Another Look at the Atom

During our first week of class we spent a lot of time thinking about the atom.  Even though we have moved on to the percent composition labs (water content in popcorn and now hydrates), I don't want you to forget the basic building block that will be the heart of our study.  We will soon begin to apply our lab techniques to the composition of molecules.

So take a few minutes to think about the Atom.  Try this simulation game to review the subatomic particles, neutral atoms, ions, and isotopes.

Build An Atom Simulation

Nanotechnology is an exciting new area of science that deals with matter on the nanoscale.  A nanometer scale is essentially dealing with matter on the molecular/atomic level.   I want you to watch the video on the following website to get an introduction to nanotechnology.  You can also read the accompanying article  "How Nanotechnology Work" by Kevin Bonsor and Jonathan Strickland. Hopefully this will whet your appetite for more of the exciting developments in nanotechnology.

Introduction to Nanotechnology

Here's a picture from the website that gives some sense of the scale of nanotubes and nanosubstances.

2007 HowStuffWorks

Inspired by Atoms and the Elements

We spent this week immersed in the anatomy of the atom.  But have you ever wondered about the atoms that are in your anatomy?  Your body is composed of a huge number of atoms, all working together to make biological molecules that, when put together in just the right way, make you into a living-breathing person.  Where do all those atoms come from?  It is interesting to consider that nearly all the atoms that are in your body get replaced every year.  So, in essence, you're literally not the person you were just last year because all of your atoms have been replaced by other Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen atoms that you have ingested or inhaled or rubbed up against.

Take a look at this cool video I found that illustrates the connections you have with the stars.

We Are Star Dust

I gave you a brief introduction to the periodic table using ptable.com (my favorite website).  Who can help but be inspired by the layers of information contained in this chemistry icon.   A friend of mine sent me the link for a fun iPad app called Nova Elements.  You can play a game called Essential Elements where you build atoms and molecules in common substances from subatomic particles (protons, neutrons, and electrons).  There's another awesome interactive periodic table to explore on the app too.  You'll also find a video, that I must confess I haven't watched yet.  Take a look if you have an iPad. (it's a free app!)

Nova element app

Let me know what you think about the video, the app, or another interesting site you have found related to the atom or the periodic table.  Or, you can post your favorite element and why.

Welcome to Chemistry!

So Cool!

Welcome to Chemistry!  I'm so excited to get started on another school year with you in my class.   This is my 16th year of teaching (that sounds like a long time).  I love my job because every year is so different and always a lot of fun.  You, my dear chemistry students, make my days interesting, fun, and (yes) challenging.  This year will be another great adventure in my quest for new and exciting chemistry experiences.



You started off with a fun exploration of an interesting system of milk, food coloring, and dish soap.  I encourage you to try this at home to impress and amuse your family.  You conducted your first controlled experiment today when you changed one component of the system and then observed the effect of that change.  Now I want you to think about what caused the system to change.

Take a look at this short video that gives one possible explanation of the phenomenon of the milk and food coloring.

Click Here to Watch the Milk Experiment Video

Now I want you to think about your experiment.  Do your results support or contradict the explanation you just saw?  Post a comment about how your results support or disclaim the milk experiment explanation.

P.S.  Sorry guys, I didn't take any pictures of you this time.