Strand C: Organic Chemistry

Insects and other animals that are pollinators of plants play an important role in ecosystems.

If I asked you to name a few things that all life on the planet couldn’t live without you could probably come up with some good answers, but I bet you’d never think to say dirt.

Alkaloids are found in some of the most addictive substances that humans consume. What are alkaloids, and how do they cause addiction?

Learn about the potential of algae as a material for making biofuel.

When deceased whales wash up on shore, people fear they might explode. Gas laws, decomposition reactions and organic chemistry can help us understand this fear.

Has your fresh juicy apple turned an unsightly brown? Learn about the redox reaction behind the transformation.

Learn about the wide variety of fuels used in vehicles.

Why does drinking too much alcohol make people feel so bad? Read about four theories.

Biofuels like ethanol might help fight climate change. But they can contribute to food insecurity and greenhouse gases in ways that might surprise you.

Learn about the organic compounds that make up lipstick as well as about some of the chemistry that goes into this popular cosmetic.

Every time you wash your hands with soap, there are complex chemical reactions taking place.

Learn the organic chemistry behind this very useful plastic. Why is recycling polystyrene hard? Why does polystyrene often end up as solid waste?

Learn about the biochemistry of cooking meringue.

Learn how e-cigarettes and other vaping products work, and why scientists and health professionals have concerns about their safety.