Dr. Helmenstine's 2007 Content
12/24/07 - How Fireworks Work
Firecrackers, sparklers, and aerial fireworks are all examples of fireworks. Here's a look at the different types of fireworks and an explanation of how they work.

12/22/07 - History of Fireworks
Fireworks are a traditional part of most Independence Day and New Year's celebrations. Learn about the invention of fireworks and the history behind how fireworks are used.

12/18/07 - Dmitri Mendeleev Biography
Dmitri Mendeleev formulated a periodic table similar to the one we use today. Elements were grouped according to recurring trends in their properties.

12/16/07 - States of Matter
Get definitions and examples of the main states of matter: solids, liquids, gases, and plasma.

12/16/07 - Introduction to Chemistry Quiz
This multiple choice quiz tests your understanding of introductory chemistry concepts. It covers matter, chemical and physical changes, energy, endothermic and exothermic reactions, measurements, significant figures, and scientific notation.

12/15/07 - Scientific Notation
Scientific notation uses exponents to express numerical figures. Here's an explanation of what scientific notation is, plus examples of how to write numbers and perform addition, subtraction, multiplication and division problems using scientific notation.

12/14/07 - Radioactivity & Nuclear Reactions Quiz
This ten question multiple choice quiz tests your understanding of nucleonics.

It covers alpha, beta, and gamma radiation, radioactive dating, fission and fusion.

12/12/07 - Atomic Structure Quiz
This ten question multiple choice quiz tests your comprehension of the electric nature of atoms, components of atomic structure, oxidation numbers, valence, quantum numbers, electron configuration, and Lewis dot structures.

12/09/07 - Glowing in the Dark Geode
It's very easy to make a glow in the dark crystal geode. The rock is a natural mineral (eggshell). You can use one of several common household chemicals to grow the crystals. The glow comes from phosphorescent paint, which you can get from a craft store.

12/06/07 - Glowing Crystal Ornament
Learn how to make a glow-in-the-dark crystal snowflake or other glowing holiday ornament. This is a safe and easy project that's great for kids and kids-at-heart. The crystal decorations are light-weight and inexpensive to make.

11/30/07 - Gifts Science Geeks Can Make
Your command of chemistry gives you a certain edge in the gift-making department. Use your skills to make some cool presents, to keep for yourself or give to others.

11/30/07 - Robert Boyle Biography
Robert Boyle was an Irish born scientist best known for Boyle's Law of Ideal Gases. He also was a founding fellow of the Royal Society of London and an early supporter of the atomic nature of matter.

11/29/07 - Top Science Toys
The best toys never go out of style. Telescopes, rock tumblers, creature habitats, and chemistry kits are as educational as ever. The latest versions are safer and more interesting than before.

11/29/07 - Reference Books Every Chemist Should Own
There are some reference books I reach for again and again. If your personal library doesn't include these books, maybe it's time to add them.

11/27/07 - Make Fake Snow
You can make fake snow using a common polymer. The fake snow is non-toxic, feels cool to the touch, and looks similar to the real thing.

11/27/07 - Make a Hollow Penny
This is an easy chemistry project that uses common materials. You take a post-1982 penny, score the copper surface to expose the zinc interior, react the zinc with acid, and are left with a hollow copper penny.

11/27/07 - What Is the World's Most Venomous Insect?
The most venomous insect isn't some rare, exotic rain forest creature. You may have them in your own yard. Can you name guess what it is?

11/11/07 - How Do I Substitute Between Baking Powder and Baking Soda?
Baking powder and baking soda both are leavening agents, which means they help baked goods to rise. They are not the same chemical, but you can substitute one for another in recipes. Here's how.

11/05/07 - Elementary School Physical Science Fair Project Ideas
Trying to find the topic for a science fair project can be almost as challenging as the project itself. Elementary school level projects should be not only informative but quick and fun. Great projects usually answer a question, rather than a general demonstration or display.

10/30/07 - What Makes Lead Poisonous?
You probably know that lead is toxic, but do you know what makes it poisonous? Here's an explanation of what lead does in your body that makes it such a health hazard.

10/26/07 - Green Fire Instructions
It's easy to make brilliant green fire. This cool chemistry project only takes two household chemicals.

10/17/07 - Glow in the Dark Slime
What is better than regular slime? Slime that glows in the dark! This is an easy and fun project that is suitable for kids.

10/09/07 - Yeast & Hydrogen Peroxide Volcano
Here's how to make a safe and easy chemical volcano using two common inexpensive household ingredients.

09/25/07 - Lewis or Electron Dot Structures
Learn about Lewis structures, also called electron dot structures and get step-by-step help drawing them.

09/19/07 - Why Do Leaves Change Color in the Fall?
Find out why leaves change color in the fall. Learn about the different pigments found in leaves and how bright autumn foliage is produced.

09/06/07 - Trivia Quiz #2
This quiz is designed to trip up a middle school chemistry student. Can you get a perfect score?

09/04/07 - How Are Elements Named?
Have you ever wondered how the elements are named or why some elements have more than one name? Here's the answer to your question.

08/28/07 - Chemistry Trivia Quiz
Here's a ten question multiple choice quiz to test your understanding of general chemistry concepts. I'd rate it 'easy'. Are you up for the challenge?

08/21/07 - How Are New Elements Discovered?
Find out if there are any elements left to be discovered and how they would be found.

Most Recent Articles

2008 Articles

2007 Articles

2006 Articles

2005 Articles

2004 Articles

2003 Articles

2002 Articles

2001 Articles