Science is learned through doing! These are lessons which teach chemistry by letting students experience science and form conclusions.
Learn about the periodic table of the elements. Find out about the history of the periodic table, how the elements are organized, and how to use the periodic table to predict the behavior of unfamiliar elements.
Use this chemistry lesson plan to help students use the scientific method to design experiments to identify the components of an unknown mixture.
Introduce students to chemical reactions and experimentation using common materials and baggies. Grades 3-5 and higher.
The Briggs-Rauscher reaction, also known as 'the oscillating clock', is one of the most common demonstrations of a chemical oscillator reaction. Three colorless solutions are mixed together, producing a mixture that oscillates between clear, amber, and deep blue. High school+
Use pennies, nails, and a few simple household ingredients to explore some of the interesting properties of metals. Clean the pennies chemically, make verdigris, and plate the nails with copper. Grade school+
Most endothermic reactions contain toxic chemicals, but this citric acid and sodium bicarbonate reaction is safe and easy. Grade school+ (high school or college for reactions)
Exothermic chemical reactions produce heat. In this reaction vinegar is used to remove the protective coating from steel wool, allowing it to rust. When the iron combines with oxygen, heat is released. Middle school+ (high school for reactions)
Cold breakfast cereals are usually fortified with iron. What does the iron look like? Find out here! Ages 5+
Make a tasty treat and learn about freezing point depression, too! All you need are some basic ingredients and two ziploc baggies. It's easy, fun, and educational. Middle school +
Make your own pH indicator solution! Red cabbage juice indicator is easy to make, exhibits a wide range of colors, and can be used to make your own pH paper strips. High school or college chemistry.
These are the instructions for making your own gentle hand or face soap. It's work, but worth the effort! High school or college - not for young children.
Here's a color change chemistry demo in which a solution seems to change from water to wine to milk to beer simply be being poured into the appropriate beverage glass. High school+
Most plants contain several pigment molecules, so experiment with different leaves to see the wide range of pigments. Middle school +
