Occidental College
Teachers + Occidental = Partnership in Science
Chemistry
The TOPS experiments are designed to integrate into a teacher's current high school curriculum, conform to the Science Content Standards for California Public Schools, and employ a biochemical focus to enhance and bridge the biology and chemistry curricula. The experiments employ modern technology including computer driven instruments of the type used in local industrial laboratories as well as commercially available data analysis software.
Caffeine Extraction
Extraction of biologically active compound from tea followed by purification to isolate caffeine.
- Lab Procedures
- Equipment Photographs
- Video Tutorial
- Pre- and Post Activities
- Teacher Reference
- Discovery Based Ideas
- Standards Alignment/Assessments
Acid-Base Titration of Amino Acids & Spectroscopic Study of an Indicator
Study of the basic titration of a biologically important amino acid and determination of its molecular weight. Quantitative study of the color of indicator at different pH, using spectrophotometer.
- Lab Procedures
- Photographs
- Video Tutorial
- Pre- and Post Activities
- Teacher Reference
- Discovery Based Ideas
- Standards Alignment/Assessments
Esterification
Synthesis of isopentyl acetate (banana oil) and study of the product by gas chromatography. Comparison to natural product isolated by extraction from bananas.
- Lab Procedures
- Equipment Photographs
- Video Tutorial
- Pre- and Post Activities
- Teacher Reference
- Discovery Based Ideas
- Standards Alignment/Assessments
Greenhouse Effect
Measurement of CO2 absorption by Elodea under varying light conditions.
- Lab Procedures
- Equipment Photographs
- Pre- and Post Activities
- Teacher Reference
- Discovery Based Ideas
- Standards Alignment
Kinetics/Catalysts
Study of the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide as affected by pH, temperature, and catalysis.
- Lab Procedures
- Equipment Photographs
- Pre- and Post Activities
- Teacher Reference
- Discovery Based Ideas
- Standards Alignment/Assessments
Stoichiometry/Limiting Reagent
Study of stoichiometric relationship which governs the reaction in nature.
- Lab Procedures
- Photographs
- Pre- and Post Activities
- Teacher Reference
- Discovery Based Ideas
- Standards Alignment/Assessments
Water Quality Analysis
Study of oxygen content of water samples, and changes caused by biological demands. Study of coliform content of water samples.
- Lab Procedures
- Photographs
- Pre- and Post Activities
- Teacher Reference
- Discovery Based Ideas
- Standards Alignment/Assessments
- Office Phone :
(323) 259-2892 - Email :
tops@oxy.edu - Location :
Norris Chemistry 205 - Mobile Phone :
(323) 573-3353