Tag: Introductory Laboratory

HomeAll PostsTag: Introductory Laboratory

Qualitative analysis of household powders

Students investigate 8 household white powders and classify them based on their physical and chemical properties. Using their findings, students then identify an unknown powder obtained from a crime scene to determine the suspect's guilt or innocence. Students gain experience in the identification of chemical and physical changes, careful organization of data, and writing chemical reactions.…

Determination of Percent by Mass of NaHCO3 in Alka-Seltzer Tablets

At home Hands-on Experiments

Use the (really fun!) reaction between the sodium bicarbonate in Alka-Seltzer tablets and vinegar to explore stoichiometry, percent composition, and limiting reactants. This experiment is easily and safely reproduced at home using household materials and this $12 balance. Students also gain experience with data manipulation, error analysis, and graphical presentation in Excel. This laboratory can be…

Colorimetry and Absorbance-Based Analyses Using a Smartphone Camera

At home Hands-on Experiments

This experiment was designed as an at-home lab experiment where students use a smartphone camera (or another digital camera) to obtain an external calibration and quantitate food dyes in consumer beverages or other foods. Several methods for at-home solution preparation are also presented. This experiment can be adapted for a range of educational levels, depending on…