Chemistry
essay describing what you learned from the simulations and describing the lab skills which are better learned in-person as opposed to online (either by watching videos or using lab simulations). I have already done the simulations.
Simulation 1–
At the end of this simulation, you will be able to
Understand how to create biodiesel from algal oil
Identify the hazards posed by chemicals and how to handle them
React quickly and save lives in case of a fire emergency
Use the CAS numbers to plan your experiment
Understand how to dispose of halogenated and non-halogenated waste
Lookup H and P phrases in the safety data sheet
Safely use a chemical fume hood
About this Learning Simulation
Are you ready to work in a chemistry lab? In the Chemistry Safety simulation you will learn how to safely work with organic solvents. Experiment with dangerous chemicals and make mistakes without putting yourself in danger.
Biodiesel for a greener world
We need to find sustainable fuel sources to reduce CO2 emissions and battle climate change. Your mission in the Chemistry Safety lab is therefore to find an effective process for producing biodiesel from algal oils. Can you figure out how to convert oil into diesel?
Fumes in the fume hood
In the Chemistry Safety lab, youll get to work with methanol, a volatile organic solvent. This means you need to work in a chemical fume hood. Learn how to set up your reaction in the fume hood and dispose solvents in the organic waste. Look up the physical properties of your reactants in the safety data sheet, to make sure your reaction will be successful.
Dangers in the lab
In the Chemistry Safety lab, youll learn to identify the hazards posed by the different chemicals that you are using, which is a very important step in the planning of every experiment.
Just like in the real world, things will get nasty if you make mistakes while working with dangerous chemicals.
Are you ready to react quickly in case of an emergency, and will you be able to apply your chemistry safety knowledge correctly?
Simulation 2–
At the end of this simulation, you will be able to
Describe the structure and organization of the periodic table
Classify elements of a family based on their location in the periodic table
Distinguish metals from other element classes based on typical characteristics
Use the flame color test to identify metals based on their position in the periodic table
Relate valence electrons and oxidation state of a main group element to its position in the periodic table
Describe the main trends among groups and periods for atomic properties
Explain the causes on the atomic level for the main trends among groups and periods concerning atomic radii, ionization energy and electronegativity
Techniques:
Flame color test
About this Learning Simulation
Light up the elements! In this simulation, you will learn all the fundamental ins and outs of the periodic table. Find out which elements have metallic characteristics, perform a flame test, and explore trends in atomic properties among the main groups and periods.
A broken table
The periodic table is an amazing tool for getting an overview of all the elements in existence, even the elements that only exist when we create them ourselves. But the table in this virtual lab lab is broken; some of the elements have fallen out, and its your mission to figure out where they belong by investigating their characteristics and properties.
Flame color test and atomic properties
To sort the first few elements in the table you can observe their flame colors. You may need to use your knowledge about element classes as well to get the full overview.
There are surprisingly many atomic properties for which trends can be observed via the periodic table. Moving on to the virtual holo-table, you will investigate these trends and deduct how they behave when you move within and between periods and groups of the table. You will need this knowledge to assign the most tricky fallen-out elements.
Become the teacher
At the end of the simulation, a special visitor will be coming by the lab, and she needs you to help her understand the basics of the periodic table.
Will you be able to grasp the periodic table well enough to explain it to the visitor?
Simulation 3–
At the end of this simulation, you will be able to
Explain the relationship between mass, molecular weight, and numbers of atoms or molecules and perform calculations deriving these quantities from one another
Perform mass-to-mass stoichiometric calculations via conversions to mole
Identify the limiting and excess reagents in a chemical reaction
Calculate the theoretical, actual and percent reaction yield
Define Avogadros number and describe the mole quantification of matter
Techniques:
Gravimetric analysis
About this Learning Simulation
Did you know that there are more water molecules in a glass of water than there are sand grains in the Sahara desert? In this simulation you will learn about the relationship between mass, molecular weight and the number of atoms or molecules and you will understand the magnitude and importance of Avogadros number.
Identify an unknown compound
In order to identify a compound where the label has been partly destroyed, you must apply the technique of gravimetric analysis. To do so, you must first learn to understand the relationship between mass, moles and molecular weights and how to perform stoichiometric calculations from mass to mass via conversions to mole.
Stoichiometric calculations with moles
You will perform a realistic gravimetric analysis with detailed instructions on what to do and why to do it in every step of the experiment. From balancing the equation to recognizing the stoichiometry of the reactants and finding out which equation to employ in the calculations, the theory behind the experiment is explained step-by-step in the order of the experiment.
What compound is it?
At the end of the simulation, you will have finalized all of the stoichiometric calculations and the answer to the question should be clear Can you see what compound it is?
