12/20/01 - How To Prepare for the MCAT
The Medical College Admission Test is a required part of the application to US medical schools and certain other professional schools. The exam covers general chemistry, organic chemistry, biology, physics, verbal reasoning, and writing. Here are tips to help you prepare for the big test day!
12/10/01 - Snowflake Chemistry
Here are answers to common questions about snowflakes. Learn how snow forms, what shapes snowflakes take, why snow crystals are symmetrical, whether no two snowflakes really are alike, and why snow looks white!
11/30/01 - Top Picks - Calculators
Choices, choices! Read this to help select a scientific, graphing, printing, programmable, desktop, solar, or wallet calculator. Then compare prices for your favorites.
11/22/01 - Acid-Base Indicators
Learn what an acid-base indicator is and how it works. A table is provided with names of indicators, pH indicator ranges, indicator concentrations in water or alcohol, and colors.
11/12/01 - Before You Buy a Rock Tumbler
Learn about the two main types of rock tumblers and get some selection tips and helpful advice to prepare for your first tumble. Links to related resources and support sites are also included.
11/04/01 - Qualitative Analysis - Flame Tests
The flame test is a quick low-tech method of identifying an element by the color of light it yields in a flame. Learn how to perform this test and to interpret the results.
11/02/01 - Top Picks - Science Toys
Harry Potter toys, chemistry sets, metal detectors, rock tumblers, telescopes, microscopes, rockets, creatures, and more! These are some great educational toys, along with helpful selection tips and price comparisons.
11/01/01 - Before You Buy a Chemistry Set
Getting a child a chemistry set is an excellent way to introduce principles of chemistry. However, not all chemistry sets are created equal. Check out these tips about age recommendations, supervision and safety, replacement chemicals, and prices.
10/31/01 - Top Picks - Chemistry Sets and Kits
There are some truly exceptional chemistry sets out right now! Many of these kits introduce fundamental concepts through fun themes, such as 'slime' or 'glowing chemistry' or 'edible chemistry', while other sets are safer versions of the standard chemistry sets.
10/30/01 - Nepetalactone Chemistry
Nepetalactone is the terpene found in catnip that makes some cats crazy, humans relaxed, and cockroaches repelled. This article looks at the chemistry of nepetalactone and its effects on humans, cats, and insects.
10/23/01 - Guide Picks - Top Portable Household Water Filters
Water filtration pitchers are a convenient, economical method of improving quality and taste of potable water. Most filters effectively remove chlorine and heavy metals, but differ in capability to remove pathogens and organic compounds. Availability is also an important factor in selecting a filter. Check here for my top water pitcher picks!
10/15/01 - Chemistry of Counterterrorism
Learn how chemistry is used in the war against terrorism. Topics include forensic science, sampling, detection, countermeasures, and use of dogs. There are links to centers specializing in counterterrorism and to government agencies.
10/04/01 - Before You Buy Gasoline or Petrol
This is a guide to help you choose the best gasoline for your auto, with quick 'what you need to know' facts. There is information about octane ratings, additives, reformulated and leaded fuel, and links to sites offering complementary or comprehensive information.
09/24/01 - Review of Adventures in the Atomic Age - From Watts to Washington
Nobel laureate Glenn Seaborg's autobiography, published posthumously, relates the development of nuclear science and policy and science education. Seaborg takes the reader through his life, from his beginnings in a Michigan company town, to Berkeley and research on transuranium elements and university administration, to Chicago and the Manhattan Project, to Washington and nuclear policy, and to a host of places in between.
09/10/01 - Introduction to Qualitative Analysis
Qualitative analysis is used to identify the chemical species in an unknown substance. Introductory qualitative chemical analysis exploits the unique characteristics of the elements to separate metal ions in an aqueous solution. This article identifies the main metal groups, discusses characteristics of major reagents, and lists some cation complexes formed with NH3 and OH-.
09/03/01 - Theobromine Chemistry
The primary methylxanthine in chocolate is theobromine, a molecule similar to caffeine. See the structure of theobromine and read about its chemistry, effects on people and animals, and uses. There are links to chocolate history and chemical research, veterinary advice for theobromine poisoning, and related resources.
08/27/01 - Significant Figures in Measurements and Calculations
This article discusses the use of significant figures in taking measurements and performing calculations. Learn about significant figures, uncertainty, accuracy, precision, rounding, and truncating. Losing significant figures and effects of exact numbers are also described.
08/21/01 - BHA and BHT
Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) are added to many foods to prevent fat spoilage. This article describes what BHA and BHT are, what they do, and how they do it. There is a fairly lengthy list of references because there is controversy over the health effects of BHA, BHT, and other additives.
