Jim Hebden's Chemistry Resources

A Note From Jim Hebden:
The accompanying files are being donated to the Chemistry teachers of British Columbia as a “thank you” for the support they have given me during my teaching career. I have scoured the available literature for several years to find good, reliable and USABLE demonstrations that illustrate Chemistry concepts in a clear manner and have used most of the demonstrations for several years to help maintain a high level of interest in students. I hope the material in the files proves useful.

DISCLAIMER: Demonstrations should always be tested ahead of time to make sure you can make them work properly. Some chemicals should only be used by properly trained teachers because of the potential hazard involved when improperly used by untrained individuals. I have tried to include only demonstrations that are safe according to the available literature and cannot be responsible for an unanticipated and hurtful outcome. Teachers using the demonstrations should read over the preparation and procedure thoroughly and must assume any risks resulting from their decision to attempt the demonstration. If possible, the original books quoted should be consulted. 

Index of Demos.pdf
This document lists all the Chem 11, Chem 12 and General demonstrations by course, topic and title.

Cation Disposal.pdf
This document gives a procedure for removal of toxic cations from solutions destined for disposal.

Chem Resource Books.pdf
This document gives a listing of general print resources that should probably be available to every Chemistry teacher, two outstanding sources of specialized equipment and 25 books of demonstrations. The books of demonstrations have been given my evaluation of their usefulness, the price and where they can be ordered.

Chem Teaching Strategies.pdf
Teaching tips and strategies for Chem 11 and 12, including a few tips for labs, demonstrations and equipment purchase and usage.

Chemical storage and disposal.doc - NEW 2009
Storage and disposal codes for common (and some not-so-common) chemicals. This list probably contains most chemicals found in BC high schools. Disposal codes are at the end of the document. With slight modification, the document can serve to keep track of available chemical inventory 

Coin Compositions.doc
This document lists the compositions of Canadian coins. This information is useful for teachers wishing to create a lab based on analyzing Canadian currency.

Crystal Growing Manual.doc - NEW 2009
Gives instructions for students (and teachers) who want to grow crystals.

Detailed Study Points.pdf
This document is intended for student use and lists every point that a student in Chemistry 11 and Chemistry 12 should know. This is a most useful checklist of essential required knowledge.

Elementary Science.pdf
This document was presented at an inservice day to encourage elementary school teachers to do more “hands on” chemistry and includes 12 simple but engaging experiments which can be done with commonly available materials. Each experiment’s description includes how to perform the experiment, an explanation of what is happening and some suggested extensions for further investigation. Many elementary school teachers are not comfortable with chemistry experiments and hence the explanations are complete enough to let elementary teachers feel confident in explaining what is happening. This document was co-written with Keith Chambers, an elementary teacher of vast experience.

Fancy Crystals.doc - NEW 2009
Gives instructions for growing a two-layered crystal: pale purple chrome alum in the center and a layer of colourless potassium alum outside. Gives a stunning result!

Fit of Demos to Curriculum.pdf
This document shows exactly where in Chem 11 and Chem 12 each demonstration fits. The individual topics follow the subheadings in Hebden: Chemistry 11 (and 12), A Workbook for Students.

Forensic Analysis.pdf
This document is a forensics lab that requires students to undertake a forensic analysis on white powders and test them for pseudo-cocaine, pseudo-heroin, etc. The student is placed in the role of a “forensics technician-in-training” and requires an official report of results when finished. This lab can be used in grades 9-12. Warning: this lab requires a substantial amount of setup and may not be suitable if a lab assistant is not available, although most of the chemicals will last from year-to- year and are used in small amounts.

Forensic Prep.pdf
This document gives the preparation instructions for the reagents used, and the unknowns.

General Demos.pdf
This document gives 40 demonstrations that can be used “when the mood hits” to enliven a Chemistry or general science class. Many of the demonstrations make wonderful contributions to a Chemistry Magic Show.

Hazardous Chemicals.doc - NEW 2009
This document was prepared for SD #73 so as to address concerns as to which hazardous chemicals should be permitted to be used by teachers and students in the District and the guidelines under which usage is permitted. 

Lab Aide Training.pdf
For those teachers fortunate enough to have a lab assistant, this is a training document for new lab assistants. Teachers who have less-than-optimal training in chemical handling may also find this document useful. (Let’s face it, not every Chemistry teacher has a degree in Chemistry.)

Lab report check list.doc - NEW 2009
A quick check list for students to make sure that their lab reports are properly presented

Late slip for students.doc - NEW 2009
This is a quick-to-use slip of paper that a teacher hands out to students who are late getting out of a class, test or lab. Very useful.

Making Buffers.doc
This document describes how to prepare buffers in the range pH 3 to 11.

Recycling silver.doc - NEW 2009
Gives instructions for reclaiming and recycling silver wastes, minimizing lab costs and enabling continued use of an otherwise expensive chemical.

Study Notes.pdf
This document is intended for student use and describes how to make up an outstanding set of Chemistry study notes.

Testing for Peroxides.pdf
Several organic liquids can form hazardous peroxides that can detonate with staggering impact. This document gives a simple procedure for quickly testing whether an organic liquid contains sufficient concentrations of peroxides to warrant immediate disposal. This procedure should be done once a year unless you want to risk a highly hazardous situation!

Typical Magic Show.pdf
This document gives instructions for putting on a Chemistry Magic Show, including equipment needed, how to prepare the required solutions, how to perform each demonstration and an explanation of what is happening with each demonstration.

Universal Indicator prep.doc - NEW 2009
Gives instructions for making a good universal indicator solution.