After the development of the field of ceramics, for Stone Age man, the smelting of copper might have represented the next designed chemical transformation of one substance into a more useful second substance. Around 6000 years ago the procedure involved heating copper ore in the presence of charcoal; we have created a laboratory experiment inspired by this idea. The experiment starts with a naturally occurring ore, malachite, essentially pure Cu2CO3(OH)2, which is readily available at modest cost in bead form from jewelry stores. Using only a Bunsen burner, a porcelain crucible, and a charcoal briquette, the experiment demonstrates two steps in the ancient processing of copper ore: roasting and reduction. The product is a shiny copper metal bead that can then be hammered, polished, and shown to be electrically conductive. The procedure requires less than three hours, uses inexpensive materials and equipment, uses no hazardous reagents, and produces essentially no hazardous waste. In addition, the student has produced something tangible, that can either be the subject of further experimentation, or safely taken home.
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.
For journals in other fields of chemistry visit ACS Publications.
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