In chemistry lessons, chemical reactions are usually carried out in test tubes or beakers. Alginate pearls, known from the trendy drink ‘bubble tea’, are an excellent alternative. For example, introducing indicators into such pearls creates a ‘chemical chameleon’ that changes colour depending on the pH value of the surrounding solution. In addition, participants will learn about completely new school experiments developed by the workshop leader using alginate pearls on topics such as redox reactions, chemical equilibrium, buffer systems, fluorescence, etc., some of which can also be carried out with household products. The experiments are particularly notable for their aesthetics, ease of implementation as well as resource-saving and thus sustainable nature.
After a short introductory lecture, course participants will have the opportunity to try out the experiments for themselves.
Note: Please bring safety goggles with you.
Capacity: This workshop can hold up to 20 participants to maintain an interactive and hands-on learning environment.
Organiser
Matthias Ducci studied chemistry and mathematics for teaching at secondary schools at the University of Oldenburg, Germany, where he also obtained his doctorate in 2000. After completing his doctorate, he initially worked as a teacher and at the same time as a lecturer at the University of Oldenburg. In 2004, he was appointed full professor of chemistry and its didactics at the Karlsruhe University of Education. He is also managing director of the Chemistry Teacher Training Centre of the German Chemical Society (GDCh) in Karlsruhe. His research focuses on the experimental and conceptual development of new topics for problem-oriented, everyday and contemporary chemistry teaching.