Element of the Day - Helium
Saturday February 26, 2011
Helium first was detected by observing an unidentified spectral line in a solar eclipse. Although helium is the second most abundant element in the universe, it is quite rare on ... Read More
Flame Test Video
Saturday February 26, 2011
A flame test is a a fun and interested qualitative test. It can be used to help identify a metal or other ion in an unknown sample based on the ... Read More
Copper Sulfate Crystal Video
Friday February 25, 2011
Copper sulfate crystals, also known as copper sulphate crystals, are beautiful naturally blue crystals that grow from a copper salt that you can purchase at a home supply store or ... Read More
Lab Safety Rules Video
Wednesday February 23, 2011
You know how to be safe in the chemistry lab, right? Don't randomly mix chemicals, don't drink from beakers, do know where the emergency exits are. Can you name some ... Read More
Element of the Day - Iron
Tuesday February 22, 2011
Iron is one of the elements you can't live without. Each molecule of hemoglobin in your blood contains iron atoms, helping you transport oxygen throughout your body. Iron is the ... Read More
Carbon Element Quiz
Monday February 21, 2011
Carbon is one of the chemical elements that has been known in its pure form since ancient time. You encounter carbon every day. You literally can't live without it! Yet, ... Read More
How Many Bananas Does It Take to Poison You?
Sunday February 20, 2011
You probably know too much water and too many apple or cherry seeds can kill you, but did you know eating too many bananas may lead to an early demise? ... Read More
How to Reduce Fluoride Exposure
Saturday February 19, 2011
If want to reduce your intake of fluorine and fluoride, there are several steps you can take to limit your exposure:
Don't drink unfiltered public water. Assume water is fluoridated unless ... Read More
Stink Bomb Video
Friday February 18, 2011
Carbon Monoxide and Meat Color
Wednesday February 16, 2011
Salt Crystal Garden Time Lapse Video
Tuesday February 15, 2011
Here's a time lapse video of the classic salt crystal garden project. The recipe for this type of chemical crystal garden is not critical. The easiest recipe is to mix ... Read More
Nuclear Decay Quiz
Saturday February 12, 2011
How well do you understand the processes of alpha decay, beta decay and electron capture? If you're a little shaky about the reactions, here's a quick review of the basics ... Read More
Element Names from Element Symbols Quiz
Friday February 11, 2011
If you're trying to learn the names and symbols of the first 20 elements in the periodic table you'll want to be able to identify the symbols of the elements ... Read More
Chemical Crystal Garden
Thursday February 10, 2011
This is the type of chemical crystal garden I remember growing as a kid. It uses salt, ammonia and laundry bluing, which were mixed together and poured over charcoal or ... Read More
Wire Through Ice - Easy Regelation Demonstration
Wednesday February 9, 2011
Regelation occurs when a material melts under pressure and refreezes when the pressure is reduced. The pressure from the immense weight of a glacier causes liquid water to form, over ... Read More
How Do I Learn Chemistry Online?
Tuesday February 8, 2011
If you're looking for an online chemistry course, you have several options. Which you choose depends on what you need. If you are seeking an online chemistry course for credit, ... Read More
Women in Chemistry
Monday February 7, 2011
If you were asked to name a woman who made important contributions to the field of chemistry, the person who would likely come to mind is Marie Curie. Madame Curie ... Read More
How Much Are the Elements in Your Body Worth?
Sunday February 6, 2011
Have you ever wondered how much the elements in your body are worth? First, let's take a look at the elements from which you are made. Your body is approximately:
... Read More
Famous Black Chemists & Chemical Engineers
Thursday February 3, 2011
Did you know February is Black History Month in the US and Canada? Black scientists, engineers, and inventors have made important contributions to the science of chemistry. Here's a look ... Read More
Science Dates
Tuesday February 1, 2011
Valentine's Day is coming up, which got me thinking about dating and the types of dates that might be perfect if your sweetie is a scientist or is interested in ... Read More