Chemistry Makes Scents

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In "Chemistry Makes Scents," participants use their noses to distinguish between chemicals with very similar structures. While these chemicals can behave similarly, they often have very different properties (including the way they smell). The activity also uses large molecule models, so participants can handle and visualize their structural differences. Activity includes a facilitation guide with potential misconceptions, relevant science infosheets with real-world connections, table sign, and activity training video. All public-facing materials also available in Spanish.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
Under 5 minutes
Learning Time:
5 to 10 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$10 - $20 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 6 - adult
Resource Types:
Activity, Model
Language:
English, Spanish

Materials List (per group of students)

  • Spearmint scent bottle: squeeze bottle and cotton ball with spearmint essential oil
  • Caraway scent bottle: squeeze bottle and cotton ball with caraway essential oil
  • Coffee bean scent bottle: squeeze bottle half filled with coffee grounds
  • Extra cotton balls (for reset)
  • Spearmint and caraway essential oils (for reset)
  • Small hand-held mirror
  • Mini Magic Nuudles
  • Tray
  • Black chenille stems (pre-cut into sixths)
  • Step-by-step instructions for making mirror-image molecules
  • Spearmint and caraway graphic
  • Marker and labels
  • Gloves (optional)

Keywords

Subjects

  • Life Sciences
    • Human Senses and Perception
      • Smell
  • Physical Sciences
    • Chemistry
      • Chemical Bonding

Audience

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Foreign language versions of this resource:

Components that are part of this resource:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Rights:

Funding Source:

  • National Science Foundation, DRL 1612482