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Experimenting with Plants and Exploring our kitchen
Chemistry
DRAFT instructor’s Course Outline
By Luis A. D’Elia
A fun course designed for adults to experience--or re-experience the wonderful world of biology
and natural sciences by doing simple and safe experiments and by performing ‘magic tricks’)
Note: the vast majority of the experiments can be carried out with simple everyday house
(kitchen) elements; occasionally, experiments requiring special equipment such as microscopes
will be run so that arrangements with the biological sciences department to use the equipment
can be discussed.
Summary:
1. The first class we will share our (students’ and instructor’) experiences in
biology/science classes that we had many years back in high school, and we
will remember stories about science experiments (animal dissection is one
of the experiences that tend to stick most to the alumni’s minds). We will
review some basic understandings in biology, together will learn what some
senior students know or remember about specific natural phenomena such
as photosynthesis, sauerkraut/yogurt/wine natural production, earthquakes,
acid rain, food chain, blood circulation and much more.
2. The instructor will perform a few demonstrations of experiments and some
magic tricks that are science-explained to encourage students to join in
carrying out some group or individual experiments
3. The class will start doing basic experiments and learning magic tricks that
use science principles. There will be on going discussions on the
phenomena being observed and on the activity itself, and importantly, on the
feeling, perceptions, thoughts and reflections that golden-age students have
as a result of the activity.
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CLASS 1 notes:
I. ORGANIZING OUR CLASSES:
 Personal Presentations – expectations –
 Household items: bathrooms, break, absences (number of
students for experiments)
 Special needs to be aware of?
 SAFETY: biohazards, tasting product of experiments. Kitchen
safety. Allergies.
25 min
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II. Preparation of:
1. De-chlorinated water
III. SPILLING OF SWOLLEN SEEDS (*) INITIAL SET UP. In this
experiment bean seeds are placed in a sealable plastic bag with water (a
‘control’ bag is also made with seeds but no water). The seeds in water
will expand and push their way forcefully spilling out of the bag,
explaining the essential need of water to start out growth and life.
Spilling of swollen seeds- MATERIALS
2 SEALABLE PLASTIC BAGS per student X 16= 32
1 KILO FRESH BEAN SEEDS
1 SMALL TRAY X 16=16
Discuss:
1- what is the problem? Matter (small) change into larger! Is it true? What is driving the process? How is it
that from apparent dry matter (substances in seed) there is more matter (seedling) produced without the
addition of any matter from OUTSIDE the seed?
2- Type of experiment>>Thesis pre-formulated>>
Control >> why? Variables>>
3- Expected results? why?
12 min
__________________________________________________________________________
IV. POWER OF YEAST IN WINE MAKING (Luis D’Elia’s
Productions) Wine is a product of a primary fermentation of glucose
into ethanol (alcohol) and CO2 (a gas) + water. We will demonstrate
the process by reproducing the phenomenon in a small scale.
Power of yeast in wine making –MATERIALS
SACCHAROMICES BAYANUS (YEAST) 100 GRAMS
GRAPE JUICE CONCENTRATE X 2 LITERS
TABLE SUGAR ¼ KILO
250 ML-GLASS JARS WITH LIDS X 8
(L) COOLER TO CONTAIN 8 x 250 ML-JARS OF JUICE
STIRRERS (teas spoons) X 8
THERMOMETERS for liquids X 8
POT TO HEAT JUICE
Discuss: A few concepts on Experiments:
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a. (Western) Scientific methods –
b. Experiments’ repetitiveness, consistency, validity,
accuracy, safety (biohazards).
Reliability is the extent to which an experiment, test, or any measuring procedure yields the same result on repeated trials. Validity The degree to
which a study accurately reflects or assesses the specific concept that the researcher is attempting to measure. A method can be reliable,
consistently measuring the same thing, but not valid
c. Experiments set-up: controls, variables.
15 min
Discuss for WINE MAKING:
1- Controls
2- Timing of observable signs of fermentation –timing of experiment
3- Biohazards?>> yeast concentration –dead yeast cells – Use of CONTROL
4- Use of examples of fermentations in food
5- Chemical rxn in fermentation a. WINE; b. BREAD; C. YOUGURT; d. Sauerkraut
15 min discussion
15 min prep
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V. magic=LIGHTER ORANGE WILL FLOAT BETTER?. (© compilation
and adaptation from various sources-LD’2005)
Physics of flotation and forces
MATERIALS:
LARGE ORANGES X 3
DEEP BOWL OR TRAY
KNIFE
5 min
_________________________________________________________________
magic=IMPERMEABLE SKIN . (© compilation and adaptation from various sourcesLD’2005)
BODY POWDER X 150ML
GLASSES X 8
3 min
_________________________________________________________________
VI. WHY THE SUN BECOMES BIGGER AND RED-ORANGE AT
DUSK (©) In this experiment a glass jar, a lamp and a box are used to
re-construct a sun setting atmospheric scenario. The optical effect of
light refraction on dense materials is explained.
VII.
Why the sun becomes…MATERIALS
GLASS JARS (500ml) X 7
MILK 250 ML
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FLASH LIGHTS
(L)WORLD GLOBE
5 min
_________________________________________________________________
VIII. THE SUN DRIVES THE GREEN (© compilation and adaptation from various sourcesLD’2005)
In this experiment we will use plants with the chlorophyll pigment to
prove that the sun is a needed factor in the photosynthetic reaction.
The sun…MATERIALS
A LARGE GREEN PLANT WITH WIDE GREEN LEAVES
PAPER CLIPS X 16
2 SHEETS OF CONSTRUCTION PAPER OF ANY LIGHT COLOR
Discuss:
Photosynthesis process
7 min
______________________________________________________________
IX. magic=SUPERMAN/WOMAN FINGER: Powering a boat! . (©
compilation and adaptation from various sources-LD’2005)
STYROFOAM SHEET APPROX 4cm thick X 15cm long x 6 cm wide
DETERGENT 5 ML
LARGE TRAY
BOLT & NUT, FEATHER OR PIECE OF STYROFOAM
Discuss:
What is flotation? Do diagram of flotation
Expected results
Re-test with more detergent! Results?
7 min
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CLASS 2 notes:
 OBSERVE, RECORD, DISCUSS PREVIOUS on-going
EXPERIMENTS
5 min
X. THE GREENHOUSE EFFECT is different from atmospheric
warming PART I (prep) (Luis D’Elia’s production) Misconceptions
have been circulating even in schools about the use of the ‘greenhouse
effect’ as a metaphor or model for our planet’s increased atmospheric
warming. In this experiment, using household elements we will attempt
to demonstrate the difference between the two.
The greenhouse … – MATERIALS:
ELEMENTS TO PREPARE INDIVIDUAL “TERRANIA” X 16:
DISPOSABLE WATER-PROOF TRAYS (approx. 50cm x 50 cm x
30 cm)
GROUP A= PLANTS, SOIL,
GROUP B= CEMENT BLOCK PIECES, A FEW PLANTS
GROUP C= POLYETHYLENE, SAND, PLANTS
initial work 15 min
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XI. PRODUCING POTABLE OCEAN WATER (*) . By removing the
salt from salty water, we can make ocean water more prone to
consumption. This experiment will use everyday kitchen elements to
remove salt from salty water.
MATERIALS:
½ Kg COARSE SALT
MEASURING CUPS X 8
MEASURING SPOONS X 8
LARGE TRANSPARENT BOWLS X 8
COFFEE CUPS X 8
PLASTIC FOOD WRAP
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SMALL ROCKS X 8
Discuss: testing taste of water before the experiment starts--Concept of condensation
15 min
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XII. HOME-MADE SAUERKRAUT PRODUCTION (©) Sauerkraut food
is, in fact, a bacterial growth on cabbage. We will not only prepare
Sauerkraut from cabbage, but also observe the microscopic bacteria
that grow at different stages in the natural production. Sauerkraut
sampling and testing will wrap-up this activity.
Home-made sauerkraut production MATERIALS
½ Kg Yogur-CONTAINER with LID x 16
(L)1LITER JAR (OPEN MOUTH and lid or plastic) for group
3 KILOS FRESH GREEN CABBAGE
180 ML COARSE SALT
25 ML GLUCOSE (or table sugar)
BLACK GARBAGE BAG
Discussion:
Mixed Fermentation: organisms modify their environment to such an extend that they cannot
live there any longer, others do.
Set-up of experiment: growth conditions-compare to wine fermentat. Anaerobic, nutrients.
Expected results – Changing initial conditions, i.e., Boiling the cabbage at the beginning…
20 min
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XIII. Magic=THE POWER OF CO2. (© compilation and adaptation from various sourcesLD’2005)
GLASSES X 7
RAISINS X 5 X 7= 35
TRANSPARENT SODA POP BEVERAGE
A FEW DRY NOODLES
7 min
XIV. magic=CAN YOU COLOR THE EGG SHELL? -(GROUP
ACTIVITY) . (© compilation and adaptation from various sources-LD’2005)
Porosity of surfaces
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MATERIALS:
FOOD COLORING (10 drops each pair stud)
2 X BOWL (250 ML)
FRESH EGGS X 4
VINEGAR (70ml)
5 min
XV. THE GREENHOUSE EFFECT is different from atmospheric
warming PART II (measuring & findings) (Luis D’Elia’s
production).
The greenhouse … – MATERIALS:
INDIVIDUAL “TERRANIA” PREPARED BEFORE X 16
DISPOSABLE WATER-PROOF TRAYS (approx. 50cm x 50 cm x 30
cm)
WRAPPING PLASTIC
(L) HEAT LAMP 200 W
THERMOMETERS 16 X 2= 32
PLASTIC BAGS LARGER THAN SIZE OF THERMOMETER x 16
25 min
XVI. Magic=FLIPPING COINS MAGIC (****)
2 LARGE COINS AND 1 MIDDLE-SIZE COIN
3 min
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CLASS 3notes:
 OBSERVE, RECORD, DISCUSS PREVIOUS on-going
EXPERIMENTS
5 min
XVII. SNAILS SURVIVAL WITHOUT FEEDING THEM!
Now it is time to formulate a thesis around some of what we learnt from
PHOTOSYNTHESIS. Will a snail and a plant survive trapped in an
enclosed tube filled with water? Can we apply here what we learnt and
predict the results?
Snail Survival… MATERIALS:
TEST TUBES X 8 and 3
Elodea sp Aquatic PLANTS x 15 (shoots)
SNAILS x 12
DE-CLORINATED WATER x 2 LITERS
PLASTIC WRAP
20 min
XVIII. PLANTS LOVE US: THEY PRODUCE OXYGEN! (©)
How can we prove that plants produce O2 as a result of their
photosynthetic process (we’ll recall the elements needed for
photosynthesis from a previous experiment).
Plants love us…MATERIALS:
Elodea Sp. AQUATIC PLANTS X 7
(L) DE-CHLORINATED WATER X 200ML
GLASS FUNNELS X 7
GLASSES WHERE FUNNELS WILL FIT
MID-SIZE TEST TUBES X 7
Discuss: control of experiment
Variables
Expected results
Changing conditions= expected results?
What is the learning lessons: plants in the house
_______________________________________________________________________
15 min
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XIX. Magic=I CAN HOLD THE WATERS! . (© compilation and adaptation from various
sources-LD’2005)
A SMALL CUP
A FULL CUP AND A QUARTER OF NICKELS
5 min
XX. BABY SEEDS ARE HOT! (©)
In this experiment we would like to test if there is a change in
temperature between non-sprouted seeds and sprouted ones.
MATERIALS:
4 FOAM CUPS PER GROUP
MASKING TAPE
2 THERMOMETERS PER GROUP X 6 =12
BEAN SEEDS X 600 ML
15 min
XXI. WHY MEET TENDERIZERS SOMETIMES DO NOT WORK?
(**) By incubating cartilage tissue (gelatin) with regular meet
tenderizer at different temperatures we will be able to demonstrate how
meet tenderizers (bio-chemical enzymes) work and when they will not
work..
Why meet tenderizers…MATERIALS
MEET TENDERIZER
UNCOLORED GELATIN (GELLO) PACKS X 16
30 min
XXII. magic=TEETER-TOTTER WITHOUT PUSH (Group demo). (©
compilation and adaptation from various sources-LD’2005)
10CM-SIDE WOODEN BLOCKS (or 2 medium size glasses) x 2
MATCHES
PINS X 2
A MEDIUM SIZE CANDLE WITH TWO WICK-ENDS
TRAY
5 min
XXIII. MICROSCOPIC BEAUTIES (© Luis D’Elia’s production) Beautiful
worlds can be seen by magnifying the view of a feather, an onion slice,
our skin cells or (already prepared slides of animal organs’ cells)
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LIGHT MICROSCOPES
LUIS D’ELIA’S own MICROSCOPIC SLIDES COLLECTION
ONGOING?
7 min ??
XXIV. magic= FORKS ON THE EDGE . (© compilation and adaptation from various sourcesLD’2005)
gravity force
GLASSES X 7
SPOONS AND FORKS X 7 (each)
MATCHES X 20
5 min
XXV. magic=GUESSING WITH EGG IS HARD-BOILED –(GROUP
ACTIVITY) . (© compilation and adaptation from various sources-LD’2005)
A look at centrifugal forces
HARD-BOILED EGGS X 2
FRESH EGGS X 2
2 min
XXVI. EGG BUBBLES & EGG REDUCTION (© compilation and adaptation from various
sources-LD’2005)
Chemical reactions and their products
1st Part: EGGS X 8
VINEGAR 1 L
GLASS JARS OR LARGE GLASSES (TO FIT EGG) w/ LIDS X 8
2nd part: CORN SYRUP 600 ML
2 min prep
5 min observ/disc
XXVII. magic= STABBING WITHOUT BLEEDING! . (© compilation and adaptation
from various sources-LD’2005)
The effects of surface tension and preasure
SMALL PLASTIC BAGS x 16
SMALL BRANCHES OR REGULAR SHARPENED PENCILS
3 min
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CLASS 5 notes:
 OBSERVE, RECORD, DISCUSS PREVIOUS on-going
EXPERIMENTS
5 min
XXVIII. WORMS HELPING US IN THE KITCHEN
INVITED PRESENTER:Karen-Lewis-Clark from Waste Management
Branch of the City of Edmonton will be doing a presentation and
teaching participants HOW to MAKE a HOUSE
VERMICOMPOSTER and she will encourage discussions on the
basics of composting and waste management.
We will build a class composter but students will be encourage to build
one either during or outside of the classes with the instructor’s support.
MATERIALS:
A 50 LITERS PLASTIC RECTANGULAR BOX + LID (A TOTTE)
GARDEN SOIL X 5 KG
OLD NEWSPAPERS
WORMS:……………..
FOOD SCRAPS
LITERATURE on VERMICOMPOSTING
60-90 min
XXIX. FILTERING waste WATER for washing
(development issues: 1/3 world do not have water. Manufacturing a WATER
FILTER)
2-LITERS TRANSPARENT POP BOTTLES –x 2 CUT AS INDICATED
STUFFING-COTTON (1/3 of filter) , SAND (5 cm high), CHARCOAL 2.5 cm
high), ROCKS (to fill the rest)
FOOD COLORING
15 min
XXX. CELLULAR DIFFUSION (©) It seems complicated, but the physics
and chemical diffusion phenomenon in animal and plant cells is a
simple concept that can be observed and demonstrated using paper
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towels, dyes and plant stems. The coloring of fresh flowers that students
may bring will wrap-up this activity.
Cellular Diffusion-MATERIALS:
FRESH CELERY STALKS X 16= 16
FOOD DYE, RED, BLUE, YELLOW
HEAVY ABSORBENT PAPER X16 SHEETS
TOOTHPICKS
7 min
XXXI. COLORS ON MILK (****)
FOOD COLORING
GLASS WITH MILK
3 min
XXXII. CONFUSING APPLES WITH ORANGES (source cited below)
COTTON BALLS
APPLES
ORANGE EXTRACT
GLASSES x 2
5 min
XXXIII. TORNADO simulation . (© compilation and adaptation from various
sources-LD’2005)
2-LITERS TRANSPARENT POP BOTTLES –x 2
FOOD COLORING
TAPE
5 min
XXXIV. BALLOON INFLATOR. (© compilation and adaptation from various sources-LD’2005)
The effects of cold and warm temperature in the gases (air)
EMPTY PLASTIC WATER BOTTLE X 8
BALLOONS X 8 +
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CLASS 6
notes:
 OBSERVE, RECORD, DISCUSS PREVIOUS on-going
EXPERIMENTS
XXXV. magic=EXTINGUISHER (Group demo). (© compilation and adaptation from various
sources-LD’2005)
Concepts of combustion and chemical reactions
TALL GLASS X 1
FOLDABLE PIECE OF CARDBOARD
MATCHES & CANDLE
BAKING SODA & VINEGAR
5min
XXXVI. magic=BALLOON POWER OVER WATER STREAM(Group
demo). (© compilation and adaptation from various sources-LD’2005)
static electricity and charges
BALLOON
PIECE OF WOOL
SINK with running water
5 min
XXXVII. magic=LIME BATTERY. (© compilation and adaptation from various sources-LD’2005)
LIMES X 8
COPPER WIRE fine x 2 m
STEEL WIRE X 2 m
WIRE CUTTERS
5 min
XXXVIII. HOMEMADE HOOVER BOARD
FILM CANISTERS WITH LIDS X 8
BALLOONS X 8
5min
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XXXIX. F I N A L FINISHING EXPERIMENTS AND FINAL
DISCUSSIONS. DISMANTLING EXPERIMENT SET UPS.
BIBLIOGRAPHY.
25 min
I acknowledge credits for some of the original ideas to
(*) Anthony Fredericks –Sterling Publications 1995
(**) Alberta Education Distance Learning
(***) my colleagues, Mark Mercer and Kerry Kricken (U of A, 1997)
(****) “You Gotta Try This”. Vicky Cobb & K. Darling. Morrow Junior
Books: NY. 1999.
(©) compilation and adaptation from various sources-LD’2005. References consulted to do compilation: Greey de
Pencier books, Ontario, Canada-1982 (“Dr. Zed’s dazzling book of science activities”; Simon & Schuter books,
NY, USA, 1982-“More Science Surprises from Dr. Zed”, Gordon Penrose, author-edited by Marilyn Baillie; Van
Cleave, Janice.”VanCleave’s 201Awesome, Magical, Bizarre, & Incredible Experiments”. John Wiley & Sons,
Inc.: NY, 1994.); Faith Hickman Brynie, “Six-minute Nature Experiments”. Sterling Publishing Co., NY, USA
1999. “Kitchen Science”, Chris Maynard, 2001. DK: London. “Science Smart”- Diehn et al-Main St NewYork
2003.
Some of the on-line consultations: http://scifun.chem.wisc.edu/HomeExpts/ (Retrieved March 02, 2005);
http://www.sciencemadesimple.com/leaves.html#PROJECTS (Retrieved March 02, 2005);
http://www.courseworkbank.co.uk/GCSE/Biology_Coursework/Photosynthesis/ (Retrieved March 02,
2005);
EXTRA EXPERIMENTS:
XL. DEMONSTRATING TOBACCO DAMAGE IN LUNGS (***)
Artificial lungs and trachea/bronchi are made by using plastic bottles,
tubing and more. A cigarette smoke that enters the system will leave
observable consequences in the lining used to simulate the interior of
the lungs.
XLI. WHERE IS THE CHLOROPHYLL? (© compilation and adaptation
from various sources-LD’2005)
CHROMATOGRAPHY experiment. Suspecting that chlorophyll is a
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