CLC Research Projects (26 pts)
Research projects consist of Research Questions, Life of a Scientist, Free Projects, and Debunked Theories.  All types are worth up to 26 points.  Before completing any project, be sure to carefully read the info page which details instructions and expectations. 

Unit 1: Working with Measurements
Research Question
Life of a Scientist
 Other Research Projects
Choose one of the following questions to report on:
  1. One downfall to using oil as an energy source is the potential for spills.  Research and describe 3 commonly used methods to clean up oil spills in water. For each method, describe the procedure used and explain how the chemical and physical properties of the oil, water, and other materials work to clean up the oil. Finally, explain under what conditions each method is most effective. 
    (ex - when would choose to use one method over another)
  1. In earlier colonial days, most homesteads made their own soap.  One unlikely instrument commonly used in this process was a potato or an egg.  Research to find out what physical property the potato (or egg) was used to measure and explain how it worked to make this measurement.  Finally, describe the process of how this "homemade" soap was made listing all materials used and the procedure followed. Give both the common names and the proper chemical names of the materials.  (For example, 'sodium hydroxide' is commonly known as 'baking soda')
 See "Free" Project List





Unit 2: Classification of Matter
Research Question
Life of a Scientist
 Other Research Projects
Choose one of the following questions to report on:
  1. Research and report on the state of matter: plasma (not blood plasma).  Compare it to what we have learned about solids, liquids, and gases.  How is it alike? different?  Where do we find plasma and what uses do we have for it?
  2. Some medical reports have identified a possible link between Aluminum and Alzheimer's Disease.  Therefore, is it safe for us to use aluminum to the large extent that we do (ex - soda cans, cookware, etc)
  3. One of Ancient Rome's famed accomplishments is the establishment of a water system and plumbing.  Research what materials the Romans used in their plumbing and any effect that this may have had on public health.
  4. Lead shot is very heavily used by hunters.  Research why environmentalists want to look for alternatives and list what alternatives are on the market.
  5. Amalgams used in fillings in teeth contain mercury.  Research the dangers of these types of fillings and tell of alternatives that dentists may use.  You may want to interview a dentist to get his views on the use of mercury amalgams.
  6. Research and report on selenium poisoning.  Be sure to include where the selenium comes from as well as what its effects are.
  7. Research and report on mercury in fish. Be sure to answer all of the following:
    • Where does the mercury come from and how does the mercury get into the water?
    • Which aquatic organisms are most affected by mercury poisoning?  Why these organisms? 
    • What should humans know about the problem?
  8. Research and report on cadmium poisoning.  Interview an art teacher or artist to find out their opinions on the possible banning of cadmium pigments.
  9. Research and report on superconductivity.  What is it and how does it work?  Where do we use superconductors?  Why do we not use them more than we actually do? (ie - what limitations are involved in their use?)
  10. Research and report on alloys.  What are they and what elements are commonly used to make them?  How are they made?  Why do we use them?  Finally, find and list 10 products that you currently use in your household that are alloys.  Tell what elements make up each item.
  11. Why do we keep soda in the refrigerator  and what does that have to do with why Brook Trout can only be found in mountain streams?  Research and report on what chemical principal these two ideas have in common.  If we have to keep soda in the fridge, why don't we have to put it in the fridge until after we open it? What would happen to Brook Trout if we put some in a small pond? Why? 
  12. Prepare a report describing the work of the alchemist. What are their major contributions to modern chemistry? What techniques and procedures were employed by these early chemists? How was their approach different than that of modern chemists? 

See "Free" Project List

Debunked Theories:

Unit 3: Chemical Equations & Reactions
Research Question
Life of a Scientist
 Other Research Projects
Choose one of the following questions to report on:

  1. Some people object to the use of nitrates and nitrites in foods.  Find out why nitrites and nitrates are used in foods, what foods they are commonly used in, and why some consider them dangerous.  Include a list of nitrate and nitrite additives, with chemical formulas to look for on labels.
  1. Some people believe that fluoride should not be added to city water due to health hazards.  Research the advantages and disadvantages of this issue.  Include a list of fluoride compounds, with chemical formulas, used to fluoridate toothpaste and water.
  1. The Center for Science is urging a ban on all uses of sulfites in foods.  Others feel that sulfites have proved harmful to relatively few people.  Research and report on why sulfites are in food,  the findings of the studies of their harmfulness, and any legislation that has been passed on this issue.  Include a list of sulfite additives with chemical formulas to look for on labels.
  1. Investigate on how water is "softened" and what the difference is between "soft" water and "hard" water.  Your report should address all of the following issues:
    • What is “hard” water and what causes it?
    • What are the problems often associated with hard water? (be sure to explain the chemistry behind these problems)
    • What are the advantages of having “soft” water?
    • How do water softeners work? What are the different types and how much do they cost? 
    • Do you think it would be worth the money for your home to invest in a water softener?.

  1. Many detergents advertise that they contain no phosphorous.  Was phosphorous ever used in detergents?  If so, why do we not use it anymore?  Include a list of phosphorous additives with chemical formulas.
  1. Research and report on acid rain in Pennsylvania..  Is it a problem?  If so, where are the problem areas within Pennsylvania?  Why are these areas problem areas while other nearby areas are not? What/where are the sources of the acid rain that affect Pennsylvania? (Be sure to include any relevant equations)
  1. Reasearch the Acid Rain Issue. What causes it? What are the biological/environmental problems associated with acid rain? Give specific examples that are different than the ones mentioned in class. What legislation has been enacted or suggested to solve the acid rain problem?  Be specific.
  1. LSD is an acid.  What about its structure makes it an acid? Is it an Arhenius Acid? Bronsted Acid? Research and report on the chemical and biological effects of the drug.Be sure to describe both short term and long term effects.   Give any relevant equations relating to acids and bases.
  1. Research and report on why hospitals use acetaminophen instead of aspirin and the medical problems associated with using aspirin and with using acetaminophen. (ChemMatters Feb 1993 is good source - available on CD-ROM)
  1. Research and report on Acid-Mine Drainage in PA.  How bad of a problem is it in PA? What is affected by it?  Are there certain areas of the state more affected than others? Why?  Give the chemistry behind what causes it (Be sure to show any relevant equations).
See "Free" Project List

Debunked Theories:

Unit 4: Stoichiometry
Research Question
Life of a Scientist
 Other Research Projects


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Unit 5: Atomic Structure
Research Question
Life of a Scientist
 Other Research Projects
Choose one of the following questions to report on:

  1. The byproducts of nuclear power plants are radioactive. How long does it take until this radioactive waste becomes stable?  Have there been any attempts to speed up this decaying process?
  2. Alchemists unsuccessfully tried to change lead into gold by ordinary chemical reactions.  In nuclear reactions however, we have seen that you can change one element into another.  Is it possible to make gold via nuclear reactions?  Would this be a good way to “get rich quick”?
  3. Is nuclear power safe?  Research and report on the possible dangers of nuclear power and give your opinion on whether we should pursue nuclear energy as our main source of energy or not.
  4. Research and report on microwave ovens.  Explain how they work and tell whether you think they are dangerous or not.
  5. Can cell phones cause cancer?  Research and report your findings.  Explain how cell phones work as part of your explanation.
  6. Investigate and report on art restoration using X-rays, IR, and other methods.

 		See "Free" Project List
 L
Unit 6: Periodic Trends
Research Question
Life of a Scientist
 Other Research Projects
Choose one of the following questions to report on:

  1. Research the noble gases.  When were they discovered?  Why did it take so long to discover them?  Can any of the noble gases form compounds? (Give examples)
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Unit 7: Chemical Bonding
Research Question
Life of a Scientist
 Other Research Projects
Choose one of the following questions to report on:

  1. Pert claims to have a shampoo and a conditioner in one.  Yet most hair chemists say that a true conditioner that contains quaternium to prevent flyaway hair, must be separate from the shampoo.  Research and report on the chemical make-up and role of quaternium in conditioners and investigate on how Pert’s conditioner works.  Then report on whether you think using Pert is as effective as using a separate shampoo and conditioner.
 See "Free" Project List
Debunked Theories: