Chemistry Lab Camp Day 8 and 9

We finished 7 of the 14 sections of the CK01A Standard/Honors Home School Chemistry Laboratory Kit by Home Scientist LLC.  We spent 9 (five hour) class days to cover the material with 12 high school homeschooled students.  We could have covered more material, but we took our time so that the students understood the material and carefully documented the procedures and results.

Here's what we covered:

1. Introduction
     Getting Started
     Kit Contents
     Materials You Provide
     Where to Work
     Laboratory Safety
     Final Words

2. Keeping a Lab Notebook

Topic I. Separating Mixtures
     Session I-1: Recrystallization
     Session I-2: Chromatography
     Session I-3: Solvent Extraction
     Session I-4: Salting Out

Topic II. Solubility and Solutions
     Session II-1: Solubility as a Function of Temperature
     Session II-2: Conductance of Ionic and Molecular Solutes
     Session II-3: Colligative Properties of Solutions: Boiling Point
                        Elevation and Freezing Point Depression

Topic III. Chemical Reactions and Stoichiometry
     Session III-1: Observe a Composition Reaction
     Session III-2: Observe a Decomposition Reaction
     Session III-3: Observe a Single Replacement Reaction
     Session III-4: Observe Double Replacement Reactions
     Session III-5: Stoichiometry of Double Displacement Reactions

Topic IV. Reduction-Oxidation (Redox) Reactions
     Session IV-1: Observe Oxidation States of Manganese

Topic V. Acid-Base Chemistry
     Session V-1: Determine the Effect of Concentration on pH
                        and the pH Range of Indicators
     Session V-2: Determine the Molarity of Vinegar by Titration

Topic VI. Chemical Kinetics
     Session VI-1: Determining the Effect of Temperature, Concentration,
                         and Surface Area on Reaction Rates
     Session VI-2: Determining the Effect of a Catalyst on Reaction Rate
     Session VI-3: Determining a Reaction Order

Topic XIV. Synthetic Chemistry
     Session XIV-1. Synthesize Esters


We liked the kit and are disappointed that we couldn't finish it this summer.  We are hopping to repeat our Chem Lab Camp next summer.



There are a few elements that have made this Do-It-Yourself Chemistry Lab Camp such a success.


1) We started with a good science kit.


2) We found a master teacher who is knowledgeable and excited about the material.


3) We had a good class size and kit-to-student ration.  (12 students with a complete kit for each 2 students to share plus a kit for the teacher)

4) We rotate lab partners every section.


5) Our classroom (my garage) has easy access to a laundry sink, an ice-maker, and enough electric outlets.  We did blow quite a few fuses, but with extension cords running to plugs on different circuits, things have worked out. 


6). We bought a hotplate (6) for each lab partnership.  Luckily, they were on sale at Walgreen's for $12 each.


7) The students were all good kids who were eager to learn.