This article describes hands-on activities for high-school or undergraduate students designed to clarify important concepts involved in early studies of equilibrium. They are conducted in small groups and use any small, easily available objects that present no hazard to the individuals involved in the group (e.g., matches, toothpicks, buttons). Concepts included are that at equilibrium, rate of forward reaction = rate of backward reaction; concentrations of both reactants and products remain constant; the equilibrium constant is constant at the same temperature but changes as the temperature changes; and equilibrium may be approached from different starting points.
The "Chemistry Teacher Connection" (CTC) is especially for high school chemistry teachers. For only $40/year, it offers an online-only subscription to CLIC along with membership in the Division of Chemical Education, normally $65/year. CTC subscribers receive access to all articles and supplements from 1996 through the current issue.
Through special arrangement with the ACS, JCE High School CLIC is now able to provide subscribers with online access to Chemical & Engineering News articles that have been selected specifically for secondary science instructors and their students.
Occasionally, collections of JCE back issues become available for donation to individual teachers, schools, or libraries. JCE matches collections with interested recipients. Recipients pay shipping costs or pick up the collection.