Overview of STEP Curriculum Module-Summer 2006

I. Title of Module: 

• Consumer Chemistry

II. Author:  

• Zoraida Colon

III. Grade Level:  

• High School 9-11

IV. Nature of The Students:  

• Urban Minority

V. Purposes and Overview: (Course Description):

Consumer Chemistry is the study of consumer products such as food, food supplements, over the counter drugs, soaps and detergents.  The purpose of the course is to expose students to the world of laboratory chemistry and use critical thinking skills to determine the value of information gained during the discovery process.  In order to provide a safe learning environment it is imperative to describe the course and the policies governing safety in addition to the activities outlined below. *

Week 1

1. Chemistry, the Periodic Table, Safety:  Students learn the fundamentals of chemistry; the atom, and bonding. Students practice atomic structure. Safety in the laboratory is discussed.

2. Sodium polyacrylate:  the absorbent material in diapers.  Students learn about synthetic polymers and their role in consumer products, such as bottled water testing.
3. Slime:  non-Newtonian fluids.  Students learn about polymerization reactions and their application to consumer chemistry:  oobleck, goober, and gloop and their application in the consumer market.
4. Ice cream and freezing point depression.  Students make ice cream while they learn about phase changes.

Week 2

1. Tie Dye:  fixing dyes to fabric.  Students learn how to fix dyes onto fabric by understanding the action of humectants, mordant, detergents and dyes.
2. Titration:  Aspirin and Antacids.  Students learn about acids, bases, and indicators to determine the purity of drug products.
3. Sunscreens and Shampoos.  Students learn about SPF, sunscreen compounds and learn about labels and consumer activism.
4. Pest Control or other drug testing (Toothpaste analysis).  Students learn to compare brand name products for effectiveness.

*Readings are taken from sources on the internet, Ward’s Natural Science, Carolina Biological, and Consumer Reports.

Each day every student must:

• Report to class on time to listen to the directions given by the teacher.
• Be prepared with pens or pencils and a small notebook or folder to take notes and organize handouts.
• Wear goggles and other protective garments such as lab aprons and gloves when instructed to do so by the procedure of an experiment.
• Tie back long hair.
• Wear closed shoes.
• Be diligent and report all accidents to the teacher.
• Never eat, drink, or run in the lab room.
• Ask permission to leave the lab room or conduct other procedures in the lab.
• Not use any electrical devices such as cell phones, walkmans, or beepers while in the lab.
• Place all bags out of the way.

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Last Updated July 31, 2006 by Roz Krakowsky
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