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 Slime

• Clear glue
• Yellow highlighter pen
• Chemicals from Chemical Kinetics (see below)

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.

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 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.

Iodine Rainbow

• Iodine (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.