Polyhedral Model Kit Video Lab Manual (Jmol)
Description
Some interactive Jmol models of some common crystal systems and some geological systems.
Identifying residual solvents
Description
Identifying residual solvents is important in helping students to interpret their NMR spectra and in the preparation of elemental analysis samples. I have found the NMR work of Gottlieb and Nudelman to be valuable in my research and the teaching lab. The tabular data for many residual solvents in common NMR solvents for both proton and carbon spectra has been extremely valuable. Interpreting an NMR spectrum containing a residual solvent becomes easier when the chemical shifts and multiplicity for the solvent are known.
Housecroft and Sharpe: Inorganic Chemistry, 3ed
Description
Housecroft and Sharpe (Inorganic Chemistry, 3ed): This is a comprehensive inorganic textbook designed primarily for students at the Junior/Senior level. P-Chem would not be needed as a prerequisite for this text, but would be helpful. It includes both theoretical and descriptive material along with special topics, enough for a two semester course though it is easily adaptable to a one-semester "advanced inorganic" course by choosing only some topics. It is written in a clear and generally readable style and the full-color graphic contribute to student understanding.
Smelting with Thag and Friends
Description
This is just a little worksheet that I use in a General Chemistry course to teach Gibbs Free Energy calculations and the idea of a coupled reaction, while foreshadowing ideas from metallurgy and electrochemistry (sacrificial reductants, entropy-driven smelting, fuels as reductants) for the end of the course when I generally address these.
Nobel Prizes
Description
This is a list of Nobel Prizes that in my opinion were either in Inorganic Chemistry or in an area that has impacted Inorganic Chemistry. I pass this out to students on the first day of class when we are talking very generally about what inorganic chemistry is all about. This could be extended into a longer discussion at this point or at a later point on one or more of the prizes. For example, later in the semester I have them read the Nobel Prize address of Alfred Werner. This helps to inform their lab work and introduces coordination chemistry, which we have not yet discussed in lectu
copper ammonia complexes
Description
The reaction chemistry of aqueous copper(II) ions with ammonia is commonly used in both general chemistry and inorganic chemistry texts to illustrate the equilibria of complex ions in solution. Although the system initially seems simple, further analysis of the chemical species involved shows that it is in fact quite complicated. First of all, ammonia is a weak base and its basic equilibrium reaction must be taken into account. Second, although the aquated copper(II) ion is the most prevalent ion in solution before ammonia is added, this species is itself a weak acid. Third, a series of
Personal Radiation Dose
Description
I mostly use this exercise as a "see, most of your radiation does is NOT from nuclear plants." I have used this in both General Chemistry and Inorganic Chemistry when doing a nuclear chemistry or energy production unit.
In Lewis' Own Words
Description
This is G. N.
Fun with Mercury
Description
Simply take a large dish, and fill it with liquid mercury. Float things on the mercury. Rocks, iron nails, witches, lead shot, you name it. It's best to start with the least ridiculously dense things, and build up to lead shot.
WARNING: Mercury is way bad for you, kids. Use appropriate caution.
Descriptive Chemical Jeopardy
Description
Students assigned a portion of the periodic table. Generally, a student is given a column of the main group, but this can easily be varied, depending on the size of the class.