Michigan
State University Local Section
Scout
Merit Badge Day Activities
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Red cabbage -
This is a general chemistry experiment involving testing of household items
for pH using a red cabbage indicator.
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Paper chromatography-
This experiment demonstrates solubility by separating inks in different
solvents, and also separation of sand and water, salt and water, oil and
water, gas and motor oil.
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Cartesian divers-
Scouts learn about pressure in the creation of a Cartesian diver that they
can take home. This activity is brief and is a half session paired
with the panel discussion.
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Panel discussion-
4-5 panel members of various backgrounds are asked questions about their
daily tasks and educational backgrounds to give scouts a variety of career
options in chemistry.
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Vitamin C and electrochemistry-
The amount of Vitamin C in various orange juices is measured using titration
with iodine. Also the activity series is explained through immersion
of an iron nail in copper solution for various amounts of time.
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MSDS and laser lab
tour-
The first half of this session discusses various safety equipment and how
to read MSDSs and hazard information. The second half is a tour of a laser
lab.