Product Description:
#7749 Chemical Reactions - Water: A Molecular Substance (Run time 12 min.) DVD $49.95
Using computer-generated animations, this program clearly demonstrates the structures and changes of state in water-specifically in ice melting, in water evaporating, and in water boiling-all at the molecular level. Each demonstration scientifically clarifies student misconceptions about the process and reinforces concepts that carry over into molecular change in other elements. (12 minutes)
#7750 Chemical Reactions - Water: Dissolving, Precipitation, and Complexation (Run time 20 min.) DVD $49.95
This program, divided into three parts, looks at the difference between melting and dissolving using the example of sodium chloride. The reaction of sodium chloride solution with silver nitrate exemplifies precipitation; ammonia, added to a solution of copper (II) nitrate, forms a copper (II) hydroxide gel; and the successive complexation of copper (II) by ammonia molecules serves as an important model for complexation. (20 minutes)
#34276 Chemical Reactions - The Nature of Fire (Run time 22 min.) DVD $49.95
A fire needs heat, fuel, and oxygen. This Science Screen Report examines that triangle of ingredients, and how scientists study it in order to combat-or harness-fire. With detailed examples of firefighting techniques, the program demonstrates the removal of heat from a class A blaze through the use of water or sprayed polymers, and the elimination of oxygen, a strategy used in fighting oil fires. The video concludes with a focus on the internal combustion engine and the oxyacetylene torch, two technological achievements that transform fire into a tool. A viewable/printable instructor's guide is available online. Correlates to National Science Education Standards. Produced in association with the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology and the Junior Engineering Technical Society. (22 minutes)
#7751 General Chemistry - Water: Ionic Equilibrium, Acid-Base, and Redox Chemistry (Run time 34 min.) DVD $49.95
This program, divided into three parts, gives several examples of reactions: potassium thiocyanate solution with iron (III) nitrate solution to explain ionic equilibrium; acid-base chemistry, using ethanoic acid as an acid, and ethanoate ion and ammonia as bases; and copper metal with silver nitrate solution to illustrate redox chemistry. (34 minutes)
#37384 General Chemistry - Learning Strategies for General Chemistry (Run time 15 min.) DVD $49.95
General chemistry-the starting point for understanding many different sciences-is a rigorous discipline. This program, filmed at Dartmouth College, will help students stay engaged with the coursework as it explains the necessity and the benefits of making a wholehearted commitment. The nine strategies presented by a mix of professors and students are: set goals, manage your time, keep up with reading, attend every lecture, take effective notes, do practice problems, apply yourself to chem lab, make use of the professor's office hours, and prepare for exams. Very motivational! (15 minutes)
#34291 Elements & Compounds - Elements: The Foundation of Nature (Run time 17 min.) DVD $59.95
Earth, air, fire, and water: according to some ancient theories, these four elements made up the cosmos. Beginning with the work of the Greek philosopher Democritus, this Science Screen Report describes how an accurate atomic theory developed and led to awareness of a wide variety of elements. Specific examples showing different configurations of these basic units of matter-including graphite and diamond, both made of carbon-combine with animated sequences that demonstrate concepts of atomic and molecular structure. A viewable/printable instructor's guide is available online. Correlates to National Science Education Standards. Produced in association with the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology and the Junior Engineering Technical Society. (17 minutes)
#35307 Elements & Compounds - Separating Mixtures (Run time 22 min.) DVD $59.95
Using clever animation and real-world examples, this video gives viewers a solid grounding in the principles of mixtures, how they can form, and how they can be separated. Starting with everyday tools and materials-including a campfire, sugar, water, and magnets-the program illustrates simple and complex experiments that demonstrate a wide range of mixture separation techniques. Viewers will discover the difference between solvents, solutes, and solutions; the characteristics of suspensions and colloids; and both low- and high-tech methods for separating mixtures, from evaporation and magnetism to paper chromatography and the use of a centrifuge. (22 minutes)
#35306 General Chemistry - Changing States of Matter (Run time 28 min.) DVD $59.95
This program demonstrates the changeability of solids, liquids, and gases with real-world, easy-to-understand examples. Set at a campsite, the video utilizes simple tools at hand-a camp stove, pots and pans, boiling water, and ice-to explain the concepts of state change, latent heat, expansion, contraction, and sublimation. Viewers will become familiar with the particle theory of matter, how heat or cold changes the characteristics of a wide variety of materials, and how a great deal of technology relies on these transformations. Helpful animation sequences and concise chapter summaries reinforce essential physics and chemistry concepts. (28 minutes)
#5776 Chemical Bonding - Mass Spectrometry (Run time 30 min.) DVD $69.95
An explanation of how a mass spectrometer works is followed by a demonstration of a mass spectrometer in action. The analysis of simple mass spectra is discussed-simple splitting of hydrocarbons, the effect on splitting of heteroatoms in alcohols and ethers, and the McLafferty rearrangement. Discussion of the spectra of isotopic mixtures, such as chlorine and bromine, and the use of accurate masses is also included. (30 minutes)
#10130 Chemical Bonding - Molecular Geometry and Bonding Theories (Run time 18 min.) DVD $69.95
Why is the acronym VSEPR pronounced "vesper"? The answer to that question is the only thing not revealed in part one of this program, which takes a look at the VSEPR theory, non-bonding electron pairs, polarity, and dipoles. In part two, a "cow-chicken" and other experts elucidate the theories of hybrid orbital and molecular orbital overlap and illustrate how to determine bond order. (18 minutes)
#5774 Chemical Reactions - Oxidation (Run time 35 min.) DVD $69.95
Oxidation and reduction are discussed in terms of electron transfer, leading to the idea of electrode potentials. Illustrations are provided using the space shuttle, the Breathalyzer, a cannon, and a more complex electron transfer experiment. The program includes a discussion of the electrochemical cell as an oxidation/reduction process, and demonstrates some of the uses of electrochemistry on a larger scale. (35 minutes)
#5780 Chemical Reactions - Interpreting Infrared and N.M.R. Spectra (Run time 40 min.) DVD $69.95
An explanation of the theory of infrared absorption is followed by showing a series of spectra demonstrating the major absorption peaks. Shifts within the carbonyl group, and their explanation, are discussed. The N.M.R. portion of the program covers the ideas of integration, chemical shift, and splitting in proton spectra in a logical process of development of the subject. (40 minutes)
#6834 Chemical Reactions - Matter and Change (Run time 31 min.) DVD $69.95
In lesson one of this program, experiments are conducted on five white "mystery" powders to determine chemical content and reaction. Salt is fused into a solid block. By feeding gaseous oxygen into a plastic bag of liquid nitrogen, we observe the resulting changes in gases; argon condenses into liquid, then turns to gas upon being removed from liquid nitrogen. Lesson two shows the three states of bromine. Mercury is evaporated and a match is lit using only steam. In lesson three, the density of solids and liquids is examined. Gas densities of copper sulfate solutions, liquid paraffin, carbon tetrachloride, and dyed propanol are illustrated by layering each substance in a graduated cylinder. The gas density of a soap bubble is tested with and without hydrogen; various gas densities are tested to float a hot air balloon. (31 minutes)
#5778 Elements & Compounds - Salt (Run time 34 min.) DVD $69.95
A trip to the salt mines shows how rock salt is mined and then crushed underground to be transported to the surface as a granular product. The study of a block of rock salt leads to a discussion of sphere packing as an aid to understanding simple crystal types, and treats the energy of formation of salt in terms of a Born-Haber cycle. The electrolysis of molten salt and brine is discussed, and the industrial-scale electrolysis of brine is shown, covering the mercury, diaphragm, and membrane cells. (34 minutes)
#6837 Elements & Compounds - Ions (Run time 38 min.) DVD $69.95
Lesson one demonstrates the circumstances under which common materials, such as sugar and table salt, conduct electricity. The process of electrolysis is demonstrated in the making of metallic leaves. In investigating the movement of ions, permanganate ions spread toward the anode side of a liquid chamber when electricity is applied. Lesson two demonstrates the formation of a metallic copper crystal tree, and silver crystals are formed when copper wire is immersed in aqueous sulfur nitrate. Lead iodide is formed by heating a mixture of potassium iodide and lead nitrate solutions. In lesson three, chemical batteries are made of copper, zinc, a grapefruit, and an eggplant. Fuel cells generate pollution-free electricity. (38 minutes)
#5773 Experiments - Catalysis (Run time 35 min.) DVD $69.95
This program provides a simple explanation of heterogeneous catalysis, starting with a simple example of the oxidation of gas on a hot platinum surface, and ending with an explanation of the Haber process, including footage of the industrial version. The program emphasizes the importance of energy saving resulting from catalytic processes, and discusses the protection of the environment by catalysts in car exhaust systems. The program ends with speculation on the future of catalysis as a possible basis of a hydrogen energy economy. (35 minutes)
#5779 Experiments - Transition Metals (Run time 60 min.) DVD $69.95
A survey of transition metal chemistry begins with a simple introduction to the main properties of transition metal complexes, such as color, magnetism, and complexation, then proceeds to cover the acidity and exchange reactions of transition metal complexes. The oxidation rates of ions are discussed, and their catalytic properties are demonstrated. The lecture is illustrated throughout by practical demonstrations in which the color changes of transition metal complexes on reaction are used to illustrate the changes which are taking place in the structure of the complexes. (60 minutes)
#5781 Experiments - 13C N.M.R. (Run time 21 min.) DVD $69.95
The importance of the low natural abundance of 13C is stressed in this program, showing how it influences the development of the subject. The program covers types of decoupling, the effect of chemical shift, and the effect of deuterium and 13C labels. (21 minutes)
#6835 Experiments - Pure Substances and Mixtures (Run time 38 min.) DVD $69.95
In lesson one, heat is used to distill ethanol. Iodine distilled from seaweed demonstrates the chemical phenomenon of sublimation. The principle of chromatography is explored by studying color pigments in water-base pens. Lesson two studies salt dissolution. Degrees of solubility are measured by dissolving quantities of boric acid at different temperatures. Recrystallization is achieved. In lesson three, bleach and pig's liver are combined to produce oxygen; carbon dioxide, ammonia, and hydrogen are produced and their properties are studied. (38 minutes)
#6836 Experiments - Atoms, Molecules, and Chemical Change (Run time 41 min.) DVD $69.95
Lesson one looks at copper atoms using a Scanning Tunnelling Microscope connected to a computer. Several demonstrations of combustion include burning firecrackers under water. Lesson two shows combustion of an industrial diamond. Thermite reaction produces iron metal from iron oxide. Tatara, the traditional Japanese steelmaking process, is described. Lesson three studies chemical reactions between iron powder and sulfur, zinc and sulfur, and copper and sulfur. Chemical combination and decomposition, dry distillation, and pyrolysis are discussed. (41 minutes)
#6838 Experiments - Laws of Chemical Change and Heat Flow (Run time 35 min.) DVD $69.95
The first lesson provides examples of the Law of Conservation and Mass and the Law of Definite Proportions. Recycling of elements is examined. In lesson two, exothermic and endothermic reactions are demonstrated by an experiment that uses the chemical contents of a pocket warmer and dry ice. The third lesson includes demonstrations of oscillating reactions and clock reactions, as well as interesting though hazardous experiments such as a hydrogen explosion, acetone peroxide explosion, surface polymerization, and silver mirror reaction. (35 minutes)
#6839 Experiments - Acids, Bases, and Neutralization (Run time 37 min.) DVD $69.95
In the first lesson, five aqueous solutions are tested for degrees of acidity and alkalinity. The nature of acids and bases is examined. In lesson two, table salt is produced by mixing small pieces of aluminum with solutions of hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide. Current flow in acid, neutral, and alkaline solutions is demonstrated. An experiment using ammonia water and dry ice tests varying degrees of acidity. An on-site visit to a neutralization plant in Japan shows how acid levels are reduced by putting quantities of limestone into the Yukawa River. A third lesson demonstrates precautions that should be taken when performing experiments involving heat. Investigations that use chemicals such as chlorine bleach, ether, and metallic sodium, which should not be attempted in a school lab, are also demonstrated. (37 minutes)
#5775 General Chemistry - Ultraviolet Spectroscopy (Run time 45 min.) DVD $69.95
A discussion of the importance of ultraviolet/visible absorption in color vision leads on to the fundamentals of absorption resulting from the shift of an electron from a bonding to an antibonding orbital. The importance of conjugation is stressed, and fluorescence is demonstrated. The program also refers to simple examples of spectra resulting from electron transitions within d-orbitals, and the importance of these spectra in determining the structures of transition metal complexes. (45 minutes)
#5777 General Chemistry - Liquid Air (Run time 55 min.) DVD $69.95
This program covers the production of low temperatures, the effect of cold on physical properties, and the effect of liquid oxygen on oxidation reactions in a series of entertaining experiments. (55 minutes)
#5782 General Chemistry - Intermediate H.N.M.R. Spectroscopy (Run time 29 min.) DVD $69.95
This program takes over where the program Interpreting Infrared and N.M.R. Spectra leaves off, covering shift reagents, deuterium exchange and decoupling, then proceeding to the splitting patterns observed in rigid molecules where the Karplus equation is of importance. Examples of locked cyclohexanes, alkenes, and aromatic molecules are considered, mainly AMX and ABX systems; and the AB influence is explained. The program also explains a system constrained by hydrogen bonding rather than molecular rigidity. (29 minutes, color)
#5877 General Chemistry - N.M.R. Spectra of Fluorinated Molecules (Run time 17 min.) DVD $69.95
This program on the N.M.R. spectra of fluorinated molecules shows how fluorine influences and is influenced by hydrogen and carbon present in the molecule. The program also shows examples of all three types of spectra and demonstrates the more frequently encountered splittings. The program is a valuable introduction to the effect of introducing any N.M.R. active substituent into a molecule. (17 minutes)
#10123 General Chemistry - Introduction to Matter, the Elements, and Units of Measure (Run time 26 min.) DVD $69.95
Elements and compounds, accuracy and precision, liters and moles and joules-what does it all mean? After introducing the states, properties, and types of matter, this program proceeds to the periodic table of elements and the qualities of atoms, compounds, and molecules. An investigation of the metric system, SI units, uncertainty in measurement, and dimensional analysis wrap up this engaging educational resource. (26 minutes)
#10124 General Chemistry - Chemical Equations and Atomic and Molecular Mass (Run time 20 min.) DVD $69.95
Can a barbershop quartet introduce the subject of stoichiometry? They do in this program, which in section one presents the Law of Conservation of Mass and how to balance equations. Section two explains the difference between the mass number and atomic mass, what an isotope is, and how to work with atomic mass units to find the average atomic mass. (20 minutes)
#10125 General Chemistry - Moles, Percent Composition, and the Empirical Formula (Run time 31 min.) DVD $69.95
When is a mole not a mole? Section one of this program demystifies concepts such as Avogadro's Constant, molecular mass, and molar mass. In section two, the Percent Composition Formula is spotlighted, while section three addresses the Empirical Formula and its use in determining formula weight. The calculation of mass in the conversion of magnesium to magnesium oxide in a segment called "Cooking with Professor Rowley" ties things together. (31 minutes)
#10126 General Chemistry - Solution Stoichiometry (Run time 33 min.) DVD $69.95
In this program, stoichiometry goes swimming. The topics of molarity, dilution, acid/base reactions, titration, limiting reagents, and yield-theoretical, actual, and percent-are all carefully examined. Practical problems involving the Molarity Equation give the program a quantitative analysis flavor, while "Cooking with Professor Rowley" and other skits present key stoichiometric concepts with a dash of levity. (33 minutes)
#10127 General Chemistry - Thermochemistry (Run time 17 min.) DVD $69.95
This program heats things up with a concentrated analysis of thermochemistry, explaining precisely how temperature figures into chemical reactions. Section one covers endothermic and exothermic reactions, the standard enthalpy of formation, and the workings of Hess's Law, while section two explains the concepts of heat capacity, molar heat capacity, and specific heat. (17 minutes)
#10128 General Chemistry - Atomic Structure (Run time 27 min.) DVD $69.95
Atomic structure lies at the crossroads of both chemistry and physics, and this program examines a field of study crucial to both: the scientific shell game known as quantum mechanics. Schrodinger's mathematical distribution and the Pauli Exclusion Principle; electron orbitals and the three types of quantum numbers; and shells, subshells, and nodes are all discussed. A thorough demonstration of writing electron configurations is included as well. (27 minutes)
#10129 General Chemistry - Chemical Bonding (Run time 18 min.) DVD $69.95
"An atom with eight electrons in its valence shell is a happy atom." Section one of this program makes sense of Lewis structures and resonance structures while addressing the Octet Rule and its exceptions. In section two, "Professor Einsteinium" and elements of Atomic Mass University-AMU-study electronegativity and ionic and covalent bonding, while section three focuses on bond energy and reaction enthalpy. (18 minutes)
#10131 General Chemistry - Gases and States of Matter (Run time 33 min.) DVD $69.95
In part one of this program, chemistry authorities, including "Helium Man" and two janitors, lay down the law-Boyle's Law, Graham's Law, and Dalton's Law. They also present the Kinetic Molecular Theory and the Ideal Gas Equation and elaborate on partial pressures and the difference between diffusion and effusion. Part two investigates kinetic energy; ion-dipole, dipole-dipole, and London dispersion forces; hydrogen bonds; phase diagrams; and vapor pressure. (33 minutes)
#10132 General Chemistry - Properties of Solutions (Run time 28 min.) DVD $69.95
If chemical terms like miscibility, concentration, and osmosis are a mystery, this program provides the solution. They and other key concepts-including solubility, saturation, dilution, and electrolytes; mass percentage composition, mole fractions, molarity, and molality; and freezing-point depression and boiling-point elevation-are all carefully spelled out and applied. (28 minutes)
#33881 General Chemistry - Chemistry: Changing States of Matter (Run time 14 min.) DVD $69.95
This Science Screen Report uses experiments and everyday phenomena to explore the properties of matter and how physical forces cause state changes at the boiling, melting, freezing, and dew point. The program also demonstrates how different states of matter can be combined in suspensions and solutions and how such mixtures can be separated into their components. Applied chemistry is spotlighted in the areas of food manufacturing and water desalination. A viewable/printable instructor's guide is available online. Produced in association with the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology and the Junior Engineering Technical Society. (14 minutes)
#1279 Chemical Bonding - Out of the Air: 1 (Run time 20 min.) DVD $89.95
Air, an important industrial raw material, is first filtered to remove any solid matter. Then its constituent gases-nitrogen, oxygen, and other trace gases-can be separated by compressing the air, cooling it, and then allowing it to expand, which cools it further. Since each gas liquefies at a different temperature, the gases can easily be separated. As the air expands, it is used to drive turbines, which generate electricity; the cold air is also used to freeze carbon dioxide and water vapor. The liquid nitrogen and oxygen, stored and transported in well-insulated tanks, have many industrial uses, from steel-making to packaging potato chips. (20 minutes)
#7745 Chemical Bonding - Bonding Between Molecules (Run time 20 min.) DVD $89.95
In this program, bonding is explained in terms of dipole-dipole bonding for polar molecules, and dispersion forces for both polar and nonpolar molecules. Changes of state for water are examined, and the decreased density of ice when compared with liquid water is explained in terms of intermolecular bonding. Polarity is explained within the context of electronegativity. Formation of dipole-dipole bonds is used to discuss the solubility of glucose, sucrose, and other polar molecules. (20 minutes)
#5615 Chemical Reactions - Chemical Reactions (Run time 23 min.) DVD $89.95
This program looks at a variety of different chemical reactions. Some we would often like to do without, like rust. The program explains how rusting occurs and describes a number of ways of preventing it. We next look at detergents and the chemistry of how they clean, whiten, and soften. Finally, we look at glue, yogurt, and other products composed of soft matter, a state somewhere between the solid and liquid phases and the subject of much industrial research. (23 minutes)
#33035 Chemical Reactions - The Concepts of Equilibrium (Run time 24 min.) DVD $89.95
Starting with a definition of reversible reactions, this program covers the basic concepts of chemical equilibrium and the equilibrium law. The concept of equilibrium is illustrated by comparison to the movement of cars in and out of a parking lot, the motion of a person walking the opposite way on a moving walkway, and the movement of people on and off paddleboats. The video concludes by considering what an equilibrium constant indicates about a reaction in terms of the relative quantities of reactants and products present at equilibrium. Carbon monoxide in the bloodstream is used to illustrate that point. (24 minutes)
#1278 Chemistry & the Environment - Fit to Drink (Run time 20 min.) DVD $89.95
This program traces the water cycle, beginning with the collection of rainwater in rivers and lakes, in great detail through a water treatment plant, to some of the places where water is used, and finally back into the atmosphere. Treatment of the water begins with the use of chlorine to destroy organisms; the water is then filtered through various sedimentation tanks to remove solid matter. Other treatments employ ozone, which oxidizes everything and makes it easier to remove; hydrated lime, which reduces the acidity of the water; sulfur dioxide, which removes any excess chlorine; and flocculation, a process in which aluminum sulfate causes small particles to clump together and precipitate out. Throughout various stages of purification, the water is continuously tested by smell, taste, titration, and by fish. The treatment plant also monitors less common contaminants with the use of up-to-date techniques like flame spectrometers and gas liquification. (20 minutes)
#39415 Chemistry & the Environment - Chemical Irritants (Run time min.) DVD $89.95
Chemical irritants can cause a debilitating sensitivity or even a chemical injury. This program examines the all-too-common threat of chemical exposure-often from products and materials found in the average home or office building. Showing how contaminants and irritants can travel through heating and air conditioning ducts, the program highlights a case study in which a woman developed rashes, swelling, and difficulty breathing due to chemicals in her workplace. Another example features a man sickened by a chemical plant near his residence. Expert guests include Dr. Grace Ziem, a prominent occupational medicine specialist, and Alan Cohen of Beyond Pesticides, a nonprofit group that opposes the overuse of pesticides. (30 minutes)
#1109 Elements & Compounds - Iron and Steel (Run time 20 min.) DVD $89.95
Iron ore is reduced and manufactured into steel in a modern plant where, in a continuous process, ore is crushed and mixed with coke and then fed into the top of a blast furnace. Molten iron flows off from the bottom; slag is skimmed off; and iron is converted to steel by blowing oxygen through it to remove residual carbon, adding lime and magnesium powder to remove other trace solid impurities. Alloying metals are then added to the steel. The molten metal is cast into molds which are later rolled into required shapes. (20 minutes)
#1112 Elements & Compounds - Polyethylene (Run time 20 min.) DVD $89.95
Polyethylene is one of many commercially important organic compounds derived from crude oil. This program demonstrates the polymerization of ethylene at different pressures and in the presence of different catalysts, depending on the intended end use of the polyethylene-low-density polyethylene for flexible products like film and plastic bags is produced at between 1500 and 2000 atm with trace oxygen as the catalyst; for resilient, tough, high-density polyethylene, reaction pressures are 5 to 30 atm and titanium chloride and aluminum chloride catalysts are used. The program also shows the molding of polyethylene into commercial products and the testing and analytical techniques used to determine their properties. Some of the advantages and disadvantages of replacing wood and glass with plastic products are discussed. (20 minutes)
#1277 Elements & Compounds - Limestone (Run time 20 min.) DVD $89.95
Limestone, or calcium carbonate-made of the skeletons of billions of sea creatures-is mined in large quantities. Carefully blasted out of the ground, it is first crushed with huge pestles to eliminate large boulders, then passed through a series of sieves to separate large chunks for further crushing. When sufficiently small, it is washed to remove clay, dust, and sand. The grades are separated: some for road-building, others for processing into sodium carbonate for glass-making. The sand from the wash is separated out and can be made into quicklime and subsequently into slacked lime; the remainder is processed to make cement powder. (20 minutes)
#2897 Elements & Compounds - The Atom That Makes the Difference (Carbon) (Run time 26 min.) DVD $89.95
Put a carbon here, and you have estradiol, the female sex hormone; add just one carbon atom and you have testosterone. And what a difference that single atom makes! This program profiles the multifaceted life of Carl Djerassi-novelist, art collector, professor of chemistry at Stanford University, and, as he likes to think of himself, mother of the pill-while shedding some light on the intricacies of steroid chemistry. (26 minutes)
#35315 Elements & Compounds - Chemical Equations (Run time 32 min.) DVD $89.95
Filled with real-life demonstrations that support instructive written examples, this program reinforces the basic principles of solving equations for chemical reactions. A brief historical overview describes Marie and Antoine Lavoisier's establishment of the law of conservation of mass, as well as the theoretical contributions of John Dalton. The importance of balancing equations is emphasized, along with a thorough exploration of reaction types. Step-by-step guides to combination, decomposition, single replacement, double replacement, and combustion reactions will give beginning- and intermediate-level students a working knowledge of formulation processes. (32 minutes)
#35345 Elements & Compounds - Nature's Chemistry (Run time 29 min.) DVD $89.95
The natural world is an excellent chemistry classroom. This program shows how naturally occurring chemical compounds inspire scientists to push the boundaries of communication and production technology. Entering the insect world, the video explains how bees, butterflies, and other creatures have developed sophisticated methods of communicating and detecting sensory information, and how alternative versions of these systems have been created in laboratories. The chemical makeup of printer's ink and tire rubber-as well as the manufacturing of computer chips-are also shown to be heavily influenced by our understanding of natural substances. (28 minutes)
#1108 General Chemistry - Aluminum (Run time 20 min.) DVD $89.95
Aluminum is extracted and purified from clays and rocks at a British plant by purifying bauxite ore to aluminum oxide and reducing this oxide to molten metal. The influence of economic factors is seen in the location of aluminum plants, which consume large amounts of electrical energy. In the United States, plants are located close to the power source rather than to ore deposits; in England, where electricity is uniformly priced throughout the country, location is determined by proximity to the raw material. Various desirable properties of the product aluminum and its alloys are shown, as well as the link between specific properties of each alloy and its end use. (20 minutes)
#1110 General Chemistry - Chemicals from NaCl: 1 (Run time 20 min.) DVD $89.95
Because of its wide availability, NaCl is the starting material for many inorganic chemicals. In this program, salt is seen being pumped to the surface from deposits of 1011 tons in salt fields as a brine solution, and into a chemical plant where chlorine and sodium hydroxide are produced by electrolysis. Three types of cells used to separate the products at the anode and cathode-mercury cathode, diaphragm, and membrane-are shown and the commercial advantages and disadvantages of each are presented for discussion. (20 minutes)
#1111 General Chemistry - Chemicals from NaCl: 2 (Run time 20 min.) DVD $89.95
A second product made from sodium chloride, sodium metal, is also produced at the chemical plant shown in Chemicals from NaCl: 1. It is formed by electrolysis of a sodium chloride, calcium chloride molten mixture, and is isolated at the cathode of the cell as a liquid. This product is extremely reactive; it must be handled very carefully and packaged in an inert oil, free from air and moisture. In England, sodium metal has two principal uses: in the production of the fuel additive tetraethyl lead from chloroethane (very little tetraethyl lead is used in the U.S. because of EPA regulations regarding the use of lead-free gasoline); the second major use of sodium metal is to displace titanium and zirconium from their chlorides to produce the pure metals required for high-technology aerospace applications. The program also demonstrates the reactivity of fluorine. (20 minutes)
#1276 General Chemistry - Ways with Coal (Run time 20 min.) DVD $89.95
Major research has been devoted to making the processes of coal combustion more efficient and reducing the pollution they cause. Coke, the first smokeless fuel made from coal, has important industrial uses which depend on the grade and strength of the coke. Coke can be carbonized to remove volatile matter which is in turn processed to provide a wide range of industrial materials: pitch, creosote, road tar, and concentrated ammonia solution are some examples. Coal can be gasified and converted into a type of crude oil, which can be fractionally distilled into diesel fuel, gasoline, and chemical raw materials. (20 minutes)
#1280 General Chemistry - Out of the Air: 2 (Run time 20 min.) DVD $89.95
Two very important products derived from air are ammonia and nitric acid. Ammonia is produced when hydrogen gas is extracted from natural gas and steam, mixed with nitrogen from the air, and heated. The resulting ammonia gas is condensed into liquid form, to be made into other chemicals. Ammonia is also used to make nitric acid, basic in the production of fertilizers, detergents, and many other products. The program also discusses the role of chemical and mechanical engineers in industry. (20 minutes)
#2896 General Chemistry - Napoleon's Wallpaper (Arsenic) (Run time 26 min.) DVD $89.95
This program provides a neat chemical answer to a small historical mystery: Who poisoned Napoleon? In 1950, a sample of Napoleon's hair was analyzed and found to contain high levels of arsenic. This in turn led to a conspiracy theory about Napoleon's murder. The program explains arsenic's reputation as the "inheritance powder" and shows how testing for arsenic is done; it explains the connection between Scheele's green or copper arsenite, its use on wallpaper, and numerous mysterious deaths; and it demystifies the mystery. The program shows the test used on a scrap of Napoleon's wallpaper to determine what had been on it; historical research into the conditions of Napoleon's incarceration supplied the remaining details to justify the conclusion that Napoleon died, not as the result of a conspiracy, but because dampness made his wallpaper lethal. (26 minutes)
#2898 General Chemistry - Explosion on the Lady Delia (Oxygen) (Run time 26 min.) DVD $89.95
The Lady Delia was an oil rig supply level which was being refitted by highly professional workers who understood their work and their tools but were blithely unaware of the meaning of the chemical environment in which they worked. The first clue that things were different was that the cigarettes the men were smoking burned very quickly; that seemed odd but not dangerous. Then someone threw a burning butt to the ground, and within minutes a flash fire broke out. The subsequent investigation determined that an error caused the admission of oxygen into the area, and showed at what point sufficient oxygen was present so that a cigarette could cause an explosion. As it follows the investigation, the program explains the nature of oxygen and of combustion-and of the perils of being ignorant of the basics of chemistry. (26 minutes)
#3061 General Chemistry - Science in the Saddle (Nitrogen) (Run time 30 min.) DVD $89.95
Professional sports are a high-stakes business and none higher than horse racing-which is why the temptation to use drugs often leads to the effort to avoid detection. Inherent in the increasingly sensitive and accurate testing for drugs is the danger that the scientific proof-the existence of drugs-will be correct but the logical deduction drawn therefrom will be incorrect, unjust, and harmful. This program explains why nitrogen is the critical element in testing for drugs; looks at the range of techniques used to test blood and urine for drugs; explains the workings of thin-layer chromatography, gas chromatography, and mass spectroscopy; and explains how certain drugs like vasodilators mimic the shape of natural molecules. (30 minutes)
#3062 General Chemistry - A Restoration Drama (Sulfur) (Run time 30 min.) DVD $89.95
St. Servatius Basilica in Maastricht is one of Holland's oldest churches; it has been restored and redesigned several times over the years. During the 20th century, the interior began to decay: the church was built of a soft stone that absorbs water easily; water had entered the stone and salt had built up on or just below the surface of the stone. One of these salts was calcium sulfate, which expands in hydrate form, so that it expanded every time fresh water was absorbed. As a result, the stone began to crumble. To restore the church, the calcium sulfate had to be removed, but calcium sulfate is not very soluble and therefore difficult to remove. This program shows the fascinating combination of steps necessary to solve the problem, remove the sulfate, and save the church. (30 minutes)
#5570 General Chemistry - Chemistry (Run time 23 min.) DVD $89.95
For most of us, "chemistry" is synonymous with "danger." Consider explosives, for example, or the nefarious carcinogens we keep hearing about. Yet life would be very different without modern chemistry. This program begins by summarizing the theoretical foundations of the science and explains the fundamentals of chemical bonding and reactions. It also deals with an interesting application of chemistry-brewing beer-and with chemical synthesis, which enables us to produce almost any chemical compound from almost any other. (23 minutes)
#7381 General Chemistry - Periodic Table (Run time 21 min.) DVD $89.95
The millions of different substances that make up the world can be reduced to a comparatively small number of chemical elements. These, arranged in order of their atomic number, form the Periodic Table. This program from the BBC archives provides a comprehensive overview of the development of the table. It discusses the work of John Dalton, Johann Dobereiner, and John Newland, and the creation of the first table by Dmitri Mendeleyev in the late 19th century. Later refinements by Henry Moseley, and the 1950s discovery of the artificial element #93 by Edwin MacMillan, are also discussed. The evolution of the table over the past two centuries is clearly and cleverly illustrated through computer animation and song. A BBC Production. (21 minutes)
#7744 General Chemistry - Bonding in Metals (Run time 22 min.) DVD $89.95
This program begins with an examination of atomic structure-presented in terms of protons, neutrons, and electrons-and the idea that bonding is related to the filling of electron shells to create more stable particles. Examples of metals and their usefulness are presented, and the relationship between properties and structure is examined. Other processes demonstrated include the formation of metallic bonds by the delocalization of outer shell electrons; change of state from solids to liquids; cooling of molten metal to form crystals; and the effect of rate of cooling on metal materials. (22 minutes)
#7746 General Chemistry - Ionic Bonding (Run time 18 min.) DVD $89.95
This program uses the idea of filling electron shells to explain the formation of cations and anions. Electrostatic forces are then used to explain lattice formation, and the relationship between properties and structure is examined. Ionic bonding is introduced by comparing the malleability of silver with the brittleness of rock salt. Demonstrations include the formation of sodium and chloride ions from their respective atoms. Lattice formation is explained in terms of electrostatic repulsion and attraction. Models of different lattice structures are illustrated and explained in terms of the relative sizes of ions. (18 minutes)
#7747 General Chemistry - Bonding in Molecules (Run time 17 min.) DVD $89.95
This program considers the bonds formed when atoms share electrons (covalent bonding). The idea of filling electron shells to reach a more stable state is used to explain the formation of simple molecules such as water and methane. Shapes of molecules are explained by considering the repulsion between molecular orbitals. Further shapes are illustrated using CH4, NH3, and NH4. Double bonds (O2) and triple bonds (N2) are introduced. More complex molecules and methods used to simplify diagrams of molecules are discussed using glucose as an example. (17 minutes)
#33036 General Chemistry - Applying the Concepts of Equilibrium (Run time 21 min.) DVD $89.95
This program begins with an overview of the basic concepts of chemical equilibrium: reversible reactions, Le Chatelier's principle, the equilibrium law, and the calculation of K. It then analyzes how changing conditions other than temperature leads to a temporary shift in the position of equilibrium and how reactions spontaneously adjust to maintain the value of K for any given temperature. Changes in K when increasing and decreasing the temperature of exothermic and endothermic reactions are examined as well, and the concept of equilibrium as it relates to the industrial manufacture of sulfuric acid is highlighted. (21 minutes)
#33388 General Chemistry - Studying Chemicals: Acids and Bases (Run time 51 min.) DVD $89.95
Filled with simple yet time-tested, instructive experiments, this program-five very visual segments of ten minutes each-illustrates how four important laboratory and industrial chemicals are made and used: hydrochloric acid, sodium hydroxide, ammonia water, and limewater. A fifth segment demonstrates how to dye litmus paper and employ it to test for acidity and alkalinity. (51 minutes)
#35316 General Chemistry - Acids and Bases (Run time 31 min.) DVD $89.95
Use this video to familiarize students with the properties of acids and bases. Beginning with an overview of how these two kinds of chemicals react to or neutralize each other, the program explores Arrhenius's ideas on ion release and Lowry and Bronsted's theory of proton exchange. Details on the pH scale, indicators, conjugate bases, and Lowry-Bronsted reactions are featured along with numerous examples of acid and base applications-cleaning agents, electric batteries, stomach antacids, and indicators in analytical chemistry experiments. Viewers will find the video's lively demonstrations and their use of everyday objects and materials particularly helpful. (31 minutes)
#35343 General Chemistry - Chemistry and Life (Run time 30 min.) DVD $89.95
Students new to chemistry might think it's all about beakers and test tubes. Use this program to show them what chemistry is really about-the foundation of life, and the innovations that make life better. Outlining Earth's early development and the creation of the first organic substances, the video focuses on what humanity has been able to accomplish, and what challenges the future holds, in the field of chemistry. Resins, fibers, and plastics that have revolutionized human activity are showcased-in the world of sports, with its radically engineered lightweight equipment, and in the stunning example of NASA's solar-powered Helios aircraft. (30 minutes)
#35346 General Chemistry - Medicine and Molecules (Run time 30 min.) DVD $89.95
At the crossroads of chemistry and medicine lie opportunities to eradicate disease. This program guides students through advances in biotechnology and genetic engineering that may lead to long-sought medical treatments and cures. Presenting the 19th-century development of aspirin as the first synthetic imitation of a naturally derived medicinal substance, the video demonstrates large-scale, present-day experiments on fungi and plant material that make gene-based medical breakthroughs almost inevitable. The creation of smart plastics for surgical applications will further expand students' understanding of where medicine and nanotechnology meet. (30 minutes)
#35347 General Chemistry - Magic Materials (Run time 29 min.) DVD $89.95
Whether a student dreams of becoming an artist or an astronaut, the world of laboratory-created substances will figure prominently in his or her career. This program brings students up-to-date on synthetic materials research that is leading to breakthroughs in many creative and technical fields. Demonstrating the tremendous influence of silicone and super-strength polymers on a wide range of occupations-including architecture, sculpture, textile production, car design, cosmetics, precious metal mining, and recreation-the video uses high-tech laboratory footage and eye-catching animation to depict unprecedented product development. (29 minutes)
#35998 General Chemistry - Careers in the Physical Sciences (Run time 26 min.) DVD $89.95
There's nothing boring about stopping a speeding bullet, especially when it's accomplished with liquid. How about designing robots based on insect anatomy...or using computers to figure out what George Washington really looked like? This video shows students the thrills and rewards of working in the physical sciences, demonstrating that becoming a chemist, physicist, or engineer involves fun, personal challenges, and the chance to develop groundbreaking technologies. The program profiles a mechanical engineer, a chemical engineer, a materials scientist, a mathematician, and a forensic scientist specializing in digital reconstruction. A Cambridge Educational Production. Recommended for grades 6-12. (26 minutes)
#2932 Periodic Table - Who Found the Missing Link? (Uranium) (Run time 26 min.) DVD $89.95
Lise Meitner accomplished a lot of firsts: she was among the first women admitted to the University of Vienna, one of the first to study science, one of the rare exceptions to the rule that barred women from admission to German universities, to be taken seriously as a scientist, to receive a teaching appointment and a lab... and to have a man take credit for her work, and receive the Nobel Prize for it. This program tells the story of Lise Meitner and the work that led to the splitting of the atom, among a cast that included Max Planck (Meitner was his assistant), Leo Szilard, Albert Einstein, Enrico Fermi, Fritz Strassmann, and Otto Hahn (who took the credit for Meitner's work). In following the progress of various experiments and measurements, the program traces the paths that led to controlled nuclear fission, and proves that great scientists are smart but not necessarily honorable human beings. (26 minutes)
#36092 Chemistry & the Environment - Atmospheric Hole: The History of the Ozone Layer (Run time 30 min.) DVD $129.95
Freon was a refrigeration breakthrough in 1928. It took 45 years for scientists to recognize its dangers, and another 15 for the international community to enact a worldwide ban on all CFC gases. This program illustrates that long process of problem-solving and political action, focusing on the work of Nobel-winning chemists F. Sherwood Rowland and Mario Molina and how their discoveries led to the 1989 Montreal Protocol-which may well have prevented catastrophic depletion of the ozone layer. Interviews with Rowland, climatologist Robert Watson, and EPA official Stephen Anderson illuminate one of the most important environmental sagas of the last century. (30 minutes)
#33042 General Chemistry - The Amazing Mole (Run time 27 min.) DVD $129.95
The discovery of the mole and its relationship to mass, volume, concentration, and number of particles revolutionized science in its day. With stunning graphics and visual metaphors, this program introduces students to this fundamental concept in chemistry, explaining in a step-by-step way the scale of atomic particles, Avogadro's number, moles in reactions, molar mass, and mole formulas. The program is conveniently divided into chapters to facilitate stopping for reviews and exercises. (27 minutes)
#35296 General Chemistry - Super Materials (Run time 46 min.) DVD $129.95
This program brings students up-to-date on synthetic materials research that is leading to breakthroughs in many technical fields. Demonstrating the tremendous influence of nanotechnology and super-strength polymers on a wide range of occupations-including architecture, building construction, art restoration, auto design, medicine, and sports-the video uses high-tech laboratory footage and eye-catching animation to depict unprecedented product development. Smart plastics that "remember" their original shape, textile fibers that ward off dangerous germs, and TV screens that can be rolled up into a tube are a few of the incredible innovations featured. Note: this program contains material from the state-of-the-art science series, The Molecular Universe #35342. (47 minutes)
#7748 Chemical Reactions - The Molecular World of Reactions upon Water (Run time min.) DVD $149.85
This three-part series demonstrates the structures and changes of state of the most important compound of all-water. Excellent computer animation illustrates and clarifies the processes and reactions. 3-part series.
#5397 Chemical Reactions - Testing Chemical Agents and Their Antidotes: Mustard, Nerve, and Other Banned Gases (Run time 52 min.) DVD $149.95
This program examines a testing program in which British Armed Forces volunteers were exposed to chemical agents to test their effects and their antidotes: the "manbreak" tests carried out with mustard gas during World War II, and the secret efforts to track the results of Nazi experiments in which concentration camp inmates were exposed to nerve gas. The program also examines Britain's own postwar research into nerve gas and the fate of the one-time volunteers who believe their health has suffered but who cannot get proper medical follow-up because of the secret nature of the studies. Although the U.S. and Britain claim to have stopped offensive research in the late 1950s, there is evidence that they continued to research offensive chemical warfare until at least 1963 and possibly later... which puts in question the very basis of the 1993 Chemical Weapons Convention, which requires all signatory nations to account fully for their past research programs. (52 minutes)
#33034 General Chemistry - Equilibrium: Concepts and Applications (Run time min.) DVD $179.9
What is chemical equilibrium, and how does it work? This down-to-earth two-part series uses real-world examples and analogies to offer an in-depth look at both the concepts and applications of equilibrium. Sample problems are provided. 2-part series, 21-24 minutes each.
#7743 General Chemistry - Chemical Bonding (Run time min.) DVD $359.8
This four-part series provides a comprehensive introduction to the chemical bonding processes. Using computer-generated models and examples from everyday life, each program illustrates the principles of bonding relevant to high school and college chemistry courses. 4-part series, 17-22 minutes each.
#6833 General Chemistry - Investigations in Chemistry: Experiments and Observations (Run time min.) DVD $419.7
This series brings a full range of laboratory experiments into the classroom. Detailed, easy-to-follow narration and close-up shots illustrate the steps in experiments and demonstrations that are a part of any core curriculum. Each program features three lessons that cover related content. Some of the experiments-too dangerous to conduct in many labs-allow teachers the advantage of illustrating processes students might not otherwise experience. 6-part series, 30-40 minutes each.
#3063 General Chemistry - The Periodic Table and the Human Element (Run time min.) DVD $539.7
A series of personal stories, told by working scientists, that provide the human perspective to the annals of chemistry. The programs demonstrate the chemical principles while showing the human properties of some of the boldest frontiersmen and women of chemistry. A co-production of BBC Continuing Education & Training and Films for the Humanities & Sciences(r). 6-part series, 26-30 minutes each.
#35342 General Chemistry - The Molecular Universe (Run time min.) DVD $539.7
Exploring human life and its environment on a molecular level, this six-part series demonstrates the importance of chemistry and nanotechnology-and their applications in medicine, sports, and the arts. Overviews of historic developments in molecular science, combined with exciting stories of the challenges chemists face in the 21st century, will show students how ground-breaking chemical compounds can literally change the world. 6-part series, 28-30 minutes each.
#11744 Basic Concepts in Chemistry - Chemistry: The Standard Deviants(r) Core Curriculum (Run time min.) DVD $599.95
Guaranteed to cause a reaction, this potent ten-part set, adapted from the popular series developed for students to enhance their test-taking skills, combines serious academic content with a humorous presentation style to help make chemistry more accessible. Each program skillfully employs elements such as clever mnemonics, high-tech computer graphics, and entertaining vignettes to boost retention and confidence while driving home core concepts through concise explanations and challenging problems. Modules include: • Introduction to Matter, the Elements, and Units of Measure • Chemical Equations and Atomic and Molecular Mass • Moles, Percent Composition, and the Empirical Formula • Solution Stoichiometry • Thermochemistry • Atomic Structure • Chemical Bonding • Molecular Geometry and Bonding Theories • Gases and States of Matter • Properties of Solutions Joining the Standard Deviants Academic Team in the creation of this set are David Rowley, Ph.D., and David Ramaker, Ph.D., both of George Washington University. Correlates to all applicable state and national standards. A viewable/printable instructor's guide is available online. (4 hours)
#10122 General Chemistry - Chemistry: The Standard Deviants(r) Core Curriculum (Run time min.) DVD $699.5
Guaranteed to cause a reaction, this potent ten-part series, adapted from the popular series developed for students to enhance their test-taking skills, combines serious academic content with a humorous presentation style to help make chemistry more accessible. Each program skillfully employs elements such as clever mnemonics, high-tech computer graphics, and entertaining vignettes to boost retention and confidence while driving home core concepts through concise explanations and challenging problems. Joining the Standard Deviants Academic Team in the creation of this series are David Rowley, Ph.D., and David Ramaker, Ph.D., both of George Washington University. Correlates to all applicable state and national standards. A viewable/printable instructor's guide is available online. 10-part series, 17-33 minutes each.
#5772 Experiments - Chemistry Experiments and Processes (Run time min.) DVD $769.45
11-part series.
#1362 Elements & Compounds - Chemistry in Action (Run time min.) DVD $899.5
This series is designed to relate basic concepts of chemistry to commercial chemical process technologies and to link textbook learning to the production of commonly used materials. 10-part series, 20 minutes each.
