Schoolmasters Science

Find out what pollutes drinking water and how it can be made safe again following pollution. Conduct experiments on the chemicals and organisms that make water unsafe to drink and conduct an experiment on its purification. Learn the causes and effects of water pollution.

Zinc sulfate, lab grade, granular is commonly used in classroom settings for chemistry experiments and to illustrate various scientific concepts due to its solubility and reactivity. Some of the typical applications include:

1. Precipitation Reactions: Zinc sulfate is used to demonstrate precipitation reactions when mixed with other compounds. For example, when combined with sodium carbonate, it forms zinc carbonate, a white precipitate. This can be used to illustrate the principles of solubility, ionic reactions, and compound formation.

2. Galvanic Cells and Electrochemistry: Zinc sulfate is frequently used in electrochemical cells (such as Daniell cells) to study the behavior of zinc as an electrode and to teach concepts of oxidation and reduction, electrode potentials, and electron flow in galvanic cells.

3. Testing for Anions: It can be used as a reagent in testing for the presence of specific anions in solutions. For instance, in analytical chemistry, zinc sulfate might be utilized in qualitative tests to help identify sulfide ions through the formation of a white precipitate (zinc sulfide).

4. Growth Medium for Biological Studies: In biology and environmental science classes, zinc sulfate is sometimes used as a trace element in preparing growth media for certain plants or algae to study the effects of zinc on growth and development.

5. Illustrating Properties of Transition Metals: Zinc is often grouped with other transition metals to compare chemical properties, such as reactivity with acids and the formation of complex ions in solution.

Safety precautions should be observed when handling zinc sulfate, as it can be harmful if ingested or inhaled in powder form. Proper protective equipment, such as gloves and safety goggles, is recommended during use.

Cupric sulfate (copper(II) sulfate) reagent fine crystals are widely used in classrooms for chemistry experiments and demonstrations, primarily due to their distinct blue color and diverse chemical properties. Common educational uses include:

1. Chemical Reactions and Color Changes: Cupric sulfate is often used in experiments to demonstrate various chemical reactions, such as double displacement reactions and redox reactions. For example, when zinc metal is placed in a solution of cupric sulfate, a redox reaction occurs, producing copper metal and zinc sulfate.

2. Electrolysis and Electroplating: Cupric sulfate is commonly used in electrochemistry experiments to demonstrate the principles of electrolysis. Students can use it to deposit a layer of copper on a metal object, illustrating the concept of metal plating.

3. Crystallization and Hydration Studies: Cupric sulfate crystals are ideal for studying crystallization and hydration. In its hydrated form (CuSO₄•5H₂O), it is a vibrant blue, but it turns white upon heating when it loses its water molecules. This change is used to teach about the effects of hydration and dehydration on compounds.

4. Identifying Presence of Water: Cupric sulfate can also be used as a qualitative test for water. The blue hydrated form turns white when heated (as it becomes anhydrous), and when a drop of water is added to the anhydrous form, it turns blue again. This makes it an excellent tool for illustrating reversible hydration reactions.

5. Demonstrating Copper Ion Properties: The distinct blue color of cupric sulfate is due to the presence of copper(II) ions in solution. It is often used to teach students about the behavior of transition metals and their unique colors in aqueous solutions.

Cupric sulfate should be handled carefully, as it is toxic if ingested and can cause irritation to skin and eyes. Proper safety equipment, including gloves and goggles, should be used during experiments.

500 grams of Aluminum Metal Shot.

Aluminum metal shot is often used in classrooms for chemistry experiments and demonstrations, such as studying chemical reactions, investigating metal properties, and exploring concepts like density and reactivity. It is commonly used in reaction experiments with acids (like hydrochloric acid) to produce hydrogen gas, allowing students to observe the properties of metal reactivity and gas evolution. Additionally, aluminum shot can be used in physics experiments to study thermal conductivity and heat transfer due to its high thermal conductivity and low density.

Zinc metal, foil 0.010" x 12" x 36", (1 piece = 500g) - 500g
Zinc metal, foil 0.010" x 12" x 36", (1 piece = 500g) - 500g

Tin Metal, reagent, 20-300mesh, granular - 100g.

Reversible Northern and Southern Skies. Printed in 2 colors. Compare night skies from the northern and southern hemispheres with royal blue star chart. Constructed of strong, plasticized material, this chart highlights constellations, stars, nebulae and the milky way. Chart can be rotated to reflect any date of observation. Dry erasable. Measures 44" length by 44" width. For grades 6-12. Ages 11-18.

Cobalt chloride crystals are commonly used in classrooms for chemistry experiments and demonstrations, primarily to study chemical properties and investigate reactions involving moisture and hydration. The most notable uses include:

1. Indicator for Humidity and Hydration: Cobalt chloride is a popular indicator for moisture because it changes color based on its hydration state. In its anhydrous form, cobalt chloride is blue, and it turns pink when it absorbs water. This property makes it ideal for demonstrating reversible chemical changes and teaching about hydration and dehydration reactions.

2. Le Chatelier’s Principle Demonstrations: Cobalt chloride can be used to illustrate Le Chatelier's Principle. By adding water or applying heat to the crystal, students can observe the reversible color change, demonstrating shifts in equilibrium due to changes in temperature or the presence of a reactant.

3. Testing for Water Presence: Cobalt chloride paper, which is made using the crystals, is used in chemistry and environmental science labs to detect water vapor in various gases or liquids.

Due to its potential toxicity and the fact that it can cause skin irritation, cobalt chloride should be handled with proper safety measures, including wearing gloves and protective eyewear.

Silver nitrate solution (0.1 normal) is used in classrooms for various chemistry experiments, particularly for demonstrating precipitation reactions and studying properties of silver ions. It is commonly used in:

1. Precipitation Reactions: When silver nitrate is mixed with solutions containing chloride ions (e.g., sodium chloride), it forms a white precipitate of silver chloride. This reaction is useful for teaching concepts like solubility rules and ionic equations.

2. Halide Testing: It can be used to identify halides (chloride, bromide, and iodide ions) in solutions, as each halide forms a distinct precipitate color (white, cream, or yellow) with silver nitrate.

3. Titration Experiments: In analytical chemistry, a 0.1N silver nitrate solution can be used for Argentometric titrations, such as the Mohr method, to determine the concentration of chloride in a sample.

4. Biological Staining and Antimicrobial Studies: In some biology classes, silver nitrate is used for staining, and its antimicrobial properties can be demonstrated to show how it affects microbial growth.

Because silver nitrate can stain skin and other materials, safety precautions such as gloves and goggles should be used when handling it.

Non-nutrient agar powder is typically used in classrooms for microbiology experiments, such as studying slime molds, observing fungal growth, or culturing environmental samples. Since it lacks nutrients, it does not support the growth of most bacteria or fungi on its own, making it ideal for experiments where a nutrient source is added selectively to encourage the growth of specific organisms. It's often used to highlight the effects of environmental factors on microbial growth, demonstrate the role of external nutrient sources, or as a base for investigating other biological processes.

Encased in a transparent acrylic case which allows full view of the movement. The action can be demonstrated with the help of a rubber bellow which increases the pressure when squeezed. Supplied complete with rubber bellow.

These calculators can start with basic math operations and work their way up to more advanced concepts such as percents and square roots. This dual-powered, four-function calculator includes auto shut-off, 3-key memory and more. Measures 4 1/2" x 2 1/2" Grades Pre K +
These calculators can start with basic math operations and work their way up to more advanced concepts such as percents and square roots. This dual-powered, four-function calculator includes auto shut-off, 3-key memory and more. Measures 4 1/2" x 2 1/2" Grades Pre K +

Four-function, dual-powered calculator fits on the overhead to teach basic math operations, percents and square roots to an entire class. Includes auto shut-off, three-key memory and more. Measures 4 1/4" x 6 1/8" Grades PreK +
Four-function, dual-powered calculator fits on the overhead to teach basic math operations, percents and square roots to an entire class. Includes auto shut-off, three-key memory and more. Measures 4 1/4" x 6 1/8" Grades PreK +

The specimens in this collection represent minerals rare and beautiful enough to be prized as gemstones. Included are specimens of study grade beryl, topaz, rose quartz, turquoise, olivine, corundum, garnet, tourmaline and more. 15 specimens approximately 1" x 1" in a compartmented tray. Grades 6-12. Ages 11-18.

Fascinate your students with the study of fossils. Kit contains 5 sets of 21 plastic reproduction fossils that students can measure, identify, and classify according to geologic era using the included fossil key. Grades 6-12.

This completely revised multi-color chart depicts the entire geologic time scale with most current geologic dating information. Representative fossils from the corresponding geologic periods are mounted on the chart. New larger chart size, 18" x 24" and comes with a wood frame. Grades 6-12. Ages 11-18.

Rock and Rock-Forming Mineral Collection 24 specimens, 1-1/4", including six each of the following: rock-forming minerals, igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks. Also includes a Study Guide. Grades 5-12. Ages 10-18.

Excellent reference collections and a valuable aid in identifying and comparing common and rare rocks and minerals. These mounted collections display common minerals and igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks. Specimens are 1/2"-1". Rocks and Minerals Study Guide included. Grades 5-12. Ages 10-18.
Excellent reference collections and a valuable aid in identifying and comparing 35 common and rare rocks and minerals. These mounted collections display common minerals and igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks. Specimens are 1/2"-1". Rocks and Minerals Study Guide included. Grades 5-12. Ages 10-18.

Minerals are an important part of everything around us -- from the pencils we write with to the airplanes in the sky. Even the earth beneath our feet is packed solid with these essential building blocks. In All About Rocks and Minerals, children will discover the characteristics of minerals and see how different minerals make up different kinds of rocks: igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic. A visit to a lapidary shop examines some beautiful gemstones, while a fun, hands-on investigation demonstrates how solid crystals can be made from a liquid. Part of the Earth Science for Children DVD Series. A teacher's guide is available online. 23 minutes. Grades K to 4.

Fossil fuels were formed millions of years ago as part of a natural process in which the remains of dead plants and animals were buried and placed under extreme pressure and heat. Coal, oil and natural gas are the most important fossil fuels. But what are they used for, how do we find them and what can we do to preserve our limited supplies? Students will find the answers to these questions and more in Fossil Fuels as they explore these nonrenewable resources of Earth. A fun, hands-on investigation demonstrates a creative alternative to using fossil fuels in the creation of plastic and a visit to an oil platform showcases how this valuable fossil fuel is pumped up from the bottom of the ocean. Part of the Earth Science in Action DVD Series. A Teacher's Guide is included and available online. 23 minutes. Grades 5 to 8.

Fossils are historic blueprints -- remnants of plant and animal life that preceded us. In Fossils, students will examine molds, casts and imprints of various living things, and discover how scientists place the age of these ancient remains and the methods they use to preserve them for future generations. Find out how paleontologists discover fossils and what these discoveries tell us about the past. Take a trip to the Petrified Forest, and examine tree trunks that were turned to stone millions of years ago. A fun, hands-on investigation demonstrates for students how they can create four different simulated environments in order to test each for its ability to preserve remains. Part of the Earth Science in Action DVD Series. A Teacher's Guide is included and available online. 23 minutes. Grades 5 to 8.

The study of rocks is an essential part of studying the age and evolution of Earth. In Rocks, students will examine the characteristics of each of the major types of rocks: igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic. From stalactites and stalagmites to intrusive and extrusive rocks, students will examine how rocks are formed in this exciting program. A visit to Mammoth Mountain in California showcases the interesting rock formation known as the Obsidian Dome, while a fun, hands-on demonstration illustrates how different sized-particles of sediment settle out of water at different rates. Part of the Earth Science in Action DVD Series. A Teacher's Guide is included and available online. 23 minutes. Grades 5 to 8.

This parameter is important in determination of the corrosive properties of water, caused by carbonates, bicarbonates as well as dissolved salts. Testing alkalinity is important in the treatment of drinking water, waste water, swimming pools, heating and cooling systems, food and beverage systems, and soil and environmental testing, as well as in agriculture, farming and fish farming. Includes 110 tests.

It’s time to start mixing things up! In this pretend STEM scenario, you are a chemist for a bath and body products company and it’s your job to make and test different cosmetic products. Use the tools in your laboratory to employ different scientific techniques and essential chemistry principles to make soaps and bath bombs. Try out different additives to affect the color, smell, and other qualities of the products you make.

Real science and pretend play come together in this activity-filled kit that can be used alone or as an extension of the Ooze Labs Chemistry Station (a Parents’ Choice Silver Honor winner!). As you mold different glycerin soap shapes, you learn about the chemical properties of soap that help it pick up and wash away dirt. While you’re concocting bath bombs, you learn about how acids and bases combine to form fizzing reactions, and what a pH level is. Expand your cosmetics knowledge with an overview of the biology of skin care and other science related to soap and bath products. All materials and chemicals are non-toxic.

Ages: 6+
Experiments: 10
Piece Count: 35
Manual Pages: 24