Australia's Science Forum

Well I know it exists on this site, but here it is again. I didn't write it but I have used it and it's great! PINK/PHENOLPHTHALEIN AGAR BLOCKS For 1 block (10 dropper tray, divider removed) 14.4g agar 480ml water 24ml 1M NaOH 4.8 ml phenolphthalein Put agar in beaker, add water and magnetic stirrer...

You win!

Wow. Old school. What's he trying to do?

Well check all the chat about a batch of agar not setting. It might be that!

Its part of the new Australian Curriculum, and belongs in the understanding cells part of their learning. I used the PERFECT recipe from this site, and pre-cut the cubes so that no-one was playing with blades. BTW, if you save all those offcuts, and melt them carefully, then this agar is re-usable u...

My father did his PhD on plants that move, so I grew up with all the windowsills in the house covered with various contraptions. Can you post a photo?

Well, definitely cheaper & easier your way.

Oh..OK..I thought that it becomes denatured after use, coz it loses it's ions, so then it has to be chucked because it won't give an accurate reading for the next kid. That's what the chem teachers told me this morning!

We give ours target voltages and they have to work out the dilutions etc.

Thanks Rae, will give that a try!

We we are doing Galvanic cells. I have seen it work with other metals - Mg, Al etc. I think the problem here is that the teacher thought "Hey, I'll add in another metal!" but it seems to be physically not possible to make a 1M solution of that metal ion.

Since most of what I do is in response to a specific experiment request, I just list/acknowledge the hazards associated with preparation for that specific experiment. For example if I have to use Conc. HCl then I'd make a comment, and list what PPE I'll be using. Only time I'd do a RA just for what ...

I've been asked to make a 1M ferric solution, for use with galvanic cells. I tried Ferric chloride, and it is simply not possible to dissolve that much powder!

Any suggestions? Is it even possible to make a 1M Ferric solution? Help.

Be REALLY careful of referring to it as the ManDingo experiment Far far far from PC these days.

And yes, we always did it in a fume cupboard too. The beaker isn't always easy to clean after either, although Napisan works.

We bought Vernier from Scientrific. Their after service has been faultless, and the data loggers are what we needed. I am gradually adding to my repertoire of probes each year. As our students all have a laptop, if we bought the LoggerPro software, and our Seniors have it loaded onto their computers...

Just another BTW...What's wrong with good old Potash Alum in test-tubes? We do an experiment where kids make a solution of Potash, pour it into 3 large test tubes, which are then placed into disposable coffee cups - the corrugated cardboard type. One is packed with ice, one with cotton wool, and one...

Just as a "by the way"...could you place those watch glasses on a hotplate instead? Presuming you were going to do it with Salol?

I recently did this prac using a peppercorn broth recipe that I got from this site, and little hole-punched discs soaked in things like dettol, tea-tree oil, commercial disinfectant etc. Worked fabulously, and the exclusion zones were really clear. Peppercorn broth is easy to make, and has less dram...

What's hilarious is that the European guys are conducting this experiment - apparently - in their lounge room!!

Hi Guys, I was sent this Snicker Bar Geology prac and it's not bad. Yes, yes, I know all about peanuts in schools, but maybe try the almonds variety or something similar. Basically it is a really good application of the difference between sedimentary & metamorphic rocks. All the ingredients of a...

Definitely agree with David. We have lovely new labs and nowhere to hang posters. All sleek lines and no concept that these are supposed to be learning environments.