CHEMISTRY DEMONSTRATIONS TO PROMOTE INQUIRY AND FORTIFY UNDERSTANDING

Tyler Straus March 2014

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 Foreward .................................................................................................................................................................................... 3 2.0 About the Author .................................................................................................................................................................... 3 3.0 Chemistry Demonstrations ........................................................................................................................................ 4 Sucking an Egg into a Jar.................................................................................................................................... 4 Imploding Pop Can ............................................................................................................................................... 4 Bell Jar Balloons/Shaving Cream/Marshmallows ............................................................................. 4 Charles Law: Shrunken Balloon/Crushed Ping Pong........................................................................... 5 Soap in the Microwave ....................................................................................................................................... 5 Breaking a Ruler with Atmospheric Pressure ......................................................................................... 5 Combustion of Iron Filings ............................................................................................................................... 6 Elephant Foam/Toothpaste, Hydrogen Peroxide and Potassium Iodide .................................. 6 Ionic vs Covalent Compounds Properties ................................................................................................. 7 Sodium Polyacrylate 3 Cup Monte and Snow Machine ................................................................... 7 Carbon Dioxide, Physical Properties of Gases ......................................................................................... 7 Chemical Clock Reaction .................................................................................................................................... 8 Gummy Bear Combustion ................................................................................................................................. 8 Diet Coke and Mentos ......................................................................................................................................... 9 Acid and Bases Magic (Acid) Breath......................................................................................................... 9 Colourful Precipitate from Clear Liquids ................................................................................................ 10 Fireproof Balloon/Bottle ................................................................................................................................ 10 Boiling Water below 100C ........................................................................................................................... 10 Disappearing Cup ............................................................................................................................................... 11 Vanishing Volume .............................................................................................................................................. 11 Sulfuric Acid and Sugar ................................................................................................................................... 12 Magic Melting Spoon ........................................................................................................................................ 12 Alkali Metals in Water...................................................................................................................................... 12 Silver Nitrate and Copper Wire ................................................................................................................... 13 Whoosh Bottle ..................................................................................................................................................... 13 Acid in the Eye ..................................................................................................................................................... 14 Exploding Pringles Can.................................................................................................................................... 14 Rates of Reactions .............................................................................................................................................. 15 3.0.1 3.0.2 3.0.3 3.0.4 3.0.5 3.0.6 3.0.7 3.0.8 3.0.9 3.0.10 3.0.11 3.0.12 3.0.13 3.0.14 3.0.15 3.0.16 3.0.17 3.0.18 3.0.19 3.0.20 3.0.21 3.0.22 3.0.23 3.0.24 3.0.25 3.0.26 3.0.27 3.0.28

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1.0 FOREWARD
The purpose of this document and supporting video is to make it easier to include demonstrations in your lessons by compiling relevant information into one place and by including the relevant curriculum expectations with the demonstrations so that you know where you can include the demonstrations in your units.

2.0 ABOUT THE AUTHOR

At the time of writing Tyler Straus is a simple Student Teacher candidate tasked with completing a Self Directed Learning activity. For his work he decided to create something relevant to his future teaching endeavors and as something useful to his classmates.

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3.0

CHEMISTRY DEMONSTRATIONS
3.0.1 SUCKING AN EGG INTO A JAR

Focus: Gay-Lussacs Gas Law Curriculum: SCH3U o F2.1, F2.2, F3.3, F3.4, F3.5

This demonstration is used to demonstrate the principle of Gay-Lussacs Law. The GayLussacs law explains the relationship between temperature and pressure of gases. Required in this demonstration is a bottle/jar, matches, paper (something to burn), and a peeled hard-boiled egg. The paper is lit and dropped into the jar/bottle the hard-boiled egg is placed on the top. The temperate of the gas inside the bottle goes from high to low and causes a pressure change which pulls the egg into the bottle. Video Reference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xceBXe5YHj0

3.0.2 IMPLODING POP CAN

Focus: Gay-Lussacs Gas Law Curriculum: SCH3U o F2.1, F2.2, F3.3, F3.4, F3.5

This demonstration is used to display the Gay-Lussac Gas Law. A pop can is partially filled with water and placed on a hot plate/Bunsen burner. The water is heated up until it is boiling vigorously then the pop can is inverted into an ice bath the temperature of the gas inside the pop can goes from high to low causing a change in pressure which causes the pressure outside the can to be greater than inside and it collapses upon itself. Video Reference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j1yFvlgHM9Y

3.0.3 BELL JAR BALLOONS/SHAVING CREAM/MARSHMALLOWS

Focus: Boyles Gas Law Curriculum: SCH3U o F2.1, F2.2, F3.3, F3.4, F3.5

For this demonstration a Bell Jar (Vacuum Chamber) is required. If you do not have access to a Bell jar than it can be demonstrated in smaller scale using a syringe. This demonstration explains 4|Pa ge

Boyles Law and the relationship between pressure and volume. A balloon, marshmallow or shaving cream is placed inside the vacuum chamber and it is turned on causing a change in pressure which results in a change in volume of the gas inside the balloon/shaving cream/marshmallow. Video Reference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5xft2fIqQU

3.0.4 CHARLES LAW: SHRUNKE N BALLOON/CRUSHED PING PONG

Focus: Charles Gas Law Curriculum: SCH3U o F2.1, F2.2, F3.3, F3.4, F3.5

This demonstration is designed to explain the relationship between temperature and volume described by Charles Law. A balloon or ping pong ball will expand when heated and shrink when cooled under constant pressure. This can be demonstrated by placing a squished ping pong ball in boiling water, or a blown up balloon into an ice bath/boiling water. Video Reference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HxSPdmvqstQ, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GcCmalmLTiU

3.0.5 SOAP IN THE MICROWAVE

Focus: Charles Gas Law Curriculum: SCH3U o F2.1, F2.2, F3.3, F3.4, F3.5

This is another demonstration that can be used to explain Charles Law. A bar of soap is heated in the microwave under constant pressure. This increase in temperature causes the air within the soap to expand causing the bar of soap to expand. Video Reference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7JKVtbe-hV8

3.0.6 BREAKING A RULER WITH ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE

Focus: Atmospheric Pressure Curriculum: SCH3U o F2.1

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This demonstration can be used to introduce the topic of pressure when discussing gas laws. It can be difficult for some students to imagine air pressure. This demonstration requires a wooden ruler and a newspaper. A ruler is placed on the edge of a table with newspaper on top of it. The demonstrator will then strike the ruler that is overhanging the table. Video Reference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UvMmfacVA24

3.0.7 COMBUSTION OF IRON FILINGS

Focus: Chemical Reactions, Oxidation, Stoichiometry Curriculum: SNC2P o C2.1, C2.3, SNC2D o C2.1, C2.3, C2.5, C3.3, C3.5,

This is an exciting reaction useful as a demonstration for showing combustion. Iron filings will sparkle readily in a Bunsen burner/flame. This is the same reaction that is found in sparklers. Video Reference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=88uvvMfvLv8

3.0.8 ELEPHANT FOAM/TOOTHPASTE, HYDROGEN PEROXIDE AND POTASSIUM IODIDE

Focus: Chemical Reactions, Exothermic Reaction, decomposition reaction, catalysts Curriculum: SNC2D o C2.1, C2.3. C2.5, C3.3, C3.5 SNC2P o C2.1, C2.3, C3.1

This demonstration shows the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide catalyzed by potassium iodide. This demonstration be used in many areas, as it is an exciting (but messy!) demonstration. It can be used to demonstrate decomposition reactions, exothermic reactions, and catalysts. Hydrogen peroxide is mixed with dish soap and potassium iodide is added to the solution causing water and gas to be formed. The soap causes it to bubble up violently. Video References: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=085e-ALKmUM https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4N0m95PExHY

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3.0.9 IONIC VS COVALENT COMPOUNDS PROPERTIES

Focus: Physical Properties, Compounds Curriculum: SNC1P o C2.1, C2.2, C2.4, C3.5, C3.6 SNC1D o C2.1, C2.2, C2.3, C3.4

This is a simple demonstration that can be used to demonstrate that compounds have different properties. It is useful to show that ionic compounds in solution conduct electricity while covalent compounds do not. Sugar water and salt water solutions are created and a small circuit with a battery and light is required. The solutions will be used to complete the circuit. Students should be able to determine which solution is salt and which is sugar based on if the circuit is completed. The video tests many more solutions. Video Reference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4WillWjxRWw

3.0.10 SODIUM POLYACRYLATE 3 CUP MONTE AND SNOW MACHINE

Focus: Physical Properties, Osmosis, polymers Curriculum: SCH3U o C2.1

Sodium Polyacrylate is a polymer with incredibly high absorption potential. It can absorb 800 times its weight in water. This demonstration is an interesting way to bring up the topic of absorption and osmosis. Sodium polyacrylate can be found in diapers and can form a gel with water. If the sodium acrylate is placed in a non-see through cup and water is added it will seem as though the water disappears. Get your students to guess where the water went. Sodium polyacrylate can also be used to create fake snow. If enough water is added with enough turbulence, instead of forming a gel, it will form fluffy particles that have absorbed the water Video Reference: Gel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dYjNHtF8A1M Snow: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CiP-xnOavEs

3.0.11 CARBON DIOXIDE, PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF GASES

Focus: Physical Properties, Density, Curriculum: SNC2D o C2.1, C2.3. C2.5, C3.1, C3.3, C3.5 7|Pa ge

SNC2P o C2.1, C2.3, C3.1

This is a simple demonstration that can be used to explain chemical reactions, physical properties of gases and combustion. This demonstration is two parts; the first part of the demonstration involves formation of carbon dioxide gas. The carbon dioxide can be created by mixing sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and vinegar in a beaker. The second stage involves lighting a candle and pouring the carbon dioxide onto the flame to put it out. Video Reference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UASwPS9492c

3.0.12 CHEMICAL CLOCK REACTION

Focus: Chemical Reaction, Stoichiometry Curriculum: SNC2D o SNC2P o SCH3U o SCH4U o C2.1, C2.3. C2.5, C3.3, C3.4, C3.5 C2.1, C2.3, C3.1 C2.1, C2.2, C3.1, D2.1, E2.1, E3.4 E2.1, E2.2, E3.1, E3.2, E3.3

There are many forms of clock reactions. These reactions involve mixing solutions together to create colour changes. The reactions are called clock reactions because if you know the stoichiometry you can know how long the reaction will take to change colour. These reactions can be very entertaining to your students. Video Reference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C5tOEBmBAHg https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f30kdQsluwU

3.0.13 GUMMY BEAR COMBUSTION

Focus: Combustion, Chemical Reaction, Exothermic Reaction, Organic Chemistry Curriculum: SNC2D o C2.1, C2.3, C2.4, C3.3, C3.5 SNC2P o C2.1, C2.3

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This demonstration is very exciting and exothermic. The demonstration involves the use of molten potassium chlorate which breaks down with heat forming oxygen, when a gummy bear (or any sugar really) is added the sugar burns giving off a lot of energy in the form of heat and light. Video Reference: explanation) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iSVu2XHH_NY (very thorough

3.0.14 DIET COKE AND MENTOS

Focus: Chemical Reactions Curriculum: SNC2D o C2.1, C2.3, C2.4, C3.3, C3.5 SNC2P o C2.1, C2.3

Most people will be familiar with the Diet Coke and Mentos experiment by now. Mentos is dropped into diet coke and it creates a messy chemical reaction. This demonstration is a good way to introduce the topic of chemical reactions. Video Reference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Nw5CbOvFCw

3.0.15 ACID AND BASES MAGIC (ACID) BREATH

Focus: Acids and Bases, Indicators, Curriculum: SNC2P o C2.1, C2.3, C3.4, C3.5 SNC2D o C2.1, C2.3, C3.6, C3.7

This is a simple demonstration to set up but is quite effective. The demonstration involves creating a basic solution with phenolphthalein indicator in it. The solution will be pink. Using a straw, get a student to blow into the flask. As the carbon dioxide is blown into the solution it will become acidic and the indicator will go from pink to clear. Video Reference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w9Zw0X4uJuM

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3.0.16 COLOURFUL PRECIPITATE FROM CLEAR LIQUIDS

Focus: Chemical Reaction, Displacement, Precipitate, Safety Curriculum: SNC2D o C2.1, C2.3, C2.4, C3.3, C3.5 SNC2P o C2.1, C2.3

There are many reactions that can be used to demonstrate this type of chemical reaction, one such reaction involves the mixture of aqueous lead (II) nitrate solution and potassium iodide solution. The two solutions are clear and colourless to start with but when mixed together form a colourful (yellow/orange) precipitate. This demonstration can be used as a safety demonstration. Even though a beaker/flask contains a clear solution it does not mean that it is water so all solutions in the lab should be treated with care. This demonstration can also be used to demonstrate displacement reactions, chemical reactions, or precipitate formation. Video Reference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DITY2rXYU-I

3.0.17 FIREPROOF BALLOON/BOTTLE

Focus: Physical Properties, Heat Capacity Curriculum: SCH4U o D2.1, D3.1,

This simple demonstration involves blowing up two balloons, one with water in it and one without. The balloon without water when touched with a flame will pop. If a flame is placed on the balloon that contains water (where it contains water) then instead of popping the water will absorb the heat and the balloon will not pop until the water has been heated enough. This principle can be examined using a water bottle and Bunsen burner as well. Video Reference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qeDZQ9-gsjY

3.0.18 BOILING WATER BELOW 100C

Focus: Pressure, Physical Changes, Gas Laws Curriculum: SCH3U o F2.1, F3.4, F3.5 SCH4U o D2.1, D3.1,

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This demonstration covers several topics. If water is placed in a sealed syringe and the plunger is pulled back causing an increase in volume and a decrease in pressure. The boiling point of the water decreases as the pressure changes. This allows for water to boil below 100C. Video Reference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I5mkf066p-U

3.0.19 DISAPPEARING CUP

Focus: Solubility Curriculum: SCH3U o E2.1, E3.1, E3.3,

This demonstration involves using Acetone to dissolve a Styrofoam cup. Acetone is added to a glass container and the Styrofoam cup is placed into it. This works off the principle of like dissolves like. This can be done comparatively by placing the Styrofoam cup into water first and seeing nothing happen. Video Reference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_7e1zljg8Oo

3.0.20 VANISHING VOLUME

Focus: Physical Properties, Particle Theory of Mater, Molecule Size Curriculum: SNC1D o C2.1, C3.4, SNC1P o C2.1, C3.1

This is a simple demonstration to set up and perform. For this demonstration you will need graduated cylinders, water, ethanol, sand and gravel. This demonstration can be used to help students understand the particle theory of matter. First challenge the students to answer some questions: If we add 50 mL of water to 50 mL of water what will be the new volume? If we add 50 mL of Ethanol to 50 mL of ethanol what will be the new volume? If we add 50 mL of water to 50 mL of ethanol what is the new volume? When adding 50 mL of Water to 50 mL of ethanol the final volume will be less than 100 mL. To help students understand this principle you can add the sand and gravel together, with sand representing water and gravel representing ethanol. This will help students visualize that there are gaps between the molecules. And that the water/sand can fit between the ethanol/gravel. Video Reference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tt-mx25t7rA

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3.0.21 SULFURIC ACID AND SUGAR

Focus: Chemical Reaction, dehydration reaction Curriculum: SNC2D o C2.1, C2.3, C3.1, C3.3, C3.5 SNC2P o C2.1, C3.1, C3.3

This demonstration requires having sugar and sulfuric acid. It is a simple demonstration that demonstrates a dehydration reaction. The sulfuric acid will break apart the sugar to form water and black carbon. The reaction will end up pushing the carbon out of the beaker. Video Reference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_gG0UAX3V7c

3.0.22 MAGIC MELTING SPOON

Focus: Melting Point, Physical Changes, Properties of Elements Curriculum: SNC1D o C2.1, C2.2, C3.1, C3.4 SNC1P o C2.1, C2.2, C3.3, C3.5

This demonstration utilizes Gallium that has been formed into a spoon. This demonstration will help students understand that different elements/metals have different properties. It may be hard to imagine that a metal can melt in warm water but that is what this demonstration is meant to show. Gallium has a melting point of ~30C. Use it to amaze your students and to introduce discussion of physical properties of elements. Video Reference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvRcUeWjBu0

3.0.23 ALKALI METALS IN WATER

Focus: Chemical Reaction, Elemental properties, Periodic Table Curriculum: SNC1D o C2.1, C2.2, C3.1, C3.4, C3.6, C3.7 SNC1P o C2.1, C3.3, C3.4, C3.5

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A staple of the chemistry lab this demonstration is famous for demonstrating the differences in reactivity as you move down a group in the periodic table. The alkali metals react violently with water so make sure to use proper safety precautions. Video Reference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uixxJtJPVXk

3.0.24 SILVER NITRATE AND COPPER WIRE

Focus: Chemical Reaction, Displacement Reaction Curriculum: SCH3U o C2.1, C2.2, C2.5, C3.1,

In this demonstration silver nitrate is poured over a beaker containing copper wire. This demonstration will show how a displacement reaction can cause crystals or precipitate to form. In this demonstration tiny crystals of silver form on the copper wire and the solution begins to turn blue due to formation of copper (II) nitrate. Video Reference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y3Dcv_QnQzk

3.0.25 WHOOSH BOTTLE

Focus: Stoichiometry, Combustion, Properties of compounds Curriculum: SNC2D o C2.1, C3.3, C3.4, C3.5, SNC2P o C2.1, C2.3

The Whoosh Bottle demonstration is an exciting demonstration showing a violent combustion. The alcohol that you use, volume and type of alcohol can be modified to demonstrate various properties. This is a potentially dangerous experiment as it is possible to have a large explosion. Video Reference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pxC8p439isU

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3.0.26 ACID IN THE EYE

Focus: Safety, Acids Curriculum: SNC1D o SNC1P o SNC2D o SNC2P o A1.4, C1.1 A1.4, C1.1 A1.4 A1.4

This is a safety demonstration used to show the effects of acid on the human eye. Egg whites are used to represent the vitreous humour of the human eye. This is a useful demonstration to promote lab safety and can also be used to examine the denaturation of proteins by acid. Video Reference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DedE68fjKRM

3.0.27 EXPLODING PRINGLES CAN

Focus: Stoichiometry, Chemical Reaction, Exothermic reaction Curriculum: SNC2D o C2.1, C3.3, C3.4, C3.5, SNC2P o C2.1, C2.3

This demonstration is useful for demonstrating stoichiometric amounts. Natural Gas (or hydrogen gas) is added into a Pringle can that has 2 holes, one at the top another near the bottom. The gas is lit at the top hole and as the amount of gas and oxygen reaches the correct stoichiometric ratio the Pringles can will explode popping off the lid. Video Reference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KvvSQ8x5ufM

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3.0.28 RATES OF REACTIONS

Focus: Rates of Reaction, Surface Area, Temperature Curriculum: SCH4U o D3.5, D3.7

There are many ways to demonstrate rates of reaction and a simple one involves using Alka Seltzer tablets. By changing variables such as the temperate, surface area and concentration you can increase the rate of the reaction. This demonstration can be modified to be an experiment where students are challenged with trying to create the fastest reaction they can. Video Reference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vfyjx4Qfo5w

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