Tag Archives | Bruce Baldwin

Kuntzleman, Thomas S., Kristen N. Rohrer, Bruce W. Baldwin, Jennifer Kingsley, Charles L. Schaerer, Deborah K. Sayers, and Vivian B. West. “Constructing an Annotated Periodic Table Created with Interlocking Building Blocks: A National Chemistry Week Outreach Activity for all Ages.” Journal of Chemical Education 90, no. 10 (Oct 08, 2013): 1346.

Abstract: An activity for a National Chemistry Week outreach event has been designed in which children construct a periodic table out of LEGO building bricks. During the activity, children followed simple instructions to build the symbol of a particular element onto a 5.25 in. x 5.25 in. LEGO base plate. Squares for all elements were constructed in this manner, resulting in a periodic table composed of over 6000 LEGO pieces. The finished product has been hung on a wall in the science center at Spring Arbor University. The table has unexpectedly become a unique conversation piece that allows for informal chemical education. In addition, high school students and others have added to the charm of the table by designing LEGO creations to place on the squares of certain elements. These LEGO creations are built so as to represent the element on the square on which it is placed. How the table was built, how the construction of the table was used as a hands-on activity at an outreach event, and how people were invited to build LEGO creations to donate to the table are described.

Kuntzleman, Thomas S., and Bruce W. Baldwin. “Adventures in Coaching Young Chemists.” Journal of Chemical Education 88, no. 7 (2011): 863–867. doi:10.1021/ed2002779.

Abstract: We believe that students should have opportunities—early and often—to learn about science and math activities in fun and recreational ways. As a result, we try to provide many science enrichment activities to the surrounding community. In doing so, we hope to inspire young students to become future scientists and mathematicians. Here we describe some annual science outreach events that we have hosted, share a few demonstrations and activities we have tried at these events, and discuss how we plan to connect our outreach in 2011 to the themes of the International Year of Chemistry.

Baldwin, Bruce W., Scott Hasbrouck, Jordan Smith, and Thomas S. Kuntzleman. “Classroom Activity Connections: Demonstrating Various Flame Tests Using Common Household Materials.” Journal of Chemical Education 87, no. 8 (2010): 790–792.

Abstract: In JCE Activity #67, “Flame Tests: Which Ion Causes the Color?”, Michael Sanger describes how to conduct flame tests with household items. We have used this activity in outreach settings, and have extended it in a variety of ways. For example, we have demonstrated large-scale strontium (red), copper (green), and carbon (blue) flames using only household items, and have helped children investigate the chemistry of sparklers and colored flame birthday candles.

Kuntzleman, Thomas S., Anna E. Comfort, and Bruce W. Baldwin. “Glowmatography.” Journal Of Chemical Education 86, no. 1 (January 2009): 64-67. doi: 10.1021/ed086p64

Abstract: The article examines the chemical reactions involving chemiluminescence. It cites that a simple exercise is described featuring the separation of the contents of an activated lightstick using a chromatography column. The exercise can be used to teach a variety of topics in a variety of settings. It would appeal to chemists of various chemical skill levels, whether used in summer camp or in the physical chemistry laboratory. It would illuminate important concepts and techniques in chemistry, whether illustrating the process of chromatographic separations, presenting lecture demonstrations, or conducting laboratory experiments.