Growing plants – Does the soil matter?

In this Activity, students collect soil samples and characterize them by examining their physical appearance, water-holding capacity, sedimentation, and pH. Based on their observations, they can see that different samples of something as universal as soil can be quite different from each other.

The gas we drink - Carbon dioxide in carbonated beverages

Soft drink chemistry and physics is studied in this module. Bottled or canned carbonated beverages provide real-life applications of science. Gas solubility in liquids, gas pressure, gas laws, physical and chemical equilibrium, and acid–base chemistry can be covered. Students work collaboratively in groups and propose and then perform in the laboratory methods first to measure the volume of carbon dioxide contained in a beverage, and secondly to determine the pressure that prevails inside the unopened bottle or can. Finally, the teacher will perform a carbon-dioxide fountain demonstration, and the explanation of the phenomenon will be discussed.

Salt – the good, the bad, and the tasty

Salts (and among them sodium chloride - cooking salt) are a main class of inorganic compounds. Sodium chloride is found dissolved in sea water, but also as mineral salt that may come under various colours. Salt crystals, other crystals, and crystal structure are studied, and a method for growing large crystals is developed. The concept of electricity conducting materials and especially of electrolytes, and further the concept of ionic bonding are introduced. Finally, the many uses of salt, and its positive but also negative role in our health are explored.

Milk - Keep refrigerated

It is well known that milk and milk products are very important as food. In this activity, students get to know the composition of milk and various kinds of milk. Further they study and understand the role of acidity for the precipitation/turning sour of milk, as well as the effect of temperature on the increase of the acidity of milk. In addition students prepare yogurt at home. Finally a distinction is made between healthy food and non-healthy food products.

Bathing and bubbling with chemistry

In this module students get to know bath bubblers, their composition, and the role/function of the ingredients. The effervescent effect in effervescent medical tablets is based on the same principle. Baking products such as baking soda are an integral part of this activity. The activity provides the oportunity to study acid-base chemistry, and in particular the neutralisation reaction.

Brushing up on chemistry

In this module students get to know toothpastes, products that we use in everyday life. What is their composition (what ingredients are used in them), as well as the role/function of the ingredients. Various kinds of toothpastes. The importance of regular brushing and care of teeth both for their health and the general health. The need to pay regular visits to the dentists.

Popularity and Relevance of Science Education for Science Literacy