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Teachers + Occidental = Partnership in Science

  • Teachers + Occidental = Partnership in Science
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  • Chemistry

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
    • Lab Quiz 1
    • Lab Quiz 2
    • Pre Lab Activity
    • Post Lab Project
  • Teacher Reference
    • Reference for Discovery Based Ideas
    • Lab Quiz 1 Answers
  • 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
    • Part I, Part II
    • Apparatus Setup
  • Photographs
    • Equipment Photos
  • Video Tutorial
  • Pre- and Post Activities
    • Pre Lab 
    • Post Lab
  • Teacher Reference
    • Part I, Part II
    • Post Lab Answers
    • UV Instructions
    • pH Meter Instructions
  • 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
    • Figure 1 - Reflux Apparatus
    • Figure 2 - Distilling Apparatus
    • Table of Reactions
  • Equipment Photographs
  • Video Tutorial
  • Pre- and Post Activities
    • Pre Lab Introduction
    • Post Lab
    • Post Lab Activity
    • Post Lab Activity 2
    • Post Lab Test
    • Post Lab - Spearmint Extraction
  • Teacher Reference
    • Gas Chromatography Instructions
    • Micro Mini Lab Instructions
    • Reference for Post Lab Activity 2
    • Post Lab Test Answers
  • Discovery Based Ideas
  • Standards Alignment/Assessments

Greenhouse Effect

Measurement of CO2 absorption by Elodea under varying light conditions.
  • Lab Procedures
    • Part I, Part II, Part III
  • Equipment Photographs
  • Pre- and Post Activities
  • Teacher Reference
    • Part I, Part II, Part III
    • UV Instructions
  • Discovery Based Ideas
  • Standards Alignment

Kinetics/Catalysts

Study of the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide as affected by pH, temperature, and catalysis.
  • Lab Procedures
    • Figure 1 - Oxygen Collection Apparatus
  • Equipment Photographs
  • Pre- and Post Activities
    • Post Lab Activity
  • Teacher Reference
  • Discovery Based Ideas
  • Standards Alignment/Assessments

Stoichiometry/Limiting Reagent

Study of stoichiometric relationship which governs the reaction in nature.
  • Lab Procedures
    • Lab Questions
    • Flow Chart Sample
  • Photographs
    • Equipment Photos
  • Pre- and Post Activities
    • Pre Lab
    • Post Lab
    • Lab Quiz
  • Teacher Reference
    • Lab Question Answers
  • Discovery Based Ideas
    • Data Table
  • 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
    • Equipment Photos
  • Pre- and Post Activities
    • Water Quality Activity
    • Lab Quiz
    • Post Lab
    • Post Lab Activity
    • Post Lab - Quiz
  • Teacher Reference
  • Discovery Based Ideas
  • Standards Alignment/Assessments

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  • Office Phone :
    (323) 259-2892
  • Email :
    tops@oxy.edu
  • Location :
    Norris Chemistry 205
  • Mobile Phone :
    (323) 573-3353

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1600 Campus Road Los Angeles, California 90041