Australia's Science Forum

I do propanol - alphabetically in the flammable cupboard-1 then 2 and agar - normal then nutrient - in the inert chemicals.

Froth Flotation Sets measuring cylinder, sand, red lead, water, kerosene, tight fitting rubber stopper, electrical tape to seal the measuring cylinder. Mix 2 cms sand and 1 teaspoon of red lead and put into the measuring cylinder. add water carefully up to the 80 mL mark put about 2 cm of kerosene o...

Looks like an old froth flotation experiment. If it is then it is red lead.

We've got the Hot Wheels toy radar gun that they use in Physics. I don't know how precise it is but it's good enough for producing a speed for a student running or a passing car so they can do their equations. I imagine that as it is a toy it will be safe.

You need a SDS for everything you buy in. If you buy in 1M HCl then you need the SDS. If you make it up yourself from concentrated HCl then you don't. Same with bromine water.

Just as a side issue - don't they use potassium permanganate at the beach to show where rips are?

Are you sure it was PVA - polyvinyl acetate- glue and not PVA - polyvinyl alcohol - which is a clear liquid we have used to slime?

You should know that because TAFE courses are soooo expensive Science Assistants don't have to do any courses now. This was from the WHS consultant. All training is on-the-job with Head Teacher and using CSIS. I've decided that the first course I want to do for my PDP is one on mind-reading or ESP. ...

I agree Labbie. I follow CSIS and do stock items that I purchase in. If I buy bromine water then I stocktake this. If I make it up from ampoules then only the ampoules are done.

We use them for differences in temperatures of different surfaces outside - concrete, timber, metal, etc. We don't use them inside very much.

Yabbies are mostly vegetarian. I feed mine yabbie food, cooked beans, cooked peas, and other cooked vegetables - pumpkin, carrot, broccoli - but remove anything not eaten after 5 minutes. I also give a worm or piece of fine chicken slice once a week. They love to hide so have something they can shel...

I put the mini for each chemical in with the experiment and they are used by the students to read the safety information on the chemicals they are using.

Thanks bigmack

Does anyone have a physics experiment that demonstrates how an induction motor works?

I'd love a copy please ann.norsworthy@det.nsw.edu.au

I use sodium carbonate, stand to precipitate, then decant the solution and wrap the solid and bin it.

I thought it was WA and NT that hadn't signed up.

I was told during my chemistry TAFE course that the minimum legal requirement was to keep a diary with the experiments ordered. I buy a diary with Science funds each year and I write the teacher's name, the class and the equipment and chemicals, etc that have been ordered on the date it is being con...

We use digital multimeters all the time. When the ammeter is not working it's usually because the fuse inside has blown. Just replace the fuse and all is OK again. I get a lot of use out of the batteries - only had to change them once in 5 years.

Mixing methylated spirits with water, soaking a handkerchief or cloth and then setting it alight. They are always amazed that the cloth doesn't burn.