Australia's Science Forum

I was told, for the reason Robb raises, that we must have hard copies of all MSDSs in Science AND also in the clinic.

What confusion!

Robbie

I always understood it was the duty of the teachers to do RAs as they are the ones using the equipment and chemicals in the lab. I thought it was the labbies' responsibility to supply the relevant MSDS with the chemicals, but up to the teachers to do the RAs. ??? I'm confused by the differing unders...

I mentioned a while ago using gelatine. However, I use it as a substitute for peptone not as a substitute for agar. (We have plenty of gelatine and peptone is expensive.) Both are used as a source of protein. I don't think gelatine would be a good substitute for agar because gelatine needs refrigera...

I have definitely found a big difference in the colour depending on when you add the NaOH. Add it after the agar cools below 60 deg and no need to put it in the frig. It should be fine then.

Robbie

If you have any problem with fading - make sure you cool the agar to below 60 deg C before adding the NaOH and phenolphthalein. We don't have anything as smart as dropper bottle trays so I have used 3 litre ice cream containers. These also have sharp edges. We invert the block onto a large flat whit...

I will try to attach the recipe and instructions for making a Super Ball - a silicone elastomer - using sodium silicate and ethanol. I have deleted the photos to make the file small enough to be accepted as an attachment, so there is no need to fax it. Hope you find this useful, our Year 12 Chem stu...

Must have been designed by a male, thinkest thou...

Robbie

Thank you all for your suggestions and help! I eventually found a small amount of sodium silicate solution which Year 12 Chem students used. The recipe we use is ethanol and sodium silicate solution using a plastic cup, paddle pop stick and measuring cylinder. You can also add a drop or two of food ...

No, we don't have any waterglass left - that is the problem!! It is needed to make bouncy balls.

Robbie

Hi there, It's so long since I posted anything almost forget how. Our senior chem teacher has asked for sodium silicate solution for tomorrow. I only have sodium silicate, anhydrous. Can I use this to make a solution and, if so, any idea of the quantities needed? The anhydrous stuff has been sitting...

Welcome back everyone and wow it's winter this week after last week's heat wave! We are having five labs and one prep room upgraded in July so I would very much appreciate any comments also. Look forward to hearing from you. We have heaps of storage space in all the present labs and never have to lo...

Hi Rhonda,

Thanks. Do you have a contact number for Margaret Dollar?

Robbie

Thanks Lou and Sassi for your kind thoughts.
Sassi, Asquith is the next suburb north of Hornsby - not all that close to the northern beaches.

Kind regards,
Robbie

Hi everyone, I have been on leave for the last two months caring for my husband who had a major heart attack. I will still be at home for a few more weeks. The school has had great trouble trying to find someone to fill in. At best they have had a labbie for one or two days a week. If you are able t...

Our school is billetting 60 pilgrims to World Youth Day in our school hall during the second week of the holidays. I understand many other schools in Sydney are also providing similar accommodation to the visitors. A week without rain would be very welcome...

Have a great holiday everyone!

Hi Rita, I have never heard of copper sulfate being banned, in fact, it is used widely with junior classes to grow crystals because of the beautiful colour. However, make sure staff and students wear safety glasses/goggles as a splash in the eye can be painful. Also, wash your hands thoroughly after...

I cannot locate the posts in this topic so I don't know who it was who asked for info on risk assessments??????? I am attaching (I hope) two files! One on the risk assessment information that Phillip Crisp gave at the conference and the other a sample risk assessment he gave. (Help! What happens to ...

Greetings Noona,

I don't have time right now, however, tonight I will try to send you some info about risk assessments and a copy of the example which was given to us at the conference. I will try to send it as an attachment. (Haven't done one of these yet!!)

Robbie

All the very best Robb!!

Robbie

Yes, I use the same amount of gelatine that I used for peptone.
Haven't had any problems using it.

Robbie