Suggested Science Projects
A Spectrophotometric Study of the Permanganate-Oxalate Reaction: Determine the effect of the
concentration of the sulfuric acid catalyst on the rate of the oxidation-reduction reaction between
permanganate and oxalate. A spectrophotometer is used in this analysis. (Journal of Chemical Education,
January 2004, p.100.)
The Effects on the pH of Wine During Stabilization: Determine the effect on the pH of wine samples as the
temperature is decreased during the stabilization process. Temperature and pH probes are used in this
analysis. (Journal of Chemical Education, January 2004, p.94.)
Reducing Sulfur Dioxide Emissions Using Activated Charcoal: Determine the effect of an activated
charcoal catalyst on the rate of conversion of sulfur dioxide gas to sulfuric acid. A conductivity probe is
used in this analysis. (Journal of Chemical Education, July 1999, p.958.)
Analysis of Cigarette Smoke: Determine the carbon monoxide and tar content of cigarette smoke from
various tobacco products. A gas chromatograph is used in this analysis. (Journal of Chemical Education,
April 1995, p.364. and handout)
Assessment of Indoor Air for Particulate Matter: The amount of particulate matter in indoor air from
various locations is measured. Suggested locations include restaurants with smoking and nonsmoking
sections, homes with and without wood burning stoves, and kitchens before and after food preparation. A
turbidity sensor and a light sensor are used for this analysis. (Handout)
The Effectiveness of Potassium Sorbate in Preventing Refermentation of Wine: Potassium sorbate is used
to stabilize wine by preventing residual sugars from fermenting. Determine the effectiveness of this
stabilizer by measuring its affect on yeast. A pressure and/or dissolved oxygen probe is used in this
analysis. (Handout)
Circadian Activity of Crickets: Analyze the chirping sounds and respiration patterns in crickets. Suggested
variables to investigate include changes in light and temperature. A microphone interface, light sensor,
temperature probe and carbon dioxide sensor may be needed for this analysis.
Extraction and Separation of Plant Pigments by Thin Layer Chromatography: Chlorophyll a, chlorophyll
b, xanthopyll, carotene and pheophytin are extracted from spinach by thin layer chromatography.
Comparisons between fresh and frozen spinach or between spinach and other vegetables are suggested. .
(Journal of Chemical Education, March 2004, p.385 and Journal of Chemical Education, May 1994, p.432.)
Recovery of Hazardous Wastes by Magnetic Composites: A magnetic composite is synthesized and then
used to remove (a) organic waste from a water sample (b) oil from contaminated water (c) toxic heavy
metals from wastewater. (Journal of Chemical Education, February 2004, p.248.)
The Oxidation of Fruit: Study the effectiveness of antioxidants on fruits. Suggested antioxidants include
citric acid, vitamin C, and acetic acid. Measure the decrease in oxygen in the air surrounding the fruit as the
fruit oxidizes. A gas chromatograph and/or an oxygen gas sensor may be used.