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"Bangs, Flashes, and Explosions"
is an electronic book of over 190 dynamic and unusual chemistry and science demonstrations, such as the "Torroidal Vortex Machine" (left).
ExploScience.com promotes active exploration of science with an emphasis on chemistry. Concieved, 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 is high, many teachers have found that trends in standardized curriculum and testing has led to the "sterilization" of science classrooms. With more "teaching to the test", there seems to be less time and motivation for laboratory and demonstration activities.
At ExploScience.com, we believe that excited, motivated teachers produce excited, motivated students. Our products have been self-developed and are available only on this website.
"The Eerie Green Glow Light"
is just one of over 170 dynamic demonstrations contained in "Bangs, Flashes, and Explosions". Using boric acid ester, this demo illustrates combustion reactions, organic chemistry, and equilibrium.
(click photo to view video)
As stated by Smith (above), demonstrations should be direct, lively, dramatic, striking, and sometimes just plain fun. The "Acetylene Rockets" demonstration is talked about by students all year, and is one of many
activities that generates motivation and creates high demand for chemistry at the author's school. "Bangs, Flashes, and Explosions" contains color photos and clear directions for each demonstration.
"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
Six characteristics of effective demonstrations which best promote student understanding:
1. Demonstrations must be timely and appropriate.
2. Demonstrations must be well prepared and rehearsed.
3. Demonstrations must be visible and large-scale.
4. Demonstrations must be simple and uncluttered.
5. Demonstrations must be direct and lively.
6. Demonstrations must be dramatic and striking.
-Wesley Smith, Ricks College
Links
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".
Oobleck (right)
A great example of a non-newtonian fluid, Oobleck (corn starch and water) is a standard in the science classroom. But few are aware of the outrageous shapes it will form when placed on a speaker and subjected to specific sound frequencies from a tone generator!
There are many chemistry and science demonstrations that can be easily performed with a minimum of chemicals and preparation. "Flaming Ice" (below, right) is quite dramatic and only requires a glass bowl, ice, and a sprinkle of calcium carbide.
Other demonstrations can require more preparation or chemicals that are difficult to obtain. "Combustion of White Phosphorus" (left, up) is usually best viewed on video rather than in an actual demonstration. White phosphorus is controlled by the DEA and is difficult to obtain.
ExploScience.com is there to provide demonstration instructions for those desiring to perform the demos, and also a growing library of DVD videos for those who prefer to watch.
The "Match" Reaction of Red Phosphorus and Potassium Chlorate
This highly exothermic reaction is like lighting a match, only on a large scale!
[click picture to see full video]
Magnesium and Silver Nitrate Flash
