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  ExploScience.com promotes active exploration of science with an emphasis on chemistry.  Conceived, developed, and operated by full time science instructors, we are continually developing new resources and activities that will enrich science education.
  While the need for more science, technology, and engineering majors in the US is high, many teachers have found that trends in standardized curriculum and testing has led to the "sterilization" of science classrooms . "Teaching to the test" seems to have replaced the classroom investigations, explorations, and demonstrations that bring life to science.

"Every demonstration that I present in lectures is aimed at enhancing the understanding of chemical behavior.  In all cases, the chemistry speaks for itself more eloquently than anything I can describe in words, write on a chalk board, or show on a slide.
          -Bassam Z. Shakhashiri

In The Classroom & Lab

Dr. Schrempp performs two classic chemistry demonstrations with show host Chris Hardwick on episodes 8 and 10 of this dynamic new PBS science show.  "Sodium Acetate Instant Stalagmite" (left), and "Nitrocellulose" (right) both appear in "Bangs, Flashes, and Explosions". 

"Bangs, Flashes, and Explosions"
 is an electronic book of over 190 dynamic and unusual chemistry and science demonstrations.

Solution Graphics

Economical, compact lab scales, perfect for student use.

  At ExploScience.com, we believe that excited, motivated teachers produce excited, motivated students.  We will continue to offer a growing number of free resources, while making demonstration manuals, workbooks, and video DVD collections available at an econimical price. The majority of our profits are recycled back into the classroom and this website to promote further growth of teaching resources.
  All of our products have been self-developed and are available only on this website.
A Tie Dye Lab is a great way to end the chemistry class year! After standardized testing, and just when the students are tuning out, insert this great lab.  They bring in a shirt or two, let it soak overnight, and then dye it - with awesome results. Its easy, fairly inexpensive, extremely popular, and a great way to promote chemistry!
See the Tie Dye Page for more information on this lab.  Dr. Schrempp has had excellent results with this activity over the years. It has gained popularity and spread to many of the other teachers at his school.  Students look forward to it every year; some students who have already graduated have even returned in the spring to dye another shirt!

Study colligative properties of liquids or, to be more specific, investigate freezing point reduction by doing an ICE CREAM LAB!  This is another activity that students look forward to every year. 
A few tips: Do it outside to avoid conflicts with the custodians. To keep costs low, ask a local Costco or other large store to supply some zip-lock bags, sugar, milk, and vanilla.  Stock up for a couple of days on ice from the cafeteria.
After a few years of doing this large-scale lab and learning some painful lessons, Dr. Schrempp has formulated a fairly easy and inexpensive technique to get through this popular activity.  See all the tips, directions, and required materials on the ICE CREAM LAB page.

New!
    Bismuth Crystals
    Tie Dying
    Blueprinting
    Holiday Labs

The holiday season is fast approaching! Time to get ready for those holiday labs!
The chemistry or science classroom is a great place to instill excitement and memorable experiences for students. The holiday season is the perfect time to do some holiday labs that serve two purposes: they show how chemistry is involved in everyday products, and, they provide students with treasures that make great gifts. Visit the HOLIDAY LABS page to learn more!

     High school students generally have a limited understanding of multiple levels of representation in chemistry (symbolic, submicroscopic, and macroscopic). In addition, expectations of high school teachers for students to achieve high grades in competitive environments have continued to increase.  In addition, teachers have to meed deadlines for topic tests as well as preparing students for mid-year and end-of-year examinations. These constraints limit opportunities to undertake valuable practical activities and discussions that further chemical concepts and understanding.
     In this study, an alternative program of instruction was implemented with Grade 9 students (15–16 years old) that overtly focused on the use of additional laboratory and demonstration activities, small group and class discussions, and deducing ionic equations from observed chemical changes. Students' understandings of the use of multiple levels of representation were evaluated at the end of nine months.
     Comparison of the mean diagnostic test scores of students from the two classes indicated that the class in the treatment group that experienced the alternative program of instruction performed significantly better than the higher-achieving class from the comparison group that experienced the regular program of instruction, further validating the efficacy of the alternative instructional program.
Chandrasegaran, A.L., Treagust, D., Mocerino, M.: Emphasizing Multiple Levels of Representation To Enhance Students' Understandings of the Changes Occurring during Chemical Reactions. J. Chem Ed, Vol. 86; 12, 1433, 2009.

Test Scores Improve with More Lab, Demonstration, and Discussion Activities