Brian Twar

This is a simple pH testing lab. Students use pH strips to test different substances, most of which can be found around the house. Students assign a pH value to each and then state whether it is an acid or base (strong or weak) or neutral.

This lab shows the students how small molecules are. Molecules of water are so small, that they are able to fit in spaces within the isopropyl alcohol molecules. It also can be used to relate to density. Because the isopropyl alcohol is less dense than the water, it will stack. The volume of the stacked liquids are measured. Then after they are mixed, the volume is measured again. Because the water molecules fill in empty spaces within the alcohol molecules, the volume will decrease.

This is an intro experiment that can be used to introduce scientific method. It is a simple pendulum lab. How does changing a specific variable (length, mass, etc.) affect the length of the period? You can either choose the independent variable for your class, or you can allow each group (I suggest groups of 2 to 4 students) to choose their own.