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  Home > JCE Print > Journal of Chemical Education > Issues > 2007  > July  >
Chemistry for Everyone
Mentos and the Scientific Method: A Sweet Combination
Jack F. Eichler, Heather Patrick, Brenda Harmon, and Janet Coonce
Division of Natural Science and Mathematics, Department of Chemistry, Oxford College of Emory University, Oxford, GA 30054
Cover
July 2007
Vol. 84 No. 7
p. 1120
Abstract
We describe an inquiry-driven exercise conducted in both the lecture and laboratory components of a college introductory chemistry course for nonmajors. The exercise involved using the scientific method to investigate the cause of the fountain effect observed when Mentos candies are added to Diet Coke. Collaborative group discussion was used to create hypotheses and design the corresponding experiments, and the results from the inquiry-driven laboratory exercises are summarized, along with the results from a postlab student reflection survey. This exercise effectively integrated activities in the lecture and laboratory, fostered student interest in chemistry, and immersed the students in the process of scientific inquiry.
Supplement
Background information on the different states of matter and gas solubility; class data; an example of a student's data, calculations, and conclusions; and postlab questionaire are available.
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Citation
Eichler, Jack F.; Patrick, Heather; Harmon, Brenda; Coonce, Janet. J. Chem. Educ. 2007, 84, 1120.
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Keywords
Collaborative / Cooperative Learning; First-Year Undergraduate / General; Gases; Hands-On Learning / Manipulatives; High School / Introductory Chemistry; Inquiry-Based / Discovery Learning; Laboratory Instruction; Nonmajor Courses; Physical Chemistry; Physical Properties; Problem Solving / Decision Making; Student-Centered Learning
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History
Created:
Last Updated:
5/29/2007
6/7/2007
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