Strand C: Chemicals in Consumer Products

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?

Explore acid-base chemical reactions that really get things bubbling in the kitchen!

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

Ethanol is a biofuel that can power a car. Learn about the enzymes, catalysts and processes like fermentation involved in ethanol production.

Hydrogen’s tendency towards combustion is what makes it both a dangerous chemical element and a useful energy source.

Discover how to use some common kitchen ingredients to make glue.

Explore the chemistry behind why bananas turn brown. Can chemistry also help prevent this?

Learn how you can write and reveal secret messages in this hands-on chemistry activity.

Get your popcorn kernels dancing with this uplifting chemical reaction.

You can make your own terrarium for growing plants!

How do plants use scents? Learn how some plants use chemical signals to send messages to animals or other plants.

Learn how to make a pH indicator and test water samples.

Create a model of an erupting volcano and learn about the structures of a stratovolcano in this hands-on activity.

Panic attacks are scary and they upset your body’s chemical equilibrium. Learn what happens to acids & bases in your circulatory system during a panic attack.