Submitted by Margaret Scheuermann / Western Washington University on Sat, 05/23/2009 - 18:23
Forums
I've occasionally found myself talking to students about various reactions during office hours or lab and wishing I could just show them. There are a surprising number of good videos of chemistry demos on YouTube but finding the best ones to show students takes time. Here are a few that I've found and liked. Has anyone else come across any that seem especially good?

Sugar and sulfuric acid:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7siZ0ON0b8I
-this one is short and has no narration

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cpzp1qvOCtE
-shows the carbon rising out of the beaker nicely, again no narration

Thermite:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WrCWLpRc1yM
-can't go wrong with the Brainiacs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eBqh8iV6PtI
-shows the setup of the reaction, lacks narration and sound but there is time to explain what's going on while it plays, the molten iron can be clearly seen
Joanne Stewart / Hope College

I saw a demo of elephant's toothpaste (showing the concept of catalysis) on local Aussie TV. If you don't mind a slightly hyperactive host, it's pretty good. I love the host and the Australian accents! And my (Australian) students thought it was pretty funny.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BbtEztPTeP4

Sun, 05/24/2009 - 17:16 Permalink