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NOVEMBER, 1944
Project Teaching in High-School Chemistry III. Problematic and Socialized Projects WILLIAM C . CURTIS Dunbar High School, Washington, D. C .
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SIDE from the construction type, there are numerous problematic or intellectual and socialized projects wbich enable high-school chemistry pupils to use their initiative and resourcefulness in organizing and carrying out their self-imposed investigations under the supervision of the teacher.' In most instances such projects may arise out of situations encountered in the classroom or daily living and developed by either individuals or group^.^ A list of suggestions for intellectual and socialized projects which may profitably be undertaken by highschool pupils is given below. Nearly all of these are of an experimental nature. Many additional ideas for learning activities of these types may be found in the splendid articles on the subject by Derrick and W01ine.~ PROJECT SUGGESTIONS
Acids-Bases. Nature of acids and bases' and their measurement by titration and in terms of pH (colorimetric methods). CHEM.EDUC.,13,534 (1936).] Antgreeze Solutions. Preparation and properties. [Ibid., 18, 488 (1941).] Atom Day. Pupils construct models of atoms as they picture them after reading the subject materialton atomic structure in textbooks and current literature. These models are placed on display and discussed during a class period designated as "Atom Day." [Sch. Sci. Math., 42, 813 (1942).] Balancing Chemical Equatimts. Supplementary exercises involving the balancing of equations by the ion-exchange and double oxide methods. . [Ibid., 38, 511 (1938).] Catalysis. An experimental study of catalysis. U. CHEM.EDUC.,12,362 (1935); 16,238 (1939).] Chemical Calendar. A daily or monthly calendar commemorating the Kith or death anniversaries of individuals prominently identified with chemistry and its related fields [Ibid., 14, 328 (1937); Sch. Sci. Math., 38,575 (1938).] Chemical Calculations. A mastery of the basic mathematical skills needed in typical calculations in ele-
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1 CURTIS, J. CHEMEDUC., 18,293 (1941); 19,458 (1942). 9 RANSOM. Sch. Sci. Mdh., 38,356 (1938); PARRISH. ibid.. 40,
137 (1940). s DERRICK, J. CHEM. EDUC., 17,492 (1940); WOLINE,ibid.. 17, 389 (1940).
mentary chemistry, followed by the solution of a wide sampling of important types of chemical problems. Chemical Entertainment. ISch. Sci. Math., 40. 418 (1940).I Chemistry i n Relation to Criminology. An experimental study of the various scientific techniques used in the identification of criminals. Chemistry i n Relation to Philately. An investigation to determine what knowledge of chemistry can be ac-, quired through a study of stamps and how stamps of chemical interest can be detected. [Sch. Sci. Math., 37,910 (1937); J. CHEM.EDUC.,11,259 (1934).] Chemistry of Combustion. An experimental study of combustion centered around: 1. Determination of flash points and ignition temperatures. 2. Conditions necessary for the propagation of combustion. U. CHEM.EDUC.,20, 305 (1943), Chem. Leaflet, 17, 1196 (June, 1944).] 3. Dust explosions. 4. Explosive range of gases. IT. CHEM.EDUC.,18. i68, 375 (1541).i 5. F i e extinguishers. [Ibid., 8, 929 (1931).] 6. Incendiaries. [Chem. Leaflet, 15, 97 (Sept., 1941): 16.. 93 (Scot.. . . . 1942).1 7. oxy-h&ogen flame. U. &EM. EDUC.,8, 929 (1931).] 8. Principles of the calorimeter. 9. Pyrotechnics. [Sci. and Invention, 19, 229 (July, 19311.1 10. Spontaneous combustion. Chemistry of Fats, Oils, and Waxes. 1. Detection of a vegetable oil in a mineral oil. 2. Detection of a mineral oil in a vegetable oil. 3. Determination of viscosity of oils. 4. Determination of melting points of waxes. 5. Determination of emulsifying properties of waxes. 6. Hydrogenation of oils. U. CHBM.EDUC.,8, 1856 (1931).] 7. Boiling point range of hydrocarbons in gasoline. [Ibid., 18,444 (1941).] 8. Distinguishing waxes from fats. 9. Foam test for butter and oleomargarine.
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lytic work. [Chemist Analyst, 22, 5 10. Distinguishing glycerides from essential oils. (Jan., 1933).1 [Sch. Sci. Math., 41, 322 (1941); Chemistry of Foods. (d) Stroboscope. [Sci. Observer. 3, 15 (May, 42, 1 0942).1 1941).1 Chemistry of Fuels. [Ibid., 36,25 (1936).] Chemistry of Paper. The preparation of handmade ifj ~hermoregkator. U. CHEM.EDUC.,13, papers and determination of the relative durability of 131 (1936).] common papers. (g) Vorce cell. [Chem. Leaflet, 17,1204 (June, Chemistry of Protective and Decorative Materials. Iden1944).1 tification, composition, and uses of paint, varnish, ,2. Construction and operation of a potentiometric stain, shellac, and lacquer, together with the identicircuit. U. CHEM. EDUC., 13, 581 (1936); fication of the ingredients of such materials. Chemist Analyst, 26,40 (April, 1937).] Chemistry of Soaps. A laboratory study of soaps in3. Electrometric determination of pH. [Sci. Obcluding such experiments as : server, 3, 11, 13, 18 (March, 1941).] 1. Determination of water in soap. 4. Electroforming, electrolytic cleaning of metals, 2. Detection of free alkali, unsaponified fats, other and electroplating metallic objects. [Proddetergents, fillers, etc., in soap. ucts Finishing, 5 (4), 36 (1941); Chem. Lea/7et, 3. Soap making on a small scale in the laboratory. 15, 1271 (July, 1942); The Monthly Rev., U. CHEM.EDUC.,14, 534 (1937); 17, 476 Amer. Ekctropbters' Soc., 30, 350 (April, (1W.I 1943).I 4. Utilization of waste soap. 5. Electroplating nonmetallic objects. [The Iron 5. Surface and emulsifying action of soap. Age, 147, 50 (June, 1941); Chem. Leaflet, 16, Colloids. Assigned readings and experimental investi1465 (Aug., 1943) (baby'sshoes).] gations centered around such topics as: 6. Electrolytic preparation of Nobili's rings, French 1. Banded gels (Liesegang's rings). jewelry, white lead, hypochlorite solutions, 2. Colloid cataphoresis. U. CHEM.EDUC.,6, 334 etc. (1929).] 7. Electrolysis of fused salts and aqueous and non3. Growth of crystals in gels. [Ibid., 6, 2228 aqueous solutionsof electrolytes. (1929); 14,84 (1937).] 8. Electrical calorimetry. U. CHEM.EDUC.,18, 510 4. Growth of salt flowers on coal, etc. [Ibid., 11, (1941).] 409 (1934).1 9. Experimental study of Faraday's laws: 5. Importance of colloids in daily living. [Ibid., (a) . . Electroanalysis; [Chemist Analyst, 28, 65 18.590 (1941J.1 ,(Nov., 1939).] 6. Musical or ringing gels. (b) Calculation of Faraday's equivalent. [J. 7. Pectin test. [Ibid., 6, 224 (1929).] CHEM.EDUC.. (1933).1 . 10.689 , , 8. Protective colloids. (c) Verification of Faraday's laws. (Op. cit.) 9. Stability of foams. (d) Quantitative electrodeposition of copper. 10. Tyndall effect and Brownian movement. (OP. cit.) 11. Hydrophilic colloids. [Ihd., 225 (1940).] (e) Determination of. atomic weights on a 12. Ultracentrifuge. basis of Faraday's laws. [Sci. ObCosmetics. A study of the composition and manuserver, 3,13, 16 (June, 1941).] facture of important types of cosmetics, with conclu- Household Chemistry. An experimental study centered sions as to their effect on the skin; laboratory prepaaround such activities as: ration of simple cosmetics; detection of injurious 1. Distinguishing pottery from porcelain. and objectionable ingredients in cosmetics. [Sch. 2. Etching and frosting glass. [Sch. Sci. Math., Sci. Math., 43,837 (1943).] 38,679 (1938).] Community Health and Sanitation. Surveys of the 3. Laboratory study of the methods of presenring school community to determine the adequacy of the foods. [J. CHEM.EDUC.,19, 138 (1942).] water supply, sewage and garbage disposal, and 4. Laboratory testing and preparation of: source of milk supply; and the nature of the house(a) Abrasives and adhesives. hold safety, insect, and rodent problem. The or(b) Cleaning and polishing products. [Ibid., ganization and development programs designed 13, 249 (1936); Chem. Industries, 38, to impart the needed information to the people 173 (Feb.. 1936) (furniture polish).] in the school community. [Ibid., 43,837 (1943).] (c) Chemical disinfectants, deodorants, fungiElectrochemistry. cides, insecticides, and rodent poisons. (d) Fireproof and luminous paints. 1. Construction and operation of: (a) Dichromate cell. U. CHEM. EDUC., 10, (e) Hectographs. (f) Whitewash and coldwater paints. 689 (1933).] (b) Galvanometer. 5. Repairing broken metal objects, glassware, and (c) Lamp hoard or resistance panel for electrostoneware.
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Museum Display. An exhibit centered around indivi6. Restoring faded paintings and painted surfaces. dual showcards prepared by pupils who satisfactorily 7. Silverina mirrors. ISch. Sci. Math., 38, 795 complete experimental projects. Such cards may (1938j.l contain samples of materials prepared by pupils, 8. Testing strength of bleaching solutions and hytogether with appropriate explanations and photodrogen peroxide. graphs. [Ibid., 6,1525 (1929).] 9. Thinning and adding driers to paints. Inks and Ink Remmers. Laboratory testing and Patent Medicines. Analysis, evaluation, and duplication of a number of widely used proprietary medicines. preparation of various types of inks and ink rePerfumes. Isolation of essential oils from plants and movers. laboratory preparation of synthetic perfume mateInspection Trips. Send or take pupils on inspection rials, floral perfumes, bouquets, and toilet waters. trips t o the chemical plants or laboratories in the [Ind.Eng. Chnn.,14,359 (1922); Sci. and Inaention, vicinity of the school for the purpose of interviewing 18, 130 (1930); Perfumery Essent. Oil Record, 34, 333 scientists a t work. Prepare them for such trips by the necessary classroom instruction. Also require (1943).] them to fill out reports similar to the one given below Photochemistry. Principles of blue printing and photography, coloring photographs, color photography, inin connection with each visit. Correspondence with frared photography, experimenting with developers, some of the scientists in the various chemical laborarecovering silver from hypo, printing on textiles, tories may be conveniently substituted for inspecglass, etc. tion trips. [Sci. Observer, 3, 13, 18 (May, 1941).] Plant Chemistry. Experimental study of such probREPORT OP INSPECTION TRIP NO. lems as: Name of Plant or Laboratory Visited.. ...................... 1. Transpiration and osmosis in plants. Lacation .................................................. 2. Hydroponics. [Sci. Obsmer, 1, 7 (July-Aug., Dateofvisit .............................................. 1939); 1, 3 (Dec., 1939); Chem. LeafEet, 16, QUESTIONNAIRE 168 (Oct., 1942).] 3. Use of chemicals in promoting plant growth and 1. What is the nature of the scientific work being carried on io hastening the rooting of cuttings. [U. S. Dept. this laboratory? 2. m a t did you learn from the scientists you met during your of Agriculture Miscellaneous Publication No. visit? 495).] 3. What was their attitude toward your requests for informa4. Effects of gases on seedlings. [J. CHEM.EDUC., tion? 4. Describe in detail an; experiments you observed in progress. 9,1103 (1932).] 5. Can you duplicate any of these experiments in the laboratory? 5. Effect of light of various wave lengths on plants. 6. Did this trip suggest any investigations that you would like 6. Comparison of microbial fermentations. [Chemto carry out in the laboratory? If so, what apparatus and ist Analyst, 32,33 (May, 1943).] materials would you need? Plastics U. CHEM.EDUC.,15, 43 (1938); Sci. Obser-Laboratory County-Fair Examination. Prepare an exver, 3, 17 (June, 1941). hibit consisting of three or four booths in which Play-writing Contest. Stage a playwriting contest selected pupils perform experiments designed to among the pupils and have the best plays produced and acted by the pupils. [Sci. Leaflet, 14,26 (April, illustrate the right and wrong way in laboratory procedure and, in so doing, use faulty techniques. 1942).] Have the class pass by the various exhibits in small Soil Chemistry. groups and spend a specified amount of time a t each 1. Elementary soil analysis. booth, noting the errors they observe. The in2. Interpretation of soil tests. structor then takes the groups past the exhibits and 3. Determination of soil conditions necessary for points out the errors which should have been obgood plant growth. served. 4. Determination of lime needs of soil. Liquefaction of Gases and Principles of Refrigeration. 5. Preparation and application of chemical ferU.CHEM.E D U C . , ' 79 ~ ~(1941); , 18,394 (1941).] tilizers. Metals and Alloys. Student Cmnmittee on Teaching Aids. Assign a group properties of metals and alloys. of pupils to assist the teacher with the preparation, (a) Action of heat and air. collection, and use of teaching aids and devices ( b ) Corrosive action of acids, bases, salt related to the simplified and visual presentation solutions, and vapors. of chemistry, such as: Analysis of alloys. 1. Flash cards, valence blocks, atomic and molecular Systematic qualitative analysis for cations. models, and chemical games. [Sch. Sci. Cutting designs in metals with acid. [Sch. Sci. Math., 42,853 (1942).] Math., 38, 450 (1938). 2. Lantern and color slides. U. CHEM.EDUC.,16, Cleaning metals and alloys. 308 (1939); 17,462 (1940); Educational Screen, Testing and prevention of corrosion. U.&EM. 16,39, 53 (1937).] EDUC.,10, 297 (1933).] 3. Motion pictures and film strips. [Sch. Sci.
Math., 36, 356 (1936); Educational Screen, 16, Surface Chemistry. Measurements of surface and interfacial tension, preparation and properties of surface 149 (1937).1 ,. films, and wetting phenomena. U. CHEM.EDUC., 4. Charts, graphs, drawings, scrap books and scrap 14, 591 (1937); 20, 38 (1943); Sch. Sci. Math., 38, files, and displays. 645 (1938).] 5. Display cases. [J. CHEM. EDUC., 15, 219 (1938).] Textile Chemistry. 6. Projection apparatus. 1. Textile testing. Supplementary Laboratory Practice. (a) Microscopic. 1. Care of water in small swimming pools. U. (b) Chemical. CHEM.EDUC.,13, 576 (1936).] 2. Chemical treatment of fabrics. 2 . Fundamental glassworking operations. (a) Application of metallic coatings. 3. Principles of separation. (b) Bleaching and staining. (a) Crystallization. [Ibid., 7,2170 (1930); 9, (c) Dyes and dyeing. [Sci. Observer, 3 , 13 1453 (1932).] (July, 1941); Sci. Leaflet, 10, 31 (Jan., (b) Distillation. 1937); J. CHEM.EDUC.,17,330 (1940); (c) Extraction. Sci. and Invention, 18, 814 (Jan., 1931).] 4. Purification of mercury. [Rm.Sci. Instruments, (d) Flameproofing fabrics. [Du Pont Maga13, 502 (1942).] sine, 4-5 (March, 1942).] 5. Repair and construction of apparatus. U. (e) Mothproofing. CHEM.EDUC.,17,341 (1940).] ( f ) Mildewproofing. 6. Use of improvised apparatus and equipment. ( g ) Shrinkproofing. [Ibid., 13, 577 (1936); Sch. Sci. Math., 36, 39 ( h ) Waterproofing and stainproofing. (1936).]
