

Appropriate Grade Level

High school (specifically 9th-10th grade)

Time

Two 40-minute class periods

Kit adapted from:

Easy Modular Spinner. http://www.origami-instructions.com/easy-origamimodular-spinner.html (accessed July 17. 2012).

Garretson, Jennifer. Nature’s Pentagrams. Geometry Activities. http://www.math.twsu.edu/history/activities/geometry-act.html#nature. Wichita State University.

Modular Origami Diagrams. http://www.origami-resourcecenter.com/modular.html (accessed July 17, 2012).

Download kit guide [pdf]

  • DNA—the Blueprint of Life
  • Molecular Machines: Enzymes and Reactions