Chemistry is an integral part of the world around us, and a working knowledge of the chemical sciences is essential in becoming both scientifically literate and globally engaged. This lab manual is designed for those students looking to become more engaged with the world around them, focusing on the chemistry of more commonly seen materials and reactions and exploring the reasons behind them.
Elementary Chemistry Laboratory Manual covers topics ranging from general chemistry to organic chemistry, giving particular emphasis to how it relates to one’s everyday experiences. Each lab outlines the learning objectives for each lab and includes pre-lab and post-lab questions to engage the students beyond their time in the laboratory. Ideally, by performing these exercises, students will become more aware of how chemistry integrates into their everyday lives as well as increase their critical thinking skills. With many labs relying heavily on household products and chemistry, this lab manual is meant to resonate especially for those going into science education, allied health majors, as well as those looking to increase their basic scientific understanding.
Lab 1: Measurement in Science and the Scientific Method
Lab 2: Density and the Separation of Recyclable Plastics
Lab 3: Different Types of Chemical Reactions and Chemical Equations
Lab 4: The Copper Cycle: A Demonstration in the Conservation of Mass
Lab 5: Stoichiometry: The Reaction of Baking Soda and Vinegar
Lab 6: The Truth in Labels: The Gravimetric Determination of Phosphorus in Commercial Fertilizer
Lab 7: From Cans to Playdoh: Recycling Aluminum
Lab 8: Reaction Rates and Equilibrium
Lab 9: Red Cabbage: More than Coleslaw
Lab 10: Titration of Vinegar
Lab 11: Food Chromatography: The Distance Our Food Travels
Lab 12: Synthesis of Aspirin and Other Smelly Esters
Lab 13: The Science of Soap and Lotion: Chemistry of Cosmetics
Lab 14: Alternative Fuels: The Synthesis of Biodiesel from Waste Oils