News

Modern science depends upon both theory (basic science) and technology (practical applications). Likewise, progress during the Middle Ages depended upon both theory and technology — as the alchemists were plodding along with their secret recipes and cryptic writings, the practical miners were advancing their techniques for extracting the metals from the ores for spears, plowshares and ornaments.

Heat flow and temperature control are important topics in chemistry and chemical engineering. In a recent paper in Chem 13 News one of us (CM) analyzed the cooling curve of hot water in an insulated cup as an example of a first-order process. 

What is an ulu? An ulu is a multi-purpose cutting tool with a semi-circular blade and a handle and It has been a major part of an Inuit woman’s life and culture for at least the last 4,500 years.

[This series is a companion to our International Year of the Periodic Table project — Timeline of Elements and Mendeleev Mosaic. Time periods from our timeline project will be featured highlighting the historical and scientific advancements resulting in the discoveries of the elements of that period. Jim Marshall researches the history of the discovery of the elements. Author: James L Marshall, Professor Emeritus, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas

In this investigation, students will study the rate of burning of a candle as a function of the mass of the candle and as a function of the concentration, or partial pressure of O₂(g).

The Radium Girls chronicles the dial painting industry and the women who painted these dials with radium–based paint. As sad and depressing were the lives and times of the dial painters, it is equally important to understand the full narrative. 

Shortly after New Year’s Day 2017 a radio news item noted that the Province of Ontario’s newly introduced cap and trade¹ system for carbon pricing would result in higher pump prices for gasoline and diesel fuel. The increase for diesel fuel would be greater on a per litre basis. Why is this?

How great is it for students to get to experience working in the lab, all while creating a useful piece of lab equipment that can be used for the remainder of the school year? Within the first month of school, my 10th grade chemistry students perform a series of lab experiences. They practice techniques such as heating a test tube, reading a thermometer to the proper number of digits and — always a student favorite — making their own glass stir rod. 

In part 1 of this series,1 I described how different representations of concepts and theories can be confusing for dualist (“right or wrong”) and concrete operational students.

This article comes from a blog called Sustainable School Teacher . I recommend you watch the blog’s 10-minute video because Brandie outlines her idea to introduce a hands-on approach to stoichiometry. Once you watch this video you will want to investigate her other ideas.