Kitchen chemistry experiments

Year: First Year
Type: Laboratory
Topic: Chemistry, General Chemistry
Attribution: Deakin University
Date: Apr 2021
Summary: Students can perform chemistry experiments safely at home in their kitchens. These experiments support learning of fundamental chemistry concepts.
Links: View Resource | Supporting Documentation

About this resource

Description

This resource consists of two experiments that can be performed by students at home using common household items. The chemistry concepts covered include stoichiometry, limiting reagent, acids and bases and pH. Performing experiments at home requires planning and decision-making skills that are missing in online practical activities.

Length

Several hours

Pedagogical backing

Rationale

Hands on experimentation is associated with important learning outcomes in chemistry. This resource is designed to permit students to perform experiments at home in their kitchen, guided through observations to reinforce essential foundation concepts.

How is the resource used

Students can be assigned this activity at a suitable time during semester, after the concepts have been covered in class.

Student evaluation

Over 1000 students performed these experiments and submitted their worksheets. The results have been published: DOI: 10.1021/acs.jchemed.0c00620

Authors

Madeleine Schultz madeleine.schultz@deakin.edu.au
Damien Callahan damien.callahan@deakin.edu.au