Shopping List for Unit 8
How many of these items do you already have? We’ve tried to keep it simple for you by making the majority of the items things most people have within reach (both physically and budget-wise), and even have broken down the materials by experiment category so you can decide if those are ones you want to do. Here’s an easy way to decide which materials to get: look over the list, and if the group of materials seems to difficult to obtain, just skip it for now and go onto the next group within the unit. Most items are obtainable from the grocery store and online (links provided below). You do not need to do ALL the experiments – just pick the ones you want to do!
Shopping List for Unit 8: Chemistry Click here for Shopping List for Unit 8.
We’re going to be using real chemicals in this Unit, some of which are corrosive, hazardous, and most are toxic. This Unit is NOT for small children or households with loose pets (so stick Rover outside while you work). As you gather your equipment for this section, please keep ALL chemicals out of reach and sealed until you need them. We’ll show you how to safely store, mix, and clean up your chemicals. You can order all your chemicals from the same supplier (links provided below). We’ll be using this chemistry set for the rest of the year.
Make sure you have goggles and gloves for all experiments, and protect your table (put it near a window for good ventilation) with a thick plastic tablecloth. You’ll be using clear, disposable plastic cups and popsicle sticks to do your experimenting, so grab a box of each to last the entire year.
Acids & Bases
- Red cabbage
- Strainer or colander
- Blender (or stove and sauce pan)
- Liquids/solids to test (OJ, milk, baking soda, etc.)
Bouncy Balls
- Sodium Silicate (from Unit 3)
- Ethyl Alcohol (check your pharmacy)
Best Glowing Slime
- Clear glue
- Yellow highlighter pen
- Chemicals from Chemical Kinetics (see below)
- Optional: UV Fluorescent Black Light
Chemical Kinetics
- Advanced Chemistry Kit All experiments in this unit use chemicals from this kit.
- OPTIONAL: Glassware Set If you don’t already own glassware just for chemistry, we’ve found an inexpensive set you can use all the way through college. (Or use an old set of kitchen glassware.) You’ll need to get denatured alcohol for the burner.
- Note – if you’re going to continue to Unit 15 (Chemistry 2) after this Unit, don’t get the optional glassware set above and instead purchase the C1000 in the Unit 15 Shop List, which includes the glassware you need.
P.S. While you’re at the (online) store, you might want to order a set of lenses with extra double-convex lenses (50mm, 150mm, 300mm, and 500mm) along with a diffraction grating – we’ll be using these in our Unit 9 on Light to build telescopes, microscopes, and an optical bench. Also – if it’s in your budget, pick up a long-wave UV lamp for the optional lesson on fluorescence.
For Grades 9-12:
- Advanced Chemistry Kit All experiments in this unit use chemicals from this kit.
- OPTIONAL: Glassware Set If you don’t already own glassware just for chemistry, we’ve found an inexpensive set you can use all the way through college. You’ll need to get denatured alcohol for the burner.
- Note – if you’re going to continue to Unit 15 (Chemistry 2) after this Unit, don’t get the optional glassware set above and instead purchase the C3000 in the Unit 15 Shop List. The C3000 includes the glassware you need.
Iodine Rainbow
- Iodine (non-clear, non-ammonia)
- Hydrogen peroxide (3% solution)
- Vinegar (distilled white is best)
Turning Copper to Silver to Gold
- Sodium Hydroxide
- Zinc Powder
- Table salt (a few tablespoons)
- Vinegar (about a cup)
- Pennies (minted after 1982)
- Metal Tongs (not included in the glassware set, so pick up a pair)
- Beaker and Burner with Stand (both of these are included in the glassware set mentioned above)
Can I use my kitchen glassware?
NO. Use either disposable plastic cups or glassware specifically designated for chemistry. Lots of chemicals will adhere to the glass and need to be etched off in order to get it ‘clean’ again. Don’t take chances…everything that comes in contact with a chemical – including the measuring spoons – is now part of your chemistry set.
Hi Kim,
I apologize for the delay! The answer is yes and no… the chemicals for the C1000 are not the same as the ones required for Unit 8, but there is some overlap. At the time, we were only planning to do one unit for chemistry (Unit 8 ) so I picked a small, inexpensive chemistry kit for Unit 8. But then they discontinued this small set and it was no longer available for purchase, so I created Unit 15 which used a larger, more widely available chemistry set, and now I understand they brought back the original set for Unit 8… so that’s why things are a little confusing! And now there are TWO versions of the C1000 and C3000, and my team is creating a new set of videos to go with these new sets, which will be posted to Unit 15 as Lessons 3 and 4 very soon.
And yes, the C1000 includes glassware, so only get the C1000 and the chemicals for Unit 8 if you opt to do both. The happy news is that although the C1000 and C3000 contain less materials than their original versions, you will be able to do nearly all the experiments (I think there’s only one chemical you need to find elsewhere) in Unit 15.
The materials for the bouncy balls you can get from the pharmacy – they are considered ‘hazardous materials’ to ship, and the shipping charges are very expensive, which is why you won’t find them included in chemistry sets.
Hi. I am planning on doing Units 8 and 15 with my 10-year-old son. If I get the Thames & Kosmos Chem1000, will that have what I need for both units besides the couple additional things you listed (such as for the bouncy balls)? I saw that you recommended a different chemistry set for Unit 8 and so I was uncertain. Also, I am assuming that Chem1000 would have the glassware I need–am I correct? Also, I saw on Amazon that there is a Chem1000 and a Chem1000 (2011 edition), but I couldn’t find a comparison anywhere–they did look a bit different on the photos (like the 2011 edition might have less pieces)–do you happen to know?
Thank you!
Kim West
If you’d like to do Unit 8 and 15, then yes you do need the chemical kinetics kit. Don’t get the optional glassware, as the C3000 has everything you need. The happy news is that we’re creating a third lesson to Unit 15 that covers more of what you already have with the C3000.
We are newbies and are starting with Unit 8 -Chemistry 1 and then will go on to Unit 15. Just purchased C3000. We also need the advanced chemistry kit too—Correct? Thanks.
Start with Chem 1 as it’s a foundation for Chem 2 and uses the same box of materials (the C3000).
Ok. Which Chemistry should I start with for highschool? Chemistry 1 or advanced Chemistry?
Denise
You might want to start with Chemistry since it’s mostly up (we’re releasing a third level soon). I’d hate to have you work through biology and then have to stop because you’re waiting for us to publish the next unit!
Does that help?
For my highschoolers, should I start with Chemistry Part 1, or just go into Advanced Chemistry?
Unit 16 teaches about cells, would that be good to start for highschool biology?
Thank you,
Denise
Yes, use ethyl or isopropyl where listed – they are two totally different molecules. If you can’t find the right percentages, adjust the amount of water used with each. For example if you need 91% isopropyl and can only find 50%, then omit the water in the experiment and it should come out about right.
Hi! Was out picking up supplies today. Would you believe a local pharmacy carries the sodium silicate!?! Of course I had already ordered online. :\ And forgot to pick up the nitrile smalls. Argh.
I was wondering though… the shopping list links to a 95% Ethyl alcohol but in the stores here I can only find 70%. However, I can find 91% Isopropyl. Does the percentage or the type matter?
Thanks!
Many thanks! I will check out the local med supply and the local drug store (since I’ll need to pick up the alcohol there anyway).
I’m sure I’ll have more questions later.
I get our stash for kids from our local medical supply store. Do you have one of these near you? I use Nitrile Smalls that does not contain latex or powder.
Don’t worry! I am here to help you as go you along. You don’t have to ‘go it alone’…
Hi again!
Do you know of a source for kid sized rubber gloves? Or, will gardening gloves work? (the ones with rubber coated palms) I have a petite 7yo scientist who is chomping at the bit and needs protection for her digits!
Here’s the only thing I’ve found so far but worry they are not robust enough:
http://www.hyatts.com/art/J37616
But we have an old pair of these:
http://www.drillspot.com/products/576210/midwest_quality_gloves_do100t_diego_kids_rubb_glove?s=1
Thanks Aurora! I’m gathering supplies and… I’m terrified. LOL!
Yes – you should have more than enough for two kids. Five would be stretching it.
Hi!
Will chemistry kit will have enough chemicals to do the experiments twice? I’m going to be doing this with 2 kids.
Hi Julie,
Yes, the curriculum for Chemistry are Units 3, 8, and 15 (7 is Astronomy), and is a complete curriculum for Chemistry. If your kids don’t want to do the experiments, that’s totally fine – there is more than enough content for them to focus on without getting their hands in it – there are videos they can watch the experiments being done, audio lectures, text reading, etc that they can do along with asking any questions they want and getting a real answer FAST from our team (of University Chemistry professors!)
Does this help? Remember, each child is going to have their own learning strategy and being able to meet them on their level in their own way is part of the challenge of teaching.
The e-Science program has a lot of overlap in the content, so you won’t have to stress over missing any content if you don’t “do it all”. For example, if you’ve got a more auditory learner, you’ll probably spend most of your time with the teleclasses and videos. Digital students prefer the text downloads and reading about the experiment from the website. Kinesthetic and visual students will prefer watch the videos and build the projects. We all have all four modes, but you’ll find a stronger preference for one of these. You’ll find more information about this in the Parent Resource section.
I would like to do a reasonably complete high school chemistry course with my kids. Do you think e-science would be adequate for this, and which units should be included (my assumption would be Units 3, 7, 8, 15 )? Also, should we be doing all the experiments for this – and if not which ones would be best to focus on? My kids aren’t overly thrilled with experiments thus far…
Also, I’m not really sure how to find the answers when I post like this . I think I’ve missed some in the past.
Thank you.
Julie
Thanks I tried it on another computer and it worked so I guess I do have some odd browser settings.
-Caleb
Hmmm.. that sounds like you have an odd setting in your web browser in your options somewhere. What happens when you open this page on another computer? Note – the shopping list link is the exact same thing as the page itself, just in a printer-friendly format, so if you still have trouble, just print the screen and you’ll have all the right info.
I tried to open the shopping list on my laptop,
but all it did was open around 80 tabs that were blank what should I do?
-Caleb.
Which materials were missing from the shopping list? We want to be sure that each one is complete. Thanks so much for your feedback.
P.S. You’re right – you first want to look over the materials required for the experiments you want to do, and THEN go shopping for what you need. The kit recommended includes items that are harder to find for most folks that want to do ALL the experiments (including Water to Ink, Water to Wine, Iodine Clock, Iodine Rainbow, Hot Liquids, etc) which require chemicals such as ammonium chloride, calcium chloride, cobalt chloride, copper sulfate, iron ammonium sulfate, limewater, phenolphthalein solution, polyvinyl alcohol (used in the Slime Lab in eCamp), potassium ferrocyanide, potassium iodide, sodium carbonate, sodium sulfate, sodium thiosulfate, universal indicator, copper and zinc wires, etc. But if you already have these items, then you definitely don’t need to invest in this kit. Thanks for the heads up!
The shopping list definitely doesn’t have everything needed. And a majority of the experiments can be done without ordering the expensive kit. The list makes it sound like you need the kit and if you buy the kit, you’ll have everything you need for all the kinetics experiments and that’s not the case.
Hi Heidi,
You’ll find Unit 15 shopping list at the very bottom of the list under ‘Shop List’.
You’ll find order links on the shopping list. Let me know if you have any further questions!
Hi Aurora! I was looking over the shopping list and saw that you mention picking up the C1000 instead of the glassware set if planning on doing unit 15 in one section, but say C3000 in another? Also where would I find either of those? Unit 15′s shopping list isn’t up yet.
Thanks!!
Heidi
Yes, we recommend Units 3 and 8 for younger students, although you’re going to want to supervise the experiments due to the nature of it being chemistry. (The one we do NOT recommend for young students is Unit 15, which will be released later this year.) Just store the chemicals out of reach until you watch the safety video – it’ll tell you everything you need to know about storage, waste, and handling of the chemicals.
Hi Aurora,
I was wondering if the advanced chemistry set is needed for doing the unit with younger children (7 and 9). I don’t have a problem getting it, I just want to know if I would be using it with smaller kids.
Thanks
Verity
Thanks for the tip. I don’t want you spending so much on a black light (although you will be using it for Units 7, 8, 9, and 12), but here’s an alternate link for one in the $5-8 range. Find it in pet stores as part of the “Urine Off” cleaning product.
By the way, it appears the Home Science Tools company is no longer supplying the Long-Wave UV lamp. I believe Amazon (I do not know who else to check) was selling UV lamps starting at around $44.00.
Part of the shopping list mentions a glassware set, which is listed as an optional item in case you already have a set of glassware you can dedicate just for chemistry. You can use old cups, mugs, and water glasses for most of the experiments using a popsicle stick to stir. Now that I think of it, we did update the shopping list recently, so you might have an older version. (We do try to keep revisions to a minimum…)
Also note that you don’t need the fancy setup for this fish experiment – just a pot of water on the stove (there’s a note in the text about this substitution).
Happy Experimenting!
Aurora,
The shopping list for the Chemistry Unit, is that everything we will need? I watched the video for the experiment “why don’t fish drown” and there were some objects that don’t come with the chemistry kit. Are these things others have that have done previous units?
Thanks, Theresa