Assignment:
In this discussion, you will choose a fun real world example of a chemical reaction to educate your peers on. First, watch these two short video clips on examples of nature's finest chemical fireworks displays:
• Bioluminescence: Nature's Fireworks!
• The Science and Beauty of Auroras
Now, it is your turn to pick an example and research the chemistry of it. Discuss what you chose, why you chose it, and be detailed about explaining the chemistry of how it works to the class. Some examples other students have used are: fireworks, a diesel engine, a rocket, the turkey bomb (A.K.A. don't put frozen turkeys in deep fryers). Please, also remember to share your resources with the class.
Here are a few types of reactions you could analyze (choose 1, or one of your own):
• animals changing color
• plants bending to the light
• chemistry of venom (how does it impact a victim?)
• how does lightning work?
• why do we hear thunder after the lightning?
• what causes auroras (such as the Aurora Borealis)?
• how does an antacid work in the stomach?