How Do Plants Survive in the Desert?
STEM Explained
Plants need to exchange gases and water with their environment as part of photosynthesis. Some plant cells have evolved specifically for this purpose.
What is Acid Rain?
STEM Explained
Acid rain is any precipitation that has an unusually low pH. It can be rain, snow, fog, etc. But what is a low pH and why is this a problem?
Fueling Internal Combustion Engines
Backgrounders
Learn about the wide variety of fuels used in vehicles.
How can chemistry help you take care of your teeth?
STEM Explained
What are your teeth made up of? What chemistry is at work in your mouth? Why do some people get cavities even if they brush regularly?
Why do leaves change colour in the fall?
Hands-on Activities
How do the green leaves of summer change to vibrant colours in fall? Explore plant pigments in this chromatography activity.
What is Ocean Warming and Why Does It Matter?
STEM Explained
Oceans absorb the greatest amount of solar radiation on Earth. Ocean warming can lead to glaciers melting and ocean acidification.
What are curds and whey?
Hands-on Activities
It starts with curds and whey! Explore the basic chemistry behind making cheese in this hands on activity.
What are Greenhouse Gases?
Backgrounders
This backgrounder explains what greenhouse gases are and how they contribute to climate change.
What are the effects of acid rain on rocks?
Hands-on Activities
Learn about the chemical reaction that happens between acid rain and limestone.
What happens when acids and bases mix?
Hands-on Activities
Learn about acid-base reactions. Make you own pH indicator and test it with different solutions.
The Chemistry of Lipstick
STEM Explained
Learn about the organic compounds that make up lipstick as well as about some of the chemistry that goes into this popular cosmetic.
Is there a difference between baking powder and baking soda?
Hands-on Activities
Explore acid-base chemical reactions that really get things bubbling in the kitchen!
The History and Uses of Hydrogen
STEM Explained
Hydrogen’s tendency towards combustion is what makes it both a dangerous chemical element and a useful energy source.
How can I stop bananas from turning brown?
Hands-on Activities
Explore the chemistry behind why bananas turn brown. Can chemistry also help prevent this?
How can I write secret messages?
Hands-on Activities
Learn how you can write and reveal secret messages in this hands-on chemistry activity.