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Experiments

Methyl Cellulose

30/04/2025

Method 1: 3% aqueous Methyl cellulose: 1. Heat 100ml of DI water to 85°C 2. Shake 3g of Methyl Cellulose powder into the hot water and stir rapidly while cooling the solution to 5°C in an ice bath 3. Solution is stable at room temperature but store in tightly closed containers. 4. Use it to…

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Golden Rain

30/04/2025

This link looks very good and should ensure excellent results. https://chemistrytalk.org/lead-iodide-reaction/#:~:text=Lead%20Nitrate%20%2B%20Potassium%20Iodide,makes%20a%20great%20chemistry%20demonstration. The initial precipitate is very fine and doesn’t glitter at all. You need to heat the solution until the lead iodide dissolves, then watch as the larger, glittery crystals form. NB Lead compounds should be recycled for use later in the same experiment, or…

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Corrosion of iron

30/04/2025

We find the Bullet Head nails from bunnings work well You could get 3, 4 or 5mm diameter mild steel round bar from a steel supplier very cheap – this is a softer iron alloy so it will rust more readily Black rod ties, for rebar etc. Although it seems completely contrary to what should…

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Chromatography

30/04/2025

Below are the recommendations everyone sent through and some images I found particularly helpful for our forensic students. Markers: • Faber Castell Connector Pens • Bic Intensity Dual Tip • Artline stamp pad ink. • Parker’s Quink Ink • Ecoline • Black food colouring • Artline 200 Fine 0.4, Black • Artline 210 Medium 0.6,…

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Cell Size Investigation

30/04/2025

A prac from Southern Biological using Bromothymol blue https://www.southernbiological.com/agar-cube-cell-size/

Safety Advice with Regards to Hydrogen Balloons

10/07/2024

Excerpt from the “Banned and Restricted” List Hydrogen balloon Restricted to a small balloon inflated < 200mm. Highly flammable and extremely loud noise. Can cause burns from molten rubber, fire and damage to ear drums.  Highly flammable 2.1 Use helium balloons as they are better quality Teacher demo only Balloon diameter below 20 cm. Check…

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Agar Diffusion Practical suggestions (collated)

20/11/2023

Dabco trays (see below), work well because of the use of the divider. Dabco Unitray with insert – Haines Educational Use Dabco trays as a mould for the agar and then just cut it into size. Use bromothymol blue and vinegar. I can send you the practical sheet and tech notes. Unitrays with the divider…

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Earth Science Experiments for Y8

20/11/2023

https://ausearthed.com.au/wa/ https://populationeducation.org/sites/default/files/mining-for-chocolate.pdf https://www.teachengineering.org/activities/view/ncs-2031-cookie-mining-cost-benefit-analysis-analysis-profit https://www.earthsciweek.org/classroom-activities/chocolate-rock-cycle

Saliva substitute:

26/10/2016

Use 1-3% diatase, which is free from reducing sugars,or 1% bacterial amylase. These chemicals are available from Southern Biological.

Incubator alternatives:

26/10/2016

Here are tips for growing cultures without an incubator or a warm place such as a hot water system. Use a 40w incandescent globe, still available from Kmart and Big W but not Bunnings. Place petri dishes side by side and cover them with black plastic (bin liner). To keep a check on the temperature,…

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