This lesson is an introduction to nuclear chemistry. It reviews alpha, beta and gamma decay reactions, the concept of half-life, and nuclear fission and fusion. Full description.

An introduction to the diverse chemistry of carbon including basic hydrocarbon nomenclature. Full description.

In this activity, which can be performed as a demonstration by the teacher or by the students themselves, carbon dioxide is generated in a fish tank using sodium bicarbonate and vinegar. The students can observe as the accumulating carbon dioxide extinguishes candles of different heights, marking rising levels of CO2 in the tank. They can also blow soap bubbles (which contain air) into the tank and ... Full description.

In this demonstration, the teacher will use a potato and hydrogen peroxide to generate oxygen in a closed environment. Students can then observe its effects on a burning wooden splint and on burning steel wool. They will understand that a large amount of energy can be released by the process of oxidation. As an extension, the teacher can discuss how the appearance of oxygen (produced by cyanobacteria) ... Full description.

This Starting Point webpage describes a ConcepTest question that asks students to answer the multiple choice question; which of the following formulas represents an oxide? The website includes typical student responses before and after discussion, additional notes and references. Full description.

In this site, Martin Chaplin has brought together a selection of ideas concerning the complex behavior of water in hopes of encouraging both the understanding of water and further work. Some of the many ideas presented are: the structure of water, water anomalies, hydrogen bonding, the phase diagram of water, and water hydration. Full description.

From pyroclastic compounds to natural hormones and common drugs, this site features detailed chemical information on various molecular compounds. Each month a new molecule is added to the list. Molecule pages connect to either a University Chemistry Department or commercial site in the United Kingdom, the United States, or anywhere in the world. Most descriptions include a history of use, chemical ... Full description.

An interactive version of the Periodic Table of the Elements. Each element is linked to a wealth of information concerning basic chemical properties, as well as short descriptions of its history, sources, compounds, uses, and isotopes. The table can be downloaded in PDF format. Other pages explain the purpose and use of the Periodic Table, and how new elements are named. A version of Mendeleev's original ... Full description.

Interactive applets illustrate the chemical structure of a variety of molecules. The molecules in this site are considered common based on their general uses world-wide, application in chemistry classrooms, or by the interest they spark because of their fascinating structural properties. Thumbnail images are organized by category, including biochemical, environmental, and medicinal molecules, minerals ... Full description.

This lab activity is designed to teach students how to test for pH and understand its relationship to them and their environment. They will learn what pH is, draw and label a pH scale, measure the pH of various items, and explain why it's important to understand pH, for example, the danger presented by substances having very high or low pH. Full description.