Title: Asymptomatic Disease Transmission Demo via Acid-base Chemistry

Curriculum:

Grade 11-12 Chemistry (Acid-base Chemistry)

SDG(s):

3 Good Health and Well-being

Description:

This is a simple demonstration designed to simulate the transmission of asymptomatic diseases in a closed population. Concepts from high school chemistry curriculum, particularly from topics related to acid-base chemistry, are involved extensively throughout the entire demonstration.

Inspiration

COVID-19 and

What it does

Trying to teach the students in Philippine about some concepts of acid and base. Besides, trying to teach them the speed of the spread of virus and the importance of wearing enough protection.

How we built it

The experiment is based on the exchange of students, as the transparent chemicals which represent the virus, can spread faster than we think. The final tests are simulation of a regular test (indicator) and force negative (CaCl2). The regular is faster but the force will cost more on both labour and money.

Challenges we ran into

The ingredients are relatively hard to get. As in this COVID situation, the closure of some supermarkets and medical stores really increase the hardness of this experiment. And eggplant skin is really impossible to succeed as need to control the ethanol and the too dark color of solution.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

We successfully did most of the experiment and are glad to warn them that it will be relatively hard to use eggplant skin, which can decrease the mistakes they might meet.

What we learned

We understand that we are very fortunate to live in a resource-rich country. The students in the poor country really need help. Besides, the sustainable experiment and green chemistry really need to be focused on.

What's next

We will take more care about the green chemistry and in our designed labs (CHM327), we will try not to waste resources. In addition, the importance of personal protection should be noticed.