To reinforce learning in the chemistry setting, research is being conducted to develop innovative, in-hand, classroom demonstrations. The research being conducted is developing innovative ways to reinforce fundamental principles in a classroom setting, while appealing to kinesthetic learners; i.e. learners that are often at a disadvantage by learning through passively observing.  The goal of this research is to develop new tools to teach chemical reactions, utilizing the reaction between sodium bicarbonate and vinegar to illustrate the conservation of mass, by altering the ratio of reactants and subsequently measuring the volume of carbon dioxide produced.  The experiment builds upon fundamental concepts such as the stoichiometry and the limiting reagent of the reaction and further graduates to the ideal gas law to aid in the determination of the final volume of carbon dioxide produced by the reaction.  Through said principles, the volume obtained for each manipulation of the reactant concentration, 1:1, 1:2 and 2:1, will yield the same volume of carbon dioxide produced; therefore, illustrating the conversation of mass.  The experiment can be carried out in a small window of time with household items, i.e. baking soda and vinegar, and does not require that it be performed within a laboratory setting.  Consequently, making it advantageous as it allows for the solidification of important principles through household items; therefore, making it an inexpensive way to build the foundation of basic chemical principles.<br/> <br/>

Safe and cost effective teaching experiments for personalized learning in college-level chemistry

254th National Meeting (2017)

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