Electrochromism encompasses reversible changes of material's optical properties (color, opacity) under the influence of an external electric current or applied voltage. The effect has been known for decades, but its importance continues to grow due to the rapid development of smart systems and the accompanying demand to build devices that consume…

Electrocatalytic hydrogenation of acetol (IUPAC: 1-hydroxy-2-propanone), a species formed upon thermal liquefaction of biomass, can be achieved using inexpensive objects: filter paper, coins, batteries, salts, and water. This simple example demonstrates that "green" chemical transformations can be achieved with familiar items and helps…

Quantitative demonstration of chemical kinetics often requires sophisticated equipment and materials. By using inexpensive and commonly available chemicals, we propose here two clock reactions, oxygen-safranin-benzoin clock and cysteine-iodine-hydrogen peroxide clock. Students simply measure and add stock solutions to start clock reactions. Sudden…

Fast, reliable, well-resolved latent fingerprints can be planted by applying a thin coating of a 50:50 mixture of hand lotion and food-grade protein powder. Fingerprints can be revealed with iodine fuming or ninhydrin staining. This low-cost alternative to commercial latent print pads can be used in a variety of classroom or public settings where…

The polarized optical microscope (POM) is an invaluable tool for characterizing materials such as liquid crystals and other optically anisotropic materials. Despite its frequent use in research settings, students are rarely introduced to its fundamental operation and importance. Curricula are starting to appear for applications of the POM in…

An original integrated course called "Chemistry: Magical Science" at Montpellier University (France) is presented. This approach mixes tutorials and practical work by using the pretext of high-tech materials synthesis to teach students knowledge, skills, and practical techniques. It also educates students about chemical risks and…

A simple bioassay was designed for the detection of adenosine, a human metabolite involved in several physiological processes, on the basis of the functionalization of gold nanoparticles with DNA oligonucleotides selectively binding adenosine. The test was possible thanks to the selective and sensitive binding of adenosine by two DNA…

We provide a design for a low cost orientable search coil that can be used to investigate the variation of magnetic flux with angle. This experiment is one of the required practical activities in the current A level physics specification for the AQA examination board in the UK. We demonstrate its performance and suggest other suitable…

The Maker Movement (Dougherty 2012) highlights innovation and creativity through "activities focused on designing, building, modifying, and/or repurposing material objects, for playful or useful ends, oriented toward making a 'product' of some sort that can be used, interacted with, or demonstrated" (Martin 2015, p. 31). When engaged in…

This article is the second in "Teaching Science's" "Try This" series. These hands-on activities are designed especially for early childhood students to encourage their natural curiosity and promote development of scientific thinking. In this activity, the problem-based learning approach means that the children are engaged in a…

We are hereby presenting a didactic concept for an advanced lab course that focuses on the design of donor materials for organic solar cells. Its research-related and competence-based approach qualifies the students to independently and creatively apply computational methods and to profoundly and critically discuss the results obtained. The high…

Scientists read, and so should students. Unfortunately, many high school teachers overlook science texts as a way to engage students in the work of scientists. This article addresses how to help students develop literacy skills by strategically reading a variety of science texts. Unfortunately, most science teachers aren't trained to teach…

In this work, we described an image processing procedure for the measurement of surface tension of the air-liquid interface using isothermal capillary action. The experiment, designed for an undergraduate course, is based on the analysis of a series of solutions with diverse surfactant concentrations at different ionic strengths. The objective of…

Electrochemical analysis is an important skill to teach in chemistry curricula because it is a critical tool in current high-impact chemical research. Electrochemistry enables researchers to analyze a variety of systems extending from molecules to materials that encompass research themes ranging from clean energy to substrate activation in…

With the release of the "Next Generation Science Standards," many schools are reexamining the science materials they are using. Textbook companies and kit developers are eager to meet the demand for "NGSS"-aligned teaching materials. Teacher may have been asked to serve on a science curriculum committee, or to evaluate current…