Australia's Science Forum

We get that kit every year and it usually goes well. All necessary equipment and instructions included.

There are ways to treat copper sulfate to make it safe for disposal. One I've heard mentioned is putting steel wool in it, although I haven't yet tried it myself. There's a recommendation for this on Science Assist:
https://assist.asta.edu.au/question/431 ... id=3be8dee

Hi Purple, RiskAssess labels Tollens' reagent as an 11-12 only chemical, due to it being highly corrosive to skin and eyes, not to mention the potential for explosive byproducts. I would not let year 7 or 9 run this experiment, we've only ever done it with year 11. As for a recipe, I've tried a few ...

I am wondering about this too, I am sometimes asked for large crystals. I will try looking in chemists but J, can you tell me where you found them?

Thanks Harvey, that's fantastic!

I've got a Nanoheat hot plate as well, and also find it baffling to operate. I don't know where my manual is either. You could try emailing the company that makes them perhaps? Their website: http://www.ames.hk/en

Our students have their own glasses labelled, and stored in A4 paper boxes by class in a central location (the prep room). When teachers need glasses for a prac they take their class box along with their prac equipment. Kids then fish their own glasses out of the box.

Sorry for your loss Sue.

Can I ask what price you consider reasonable? I found myself in a similar position quite recently, and found an alternative from one of my regular suppliers. The price was $55 for 100.

Hmm how about we extend it to a month? Two months perhaps?

This time of year would work well for me as students have exams and teachers have reports, so I'm not too busy. This means whatever happens I'd have the time to appreciate it.

I had a teacher who wanted to do this recently. He figured he'd do it outside, if the students stand back a bit then everything will be fine right? He saw sense when he realised the reaction produces sulfur dioxide gas, and delayed it until he was in a lab with a fume hood. EDIT: haha Mardi, was wri...

Farewell, Narelle. Thank you especially for your part in running the SLAMN conferences, I have so enjoyed them when I've been able to go. Very important for labbies to feel supported in that way.

Can any Chemtalkers make any recommendations for hotels for the conference? I missed last year, so I need reminding of what people think is a good place to stay.

I suggest changing the locks on the chemical storeroom :p

You're right Lyn but in my experience that name (while technically correct) causes confusion with potassium iodide solution. Luckily RiskAssess labels now give you the ability to customise the name that is displayed; after you select potassium triiodide you can edit the "name in label" fie...

What about those long-handled bottle brushes? They might work, especially if you bend them a bit at the end.

Here's the link for those interested
https://assist.asta.edu.au/resource/419 ... -edition-1

We just have one Year 11 Biology class doing this, and they punch the leaf holes out themselves. That might not be feasible depending on the age group and numbers, I suppose. We use spinach or silverbeet leaves.

That sounds like a safety issue. A few years back our extractor fan broke down and chemical fumes filled the room. The main problem was organic solvents in the flammables cabinet, which can sometimes smell sweet. My offsider had to go home early, as she couldn't work in those conditions. Might be wo...

Our yr 11 and 12 chemistry and biology students buy individual lab coats for themselves from the uniform shop, and use them often. They take the coats with them when they leave the school. Other years have communal lab coats in the labs, and/or disposable aprons, but rarely use them. My washing regi...