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invention for water conservation

7/27/2018

1 Comment

 
The book Chemistry on a Budget contains chemistry labs that are useful with inexpensive, easy to obtain materials.
 
During the summer vacation, buying a copy of the lab book Chemistry on a Budget can be very useful.  You can examine the labs and decide what you want to use next year.

There are two versions of each lab, one with a ten-question conclusion and one with directions for a full lab report.  This way the teacher has the option!  Each lab is two pages to allow for one two-sided handout. 
 
A 5-Star Customer Review of Chemistry on a Budget at amazon.com states:
“[S]traight forward, to the point, using household chemicals…this is the lab book for you. 
I teach high school chemistry and this is exactly what [I] was looking for. Labs included simple household chemicals that could be easily found. Nice format, easy to follow along procedures, and touches on every topic of our chemistry curriculum.”
During the summer vacation, buying a copy of the lab book Chemistry on a Budget can be very useful.  You can examine the labs and decide what you want to use next year.

You can buy this lab book for $23 at amazon.com or lulu.com. It will take 1-2 weeks to get to you -- Order Now.  It’s a great resource!
 
http://www.amazon.com/Chemistry-Budget-Marjorie-R-Heesemann/dp/0578129159/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1389410170&sr=1-1&keywords=chemistry+on+a+budget

http://www.lulu.com/shop/marjorie-r-heesemann/chemistry-on-a-budget/paperback/product-21217600.html
 
*Some of you have already purchased my lab book – be sure to check out Page 141 !
 
“South Africa like other countries in the region is presently experiencing one of the worst droughts in 45 years, with the lowest ever rainfall since 1904. In 2015, South Africa received only an average of 403 mm, which is merely 66% of the annual average rainfall.

This situation led to severe strain on crop production with household food security being a major concern. With their advanced economy, the country has been able to withstand the drought.

Other countries in the region particularly Zimbabwe has had to depend on food aid from international organizations and other countries to be able to feed a section of citizens. Aside farm lands, animals have also been affected.”
http://www.africanews.com/2016/09/29/fighting-drought-with-orange-peels-s-african-girl-16-wins-google-award/
 
“South Africa's worst drought in recorded history has left eight of the country's nine provinces in a state of disaster, with thousands of communities and millions of households facing water shortages.

The agricultural union Agri SA has requested over $1 billion in government subsidies to help farmers through the crisis, but a cut-price solution could soon be available -- from an unlikely source.

Johannesburg schoolgirl Kiara Nirghin, 16, recently won the Google Science Fair's Community Impact Award for the Middle East and Africa with her submission ‘No More Thirsty Crops.’ ”
https://www.cnn.com/2016/08/09/africa/orange-drought-kiara-nirghin/index.html
 
“Kiara Nirghin beat students from around the world for a $50,000 (£38,000) scholarship with her ’fighting drought with fruit’ submission. …

Ms Nirghin, a student at the Anglican Church-founded St Martin's High School in the main city Johannesburg, said three experiments over 45 days resulted in her coming up with the ‘orange peel mixture’ as an alternative to expensive and non-biodegradable super-absorbent polymers (SAPs).

It was made out of waste products from the juice-manufacturing industry, she said.

These included molecules found in orange peels and naturally occurring oils in avocado skins.

The product is fully biodegradable, low-cost and has better water retaining properties than commercial SAPs. The only resources involved in the creation of the 'orange peel mixture' were electricity and time, no special equipment nor materials were required,’ Ms Nirghin added in her online submission.”
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-37497682
 
“Kiara’s knack for science led her to her kitchen where she discovered that peels of oranges and avocados can transform into SAPs under UV radiation and heat. …The SAP can be created using only electricity and fruit peels and can hold up to 300 times of their weight in liquid.

By combining orange peels and avocado skins, Kiara created a super absorbent polymer (SAP) that can store reserves of water about 300 times its weight in liquid relative to its own mass, according to the teen’s project page. This allows it to form reservoirs that farmers can use to maintain their crops at a low cost. The mixture is also sustainable, as it is made of recycled and biodegradable waste products. The polymer has the added benefit of sustainability as it uses recycled and biodegradable waste products.

Typical SAPs are expensive, not biodegradable and are composed of acrylic acid, sodium hydroxide and other chemicals. In addition to being more environmentally friendly, Kiara’s orange peel SAP can absorb 76.1 percent of water, which is a greater amount than the acrylic, starch and pectin SAPs, which all held 74 percent or less, according to her study. The teen’s mixture is also much more cost effective than chemical SAPs.”
http://www.konnectafrica.net/kiara-nirghin-south-african-drought/
 
“SAPs are widely used in arid areas to combat water scarcity and stave off the impacts of drought. The polymers can hold 300 times their weight in liquid. Often deployed as little gummy balls mixed into soil or a sticky slush that lays between plant lines, SAPs can retain rainfall and then slowly release it during dry spells. ”
https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/drought-invention-16-year-old-south-africa/
 
“Typical SAPs are expensive, not biodegradable and are composed of acrylic acid, sodium hydroxide and other chemicals. In addition to being more environmentally friendly, Nirghin’s orange peel SAP can absorb 76.1 percent of water, which is a greater amount than the acrylic, starch and pectin SAPs, which all held 74 percent or less, according to her study.”
https://weather.com/news/news/south-africa-drought-johannesburg-kiara-nirghin-teen-solution-super-absorbent-polymer-sap
 
“As farmers’ crops withered and died, many turned to superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) to retain water in soil. The powders hold large amounts of water relative to their mass and create a hydrogel ‘reservoir.’  However, SAPS are also very expensive and not biodegradable.

Nirghin wanted to find a natural solution that farmers could afford. She discovered orange peels could work as a biodegradable polymer but would still need to be chemically processed. Instead, she boiled the orange peels with oil from avocado peels then used the photo polymerization of sunlight to connect the polymers.

Over the course of 45 days, Nirghin watched as pots containing her mixture retained more water, kept soil moist and produced more flowers than those with commercial SAPs. Products on the market can cost up to $3,000 per metric ton, while she said her version would cost $30-60 per metric ton.”
https://www.ctvnews.ca/sci-tech/16-year-old-wins-google-prize-for-orange-peel-innovation-1.3094184
 
Here is a 3-minute news article summarizing this development:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwUtDvcHPpQ
 
The drought in South Africa was discussed in two previous blog posts:
02/02/2018   Current Event - South Africa Drought  
02/09/2018   Current Event - South Africa Drought Update

During the summer vacation, buying a copy of the lab book Chemistry on a Budget can be very useful.  You can examine the labs and decide what you want to use next year.

*This Blog contains several entries that would be helpful to your chemistry classroom.  Check out the Topic List to help you to find past Blog entries.
 
Also, Write To Me about your successes, challenges, or questions in the Chemistry Classroom.
 
Have a great weekend!

1 Comment

gas explosion in wisconsin

7/20/2018

0 Comments

 
The book Chemistry on a Budget contains chemistry labs that are useful with inexpensive, easy to obtain materials.
 
During the summer vacation, buying a copy of the lab book Chemistry on a Budget can be very useful.  You can examine the labs and decide what you want to use next year.

There are two versions of each lab, one with a ten-question conclusion and one with directions for a full lab report.  This way the teacher has the option!  Each lab is two pages to allow for one two-sided handout. 
 
A 5-Star Customer Review of Chemistry on a Budget at amazon.com states:
“[S]traight forward, to the point, using household chemicals…this is the lab book for you. 
I teach high school chemistry and this is exactly what [I] was looking for. Labs included simple household chemicals that could be easily found. Nice format, easy to follow along procedures, and touches on every topic of our chemistry curriculum.”

During the summer vacation, buying a copy of the lab book Chemistry on a Budget can be very useful.  You can examine the labs and decide what you want to use next year.


You can buy this lab book for $23 at amazon.com or lulu.com. It will take 1-2 weeks to get to you -- Order Now.  It’s a great resource!
 
http://www.amazon.com/Chemistry-Budget-Marjorie-R-Heesemann/dp/0578129159/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1389410170&sr=1-1&keywords=chemistry+on+a+budget

http://www.lulu.com/shop/marjorie-r-heesemann/chemistry-on-a-budget/paperback/product-21217600.html
 
*Some of you have already purchased my lab book – be sure to check out Page 141 !
 
“Authorities say a contractor ruptured a natural gas line in downtown Sun Prairie[, Wisconsin] on Tuesday… [7/10/18.] The gas somehow ignited, leading to an explosion that leveled half a city block and claimed the life of 34-year-old Sun Prairie Fire Department Capt. Cory Barr.”
http://www.wsaw.com/content/news/Possible-explosion-in-Sun-Prairie--487831221.html
 
“WE Energies spokeswoman Amy Jahns said workers for a private contractor punctured a 4-inch (10-centimeter) gas main, causing a leak that resulted in the explosion that rained burning debris on downtown Sun Prairie and set vehicles parked nearby on fire. WE Energies did not provide the name of the contractor.

The Sun Prairie Police Department said people who were evacuated within a-half mile (0.8 kilometer) radius of the explosion were being allowed back in their homes once they have been cleared by a representative of WE Energies. The Madison Fire Department's Heavy Urban Rescue Team was also evaluating the structural integrity of the damaged downtown buildings.”
http://kstp.com/news/explosion-sun-prairie-wisconsin-natural-gas-main-struck-aftermath/4984721/

“A five-block radius around the epicentre of the explosion was evacuated, including a nursing home. …
A spokeswoman for WE Energies said a contractor hit a natural gas main in downtown resulting in the explosion. …
Witnesses said a boom occurred at about 7.15 pm that shook the city of about 30,000 people. …
Sun Prairie warned residents near the Main Street and Bristol Street intersection not to use electrical devices, use open flames or anything that could create a spark or start a vehicle.”
https://www.straitstimes.com/world/united-states/gas-leak-explosion-rocks-american-city-of-sun-prairie-in-wisconsin
 
“Police said  they were called to the area around 6:20 p.m. for complaints of the smell of gas, and then there was an explosion. … Construction was happening near the evacuation site, according to police. Officials with WE Energies said they have been made aware of an independent contractor hitting a natural gas main in downtown Sun Prairie. “
https://www.channel3000.com/news/gas-line-explodes-in-sun-prairie/766239183
 
“WE Energies spokeswoman Amy Jahns said workers for a private contractor punctured a 4-inch gas main, causing a leak that resulted in the explosion. The blast rained burning debris on downtown Sun Prairie and set vehicles parked nearby on fire. Authorities evacuated buildings within a half-mile radius from the center of the explosion. “
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/madison-wisconsin-suburb-sun-prairie-natural-gas-explosions-level-buildings/
 
“Steve Owen, 60, who owns Sun City Cyclery and Skates in downtown Sun Prairie[, WI], said he saw firefighters and police officers on the street and then the explosion happened. He said the building across from his shop ‘literally lifted up.’
He said the force of the blast knocked him back in his chair and that he ran outside and saw a ball of fire. ‘
http://www.nwherald.com/2018/07/11/firefighter-killed-in-gas-explosion-fire-in-sun-prairie-wisconsin/aaub0xd/
 
Here is another episode for a Lab Safety unit at the beginning of your Chemistry class.  Last week’s blog, dated 07/13/2018, was titled   “Explosion at Fireworks Market in Mexico.”
 
The blog post titled “Chemistry Laboratory Safety” dated 07/13/2014 would be very helpful to planning for Chemistry classroom safety.
 
During the summer vacation, buying a copy of the lab book Chemistry on a Budget can be very useful.  You can examine the labs and decide what you want to use next year.

*This Blog contains several entries that would be helpful to your chemistry classroom.  Check out the Topic List to help you to find past Blog entries.
 
Also, Write To Me about your successes, challenges, or questions in the Chemistry Classroom.
 
Have a great weekend!

0 Comments

explosion at fireworks market in mexico

7/13/2018

0 Comments

 
The book Chemistry on a Budget contains chemistry labs that are useful with inexpensive, easy to obtain materials.
 
During the summer vacation, buying a copy of the lab book Chemistry on a Budget can be very useful.  You can examine the labs and decide what you want to use next year.

There are two versions of each lab, one with a ten-question conclusion and one with directions for a full lab report.  This way the teacher has the option!  Each lab is two pages to allow for one two-sided handout. 
 
A 5-Star Customer Review of Chemistry on a Budget at amazon.com states:
“[S]traight forward, to the point, using household chemicals…this is the lab book for you. 
I teach high school chemistry and this is exactly what [I] was looking for. Labs included simple household chemicals that could be easily found. Nice format, easy to follow along procedures, and touches on every topic of our chemistry curriculum.”
During the summer vacation, buying a copy of the lab book Chemistry on a Budget can be very useful.  You can examine the labs and decide what you want to use next year.

You can buy this lab book for $23 at amazon.com or lulu.com. It will take 1-2 weeks to get to you -- Order Now.  It’s a great resource!
 
http://www.amazon.com/Chemistry-Budget-Marjorie-R-Heesemann/dp/0578129159/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1389410170&sr=1-1&keywords=chemistry+on+a+budget

http://www.lulu.com/shop/marjorie-r-heesemann/chemistry-on-a-budget/paperback/product-21217600.html
 
*Some of you have already purchased my lab book – be sure to check out Page 141 !
 
“Nineteen people were killed and at least 31 were injured Thursday, [July 5, 2018] when two explosions ripped through fireworks workshops in a town just north of Mexico City.”
http://abc7news.com/fireworks-explosion-kills-19-injures-31-near-mexico-city/3711376/
 
“The San Pablito market is in Tultepec, a city about 40 kilometers (25 miles) north of Mexico City that bills itself as the country's fireworks capital.”
https://www.cnn.com/2016/12/21/americas/mexico-fireworks-market-explosion/index.html
 
Here is a 1-minute video showing the initial explosion, and it tells of two other explosions in earlier years.
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/60-hurt-explosion-rips-fireworks-market-outside-mexico-city-n698476
There is another video segment lower down on the page as well.
 
“Many residents in the town make a living by fabricating and selling homemade fireworks, and explosions are a regular occurrence.
But authorities have been unable to enforce safety regulations and registration requirements.”
http://www.latimes.com/world/la-fg-fireworks-explosion-mexico-city-20180705-story.html#
 
“Safety measures at fireworks workshops and markets have been a matter of constant debate in Mexico. While regulations exist on the books, many continue making powerful firecrackers and bottle rockets and sell them to the public.”
http://abc7news.com/fireworks-explosion-kills-19-injures-31-near-mexico-city/3711376/
 
“Fireworks accidents are not uncommon in Mexico, especially during the Christmas season, when families purchase hundreds of fireworks for the holidays. Fireworks are a favored tradition among Mexicans, and markets are filled with small fireworks for children.
The explosion at the San Pablito market was the third major blast there in the last 11 years. In 2005 and again in 2006, major explosions took place. While no one was killed in those two episodes, vendor stalls and surrounding areas were damaged.
Despite that history, the market was certified by the state’s Institute of Pyrotechnics, which just last month described it as ‘the safest in all of Latin America.’ ”
https://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/20/world/americas/mexico-fireworks-explosion.html
 
“Safety measures at fireworks workshops have been a topic of debate in Mexico as authorities are unable to enforce safety regulations and regulation requirements. Regulations exist on paper, but many continue to make powerful firecrackers and bottle rockets and sell them to the public.”
https://www.dw.com/en/explosion-at-mexican-fireworks-factory-kills-dozens-near-mexico-city/a-44547957
 
You may choose to share this episode along with your Lab Safety Unit at the beginning of your Chemistry class.
 
A blog post titled “Chemistry Laboratory Safety” is dated 07/13/2014 is very helpful to planning for your classroom.
 
During the summer vacation, buying a copy of the lab book Chemistry on a Budget can be very useful.  You can examine the labs and decide what you want to use next year.

*This Blog contains several entries that would be helpful to your chemistry classroom.  Check out the Topic List to help you to find past Blog entries.
 
Also, Write To Me about your successes, challenges, or questions in the Chemistry Classroom.
 
Have a great weekend!

0 Comments

Happy july 4th of 2018 !

7/6/2018

0 Comments

 
The book Chemistry on a Budget contains chemistry labs that are useful with inexpensive, easy to obtain materials.
 
During the summer vacation, buying a copy of the lab book Chemistry on a Budget can be very useful.  You can examine the labs and decide what you want to use next year.

There are two versions of each lab, one with a ten-question conclusion and one with directions for a full lab report.  This way the teacher has the option!  Each lab is two pages to allow for one two-sided handout. 
 
A 5-Star Customer Review of Chemistry on a Budget at amazon.com states:
“[S]traight forward, to the point, using household chemicals…this is the lab book for you. 
I teach high school chemistry and this is exactly what [I] was looking for. Labs included simple household chemicals that could be easily found. Nice format, easy to follow along procedures, and touches on every topic of our chemistry curriculum.”
 
You can buy this lab book for $23 at amazon.com or lulu.com. It will take 1-2 weeks to get to you -- Order Now.  It’s a great resource!
 
http://www.amazon.com/Chemistry-Budget-Marjorie-R-Heesemann/dp/0578129159/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1389410170&sr=1-1&keywords=chemistry+on+a+budget

http://www.lulu.com/shop/marjorie-r-heesemann/chemistry-on-a-budget/paperback/product-21217600.html
 
*Some of you have already purchased my lab book – be sure to check out Page 141 !
 
Congratulations on successfully finishing the 2017-2018 school year!
​
Past blog posts that may be useful include:
06/11/2015      End of Year Reflection
06/19/2016      End of Year Reflection II

You might want to reflect NOW while you remember the events of the school year -- you will be busy in the Summer of 2018 such as taking graduate classes, working another job, catching up on medical/dental appointments, traveling, attending weddings, or just sleeping on the beach.
​
During the summer vacation, buying a copy of the lab book Chemistry on a Budget can be very useful.  You can examine the labs and decide what you want to use next year.

*This Blog contains several entries that would be helpful to your chemistry classroom.  Check out the Topic List to help you to find past Blog entries.
 
Also, Write To Me about your successes, challenges, or questions in the Chemistry Classroom.
 
Have a great weekend!

0 Comments

    Author

    Marjorie R. Heesemann is a chemistry teacher with 15 years of experience who is now working to develop resources for the Chemistry classroom.

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