YouTube Learning Channel

Demonstration 1: Alkali and Alkaline Earth Metals (Group 1 and 2 Elements)

The Group 1 and Group 2 metals are the most reactive metals. These metals can be rather unfriendly if they got wet, which could end up in pretty impressive explosions. The compounds of these elements, however, are very common in everyday life and can be found abundantly around our homes and within our bodies. In this demonstration, the properties of the groups 1 and 2 elements and their compounds will be demonstrated, featuring some of the famously reactive metals, such as Rubidium and Caesium!

Demonstration 2: Transition Metals: Part I (Group 3 to 12 Elements) Please click here for video.

There are so many interesting elements among the transition metals that two lectures will be devoted to their stories. In this first lecture, our attention will focus on the first row of the transition metals (Scandium to Zinc), and some of the most well-known metals are among these ten, such as iron and copper. These metals can display very beautiful and vibrant colours in their compounds and they will surprise us by their chemical reactions! We shall explore some daily life uses of these metals as well.

Demonstration 3: Transition Metals: Part II (Group 3 to 12 Elements)

In this second lecture on the Transition Metals, we will focus our attention to the second and third row transition metals. Here we find some of the most expensive metals such as Gold and Platinum; some of the rarest metals such as Iridium and Osmium and some of the most elusive metals such as Mercury! In this demonstration, we will perform chemistry experiments with these expensive noble metals, these experiments are seldom performed – well, because not many are willing to give away their gold for Chemistry! Join us and be surprised by the properties of these heavier transition metals!

Demonstration 4: Boron, Carbon and Nitrogen Group Elements (Group 13, 14, 15 Elements)

The common feature among groups 13 to 15 is that going from top to bottom, they switch from non-metals into semi-metals and into metals. As such, we can find rather diverse behaviours among these elements. How can carbon appear as sparkly and attractive diamonds, while the next element up, nitrogen, passes by only as a common gas that is in the air surrounding us? This demonstration will explore the chemical properties of these elements.

Demonstration 5: Oxygen group elements, Halogens and Noble Gases (Group 16, 17, 18 Elements)

In the last three columns of the periodic table, are some of the elements with strongest personal characters. For example, the group 18 elements are noted for their nobility and inertness, while the halogens in group 17 are some of the most reactive and dangerous non-metal elements. While oxygen is breathed by all to survive, you may wish to stay away from the other oxygen group elements as they could bring about unpleasant effects to your body. Learn all about them at this demonstration!