Reading a Triple Beam Balance
By Jill Crowder
Students identify the parts of a triple beam balance and practice measuring the mass of objects.
Measuring Volume Using a Graduated Cylinder
Learners view an explanation of how to read a graduated cylinder by measuring the lowest portion of the meniscus. A quiz completes the activity.
The Formation of Ester Bonds in the Synthesis of Lipids
By Richard Wilkosz
In this animated object, learners examine the formation of ester bonds in the synthesis of lipids using triglyceride biosynthesis as an example. Ester bond formation is described as a dehydration synthesis reaction.
Naming Binary Ionic Compounds Containing Fixed Oxidation State Cations (Screencast)
By Debbie McClinton, Dr. Miriam Douglass, Dr. Martin McClinton
Learners examine a table containing the names of common cations and anions.
Intermolecular Forces
In this well-illustrated activity, learners examine the three types of intermolecular forces: dipole-dipole forces, London or Van der Waals forces, and the hydrogen bond. Two interactive questions are included.
Lewis Dot Structures of Covalent Compounds
By Dr. Miriam Douglass, Dr. Martin McClinton
In this interactive and animated object, students distribute the valence electrons in simple covalent molecules with one central atom. Six rules are followed to show the bonding and nonbonding electrons in Lewis dot structures. The process is well illustrated with eight worked examples and two interactive practice problems.
Science Lab Equipment - Pt 1 (Screencast)
By Bruce Bell
In this screencast we are introduced to the lab equipment used to contain and dispense chemicals.
Acids & Bases
By Jill Larson
Students read different definitions of "acids" and "bases." In an interactive exercise, they identify if a substance is an acid or a base.
The Mole and Avogadro's Number
Learners examine how chemists use moles to "count" atoms by weight. Examples are given.
Types of Elements in the Periodic Table and Their Properties (Screencast)
By Debbie McClinton, Dr. Martin McClinton
In this screencast, we review the positions of metals, metalloids, and nonmetals in the Periodic Table and the general characteristics of each.
Energy in Chemical Reactions
By Dr. Miriam Douglass
In this animated and interactive object, learners examine kinetic and potential energy as well as the first law of thermodynamics and the flow of energy between a system and its surroundings. Students also answer questions about exothermic and endothermic reactions
Learning the Elements of the Periodic Table by Name or Symbol
By Mona Wenrich
Students practice identifying common elements from the periodic table by name or symbol.
Chemical Formulas
Students read an explanation of chemical formulas in this animated activity. A quiz completes the object.
Phase Transitions
Learners examine how melting, vaporization, and sublimation require energy input while freezing and condensation release energy.
Peptide Bond Formation
In this animated object, learners examine the formation of peptide bonds through dehydration synthesis.
Phase Diagrams
Learners examine phase diagrams that show the phases of solid, liquid, and gas as well as the triple point and critical point.
Covalent Bonds
In this animated object, students examine what happens when electrons share molecules.
Changes in Our World: Chemical and Physical (Screencast)
By Deb Simonson
In this screencast, learners examine the kinds of physical and chemical changes that occur in substances.
Calculation of Atomic Weight from Isotopic Composition
Learners examine the method for calculating the atomic weight of copper from the natural percent composition of each of its two isotopes.
Vapor Pressure
Vapor pressure is the pressure exerted by molecules in the gas phase in equilibrium with a liquid or a solid. Two examples are used to illustrate vapor pressure: the drying of clothes and the evaporation of ice.
Introduction to Safety in the Chemistry Lab (Video)
Learners read about lab equipment and basic safety measures. In a quiz, they view photos and determine if the lab technicians pictured are using safe practices.
Atomic Symbols, Atomic Numbers, and Mass Numbers
Learners read definitions of atomic symbols, atomic numbers, and mass numbers and then answer questions about the number of neutrons, protons, and electrons in select elements.
Atomic Structure and Ionic Bonding
In this animated object, learners examine the chemistry behind table salt.
Oxidation-Reduction Reactions
Learners examine the meaning of oxidation, reduction, and half-reaction, and watch a film showing the deposition of copper metal from the reduction of copper (II) ion by aluminum. A brief quiz completes the activity.
Measuring Gas Pressure
Learners convert units used to designate pressure. Units for pressure are atm, mm Hg, torr, and pascal.