Chemistry

Science Play And Research Kit: Business Models, Packaging, And Marketing Part 2

In Part 2 of Science Play and Research Kit: Business Models, Packaging, and Marketing, we’ll discuss the Gillette Razor model. I’m sure you’ve heard of it: give the razor away and sell the blades. It would seem that this model is more myth than reality. Th ...

Article - Steve Schuler - Nov 2 2013 - 3:38am

BPA Levels Are Too Low To Affect People- Unless It Takes Lower Doses Than Studies Show

Bisphenol A (BPA) in high quantity can harm people, just like almost anything. BPA has been labeled a concern by some because of its ability to be an endocrine disruptor that hijacks the normal responses of hormones.  While toxicology studies have shown t ...

Article - News Staff - Feb 28 2014 - 12:36am

All Aboard The Kinesin Nanotrain

Tiny self-assembling transport networks, powered by nano-scale motors and controlled by DNA, have been developed. And the system can construct its own network of tracks spanning tens of micrometers in length, transport cargo across the network and even di ...

Article - News Staff - Nov 12 2013 - 10:03am

Science Play And Research Kit: DIY Titration Lab Ware

You often see demonstrations of titration using an expensive glass burette, but you can build titration lab ware using a disposable serological pipette, a solder sucker bulb, and a ring stand or support stand. For this build I’m using my erector set suppor ...

Article - Steve Schuler - Nov 12 2013 - 10:54am

Science Play And Research Kit: Tyndall Effect…With Frickin’ Laser Beams

You can use a laser to demonstrate the Tyndall effect. A simple cat toy (laser pointer) will do but for this demonstration I’ll be using the laser from my DIY Laser Interferometer. “The Tyndall effect, also known as Tyndall scattering,” according to Wikipe ...

Article - Steve Schuler - Nov 15 2013 - 7:34am

Science Play And Research Kit: Fluorescence

You may wish to include a UV LED in your Science Play and Research Kit. Nowadays you can find inexpensive key chain lights that include a visible light LED flashlight, but also include a red laser LED and UV LED. The red laser can be used to demonstrate t ...

Article - Steve Schuler - Nov 18 2013 - 1:47pm

Science Play And Research Kit: Conductivity Tester

Some older chemistry sets included a conductivity tester to demonstrate the conductivity of materials and liquids. If you wish to include Snap Circuits in your Science Play and Research Kit you can use a simple circuit designed with the 555 timer IC incorp ...

Article - Steve Schuler - Nov 27 2013 - 3:44pm

Origin Of Life: Which Ancient Minerals?

Life grew as a result of natural processes that used Earth's raw materials. Models of life's origins almost always look to minerals for such essential tasks as the synthesis of life's molecular building blocks or the supply of metabolic ene ...

Article - News Staff - Dec 5 2013 - 7:30am

Science Play And Research Kit: Foil The NSA With Chemistry

Edward Snowden: patriot or traitor? Whatever your opinion of Mr. Snowden, he did give us pause to reflect on our Fourth Amendment rights “of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, ...

Article - Steve Schuler - Jan 15 2014 - 2:07pm

Thames & Kosmos Chem C3000: Excellent Kit, Kinda Pricey

Kudos to Thames and Kosmos for getting their chemistry sets on the shelves at Barnes and Noble. They have these three introductory sets in the store: the “Dangerous Book for Boys Classic Chemistry Science Kit,” “The Chem C500,” and “The Chem c1000.” Sadly, ...

Blog Post - Steve Schuler - Dec 11 2013 - 4:09pm