A high school course in applied chemistry

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A HIGH SCHOOL COURSE IN APPLIED CHEMISTRY

A Project Presented to the Faculty of the School of Education The University of Southern California

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Master of Science in Education

by Gordon D. Carstensen August

1950

UMI Number: EP46222

All rights reserved INFO RM A TIO N TO ALL USERS The quality of this reproduction is dependent upon the quality of the copy submitted. In the unlikely event that the author did not send a complete manuscript and there are missing pages, these will be noted. Also, if material had to be removed, a note will indicate the deletion.

Dissertation Publishing

UMI EP46222 Published by ProQuest LLC (2014). Copyright in the Dissertation held by the Author. Microform Edition © ProQuest LLC. All rights reserved. This work is protected against unauthorized copying under Title 17, United States Code

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Z’Aij project report, written under the direction of the candidate’s adviser and approved by him, has been presented to and accepted by the Faculty of the School of Education in partial fulfillm ent of the requirements fo r the degree of M a s te r of Science in Education.

Adviser

Dean

ii

PREFACE TO THE STUDENTS

A preface Is a device invented to give an author a chance to tell why he has written a book. was this book written?

All right, why

You might put it another way,

”¥hy should I study chemistry?” This course of study was written to help you with your problems.

It is not concerned with theory, involved mathe­

matics, or appreciation of science, but is meant to deal with every day situations in the lives of all of us.

Some

of the problems taken up involve painting, control of insects, cleaning and preserving metals, and cosmetics. Through the proper use of chemistry, you can reduce the amount of your work in cleaning or can find an Interesting hobby, such as photography, growing plants without soil, etching metals, or doing magic tricks with chemicals. Now that you know the route, let’s get the show on the road!

iii

TABLE OP CONTENTS CHAPTER

PAGE PART I.

CLEAN UP

HOW TO USE CHEMISTRY IN YOUR CLEANING PROBLEMS 1.. SPOTS BEFORE YOUR EYES:

How to remove stains

from fabrics............................. 2. IT'S TIME TO SHINE:

How to clean and preserve

metals................................. 3. THE DOPE ON SOAP:

2

8

How to. get the most value 14

from washing compounds........... 4. HINTS FOR HOME CLEANING:

How to remove grime

from house surfaces ............... PART II.

.....

21

FIX UP

HOW TO USE CHEMISTRY TO IMPROVE THE APPEARANCE OF YOURSELF AND YOUR HOME 5. A POUND OF CURE:

How to control home pests . .

6. BRIGHTEN YOUR CORNER:

How to work with paints

and varnishes . . . . . . . T. DIET FOR DIRT:

31

..................

38

How to test soils and

fertilizers. . . 8. PRIMPING PREPARATIONS:

48 How to test and make

cosmetics .............. . . . . . . . . . . .

55

iv

CHAPTER

PAGE PART III.

RELAX

HOW TO USE CHEMISTRX AS A HOBBY 9. PHOTO FUN:

How to make your own photographs .

10.

CHEMICAL CARVING:

11.

FIREPLACE BEAUTY:

How to etch metals

13.

73

How to make logs with

colored flames . ............. . 12.

....

65

...........

DIRTLESS GARDENER:

How to grow plants

without soil

......................

79

84

MAGIC IN CHEMISTRY: How to perform tricks with c h e m i c a l s .................... ............

90

BIBLIOGRAPHY.................. .........

97

V

INTRODUCTION Pupil attitude toward chemistry. students avoid chemistry?

Uhy do high school

Why do some administrators even

guide them away from studying chemistry?

It seems lncon-

grous that in our modern, scientific world, where chemistry plays such an important role, that students should shy away from science courses.

Chemistry and physics have acquired

such reputations for being difficult that some boys and girls are fearful of taking a course in either subject. Mainly, because of such a preconceived attitude, the major­ ity of the pupils fail to garner any benefits from second­ ary science courses and often develop a negative reaction toward all scientific material.^ When reviewing the causes for such an active dislike for chemistry, it becomes increasingly apparent that much of the distaste has been created by the curriculum planners’ insistence upon a logical order in the arrangement of the courses. Further difficulty has been caused'by the too special­ ized nature of the material contained in the courses. School administrators have planned courses as though each

1C. Otto,"Why Some Students Do Not Elect Chemistry” , School Science and Mathematics. 33;996-998 (December, 1933).

vi

student was going to become an industrial chemist or at least to take chemistry in college.

The fallacy of this

reasoning becomes apparent when we consider that less than twenty per cent of high school graduates go on to do college work, and within this twenty per cent a relatively insig­ nificant number continue with college chemistry. Overlapping of courses.

There has also been much over­

lapping between high school and college chemistry.

Although

new high school texts, and revised editions of old ones, are constantly adding more practical material, they are still reluctant to dispense with any of the old standard material. Consequently, the texts have become bulky and yet have added little of intrinsic value.

Teachers have ill-advisedly

attempted to cover all the subject matter in these texts.2 Attempting to cover both the old material and the additional practical material resulted in wasted effort, and the students received only a brief coverage of all the subjects, regardless of their worth. Recurring studies concerned with these problems, appear­ ing in professional literature, have indicated the import­ ance of the difficulties, and In all of the studies the

2P. M. Glasoe, ” The Deadly Parallelism between High School and College Courses in Chemistry.” Journal of Chemical Education. 6:505-509 (March, 1929X

v ii

predominant opinion has been that the science curriculum should be based on life needs.5 The approach to the subject.

The approach which is to

guide the construction of this course may best be expressed by a quotation of John Dewey1s opinion as to the functional nature of education: "The knowledge which comes first to persons, and that remains most deeply engraved, is the knowledge of how to do; how to walk, talk, read, write, skate, ride a bicycle, manage a machine, calculate, drive a horse, sell goods, manage people.”2*' The interest of students can best be aroused and directed by creating a situation demanding their active par­ ticipation.

Such a situation must be direct and concrete

although it may become more complex and general as it is mastered through active participation. Aims of a functional science course.

The aims of a

functional course must be concrete, definite, and specific. A functional course in science should aim-.to teach neither principles nor the application of principles.

Rather,

t.

F. G-. Bonser, Life Heeds and Education. Teachers College Contributions to Education, New York: Teachers College, Columbia University, 1932. 288 pp. ^John Dewey, Democracy and Education. MacMillan Company^ 191$. p. 217.

New York:" The

v iii

generalizations and principles should naturally become significant through continued use in varied experiences. The common aim of all secondary science should be the pre­ paration of pupils for life through present participation and the solution of their problems. Educators have come to realize that the large percent­ age of high school students have been neglected in the curriculum.

Functional planning has resulted in the addi­

tion of more courses that will be of benefit in meeting the life needs of the individual students.

Courses are being

added that give directions and practice in doing concrete things that are in accord with the philosophy of functional education.

Science is a concern in the lives of everyone,

but for the great majority of high school students chemistry should be offered, not as a theoretical and mathematical subject, but as a practical course dealing with life needs. Purpose of the project.

The purpose of this project

is to organize a course of study that will be practical in nature and in accord with the alms of functional education. The proposed course will eliminate much of the. traditional subject matter and involved-mathematical formulas, but will offer ample opportunity for the Inclusion of chemical prin­ ciples and facts that are applicable and necessary for the solution of problems.

Teaching methods to be used in this

ix

course will be directly aimed at problem solving and not fact learning.

Problems and directions have been drawn up

to have ready application in the home, as well as in the laboratory.

To a large extent the equipment involved, or

an acceptable substitute, is available in the home.

It is

suggested that demonstrations be made with household utensils, to clearly emphasize the laboratory potential of the home. The invaluable assistance given by Jean M. Garstensen In the preparation and finishing of this course of study Is gratefully aclmowledged.

PART I. GLEAN UP HOW TO USE CHEMISTRY IN YOUR GLEANING PROBLEMS We have a continual battle, trying to keep ourselves our clothing, our homes, and our belongings clean. Chemists are constantly perfecting better ways to make our cleaning problems easier.

To make the best use of

the newer cleaners, we must learn the proper methods of applying them.

Solve the problems in the following

chapters and make life easier for yourself.

2

CHAPTER 1. SPOTS BEFORE YOUR EYES HOW TO REMOVE STAINS FROM FABRICS A.

MOTIVATION:

Advantages to be gained from removing

stains yourself. 1.

NEAT APPEARANCE:

Clean clothes help you to look

your best. 2.

MORE POCKET MONEY:

Removing occasional stains will

save on cleaning bills. 3. PARTY SAVER:

Home cleaning of accidental stains on

your best suit or dress may save your date. B.

DIRECTIONS:

Steps to follow in removing stains.

J. How to determine which

type of cleaner to use.

a. Identify the cause of the stain. b. Determine the type (1)

of material in the fabric.

If the material is of vegetable fibers, such as cotton or linen, apply the proper treatment to the stain and then wash with soap and water.

(2)

Animal fibers, such as wool and silk should not, as a general rule, be treated with chlorine, Javelle water, or chloride of lime, because these fibers may be affected by chlorine.

c.

Make a test of the effect of the stain remover

3

on the cloth, using a part that does not show, as some colored materials may he affected by chlorine or Javelle water. 2.

How to apply liquid cleaners. a. Place a clean cloth or absorbent paper pad underneath the stain, moving it frequently as the cleaning agent is applied. b. Apply the remover with a clean cloth. c. Use only a small amount of cleaner at one time.. d. Rub from the outside of the stain toward the center. (1)

A ring may be formed or the stain spread if the cleaner is rubbed in the wrong direction.

(2)

If a ring is formed, the material will have to be sent to a professional cleaner.

e. Use more than one method if necessary. f. Work from the back of the cloth as much as possible. 3.

How to remove blood stains. a.

Soak in cold water, wash with warm soapy water, and then rinse in clear water.

b.

Rub starch and water paste into the stain, and brush out the starch when dry.

4

c. If it is an old stain, apply hydrogen peroxide with a little household ammonia. 4. How to remove bluing stains. a. Apply household ammonia. b. Boil material in clear water. 5. How to remove chocolate or cocoa stains. a. Apply boiling water to the stain. b. Cover with borax and soak in cold water. c.

Rub with carbon tetrachloride, a non-inflammable cleaner.

6. How to remove coffee, tea, and fruit stains. a. If the stains are fresh, wash with boiling water. b. Apply bleaching powder and a little acetic acid, if the.stains are old. c. For fruit stains, apply boiling milk. 7. How to remove grass stains. a.

Rub the stain with aleohol or ammonia water.

b. Clean well with soap and water. 8. How to remove grease stains. a. Apply carbon tetrachloride. b. Pat the stain with benzene. (1)

CAUTION:

Never rub fabrics when cleaning

with gasoline or benzene, as they give off inflammable vapors that can be exploded by

5

static electricity. (2)

Use only in a well ventilated room or out­ side, away from flames,

c.

Rub Fuller’s earth into the stain, using with it either carbon tetrachloride or benzene.

9.

How-to remove gum, wax, and paraffin. a.

Scrape off all of the staining material possible.

b.

Dissolve the remaining stain with carbon tetra­ chloride .

10. How to remove iodine stains. a. Sponge with alcohol. b.

Brush the stain lightly with sodium thiosulfate solution.

11. How to remove iron rust stains. a. Apply oxalic acid. b.

Rub with salt and lemon Juice, or citric acid.

12. How to remove mildew. a. Wash with soap and water. b. Hang in direct sunlight. c. Soak the stain in sour milk. d. Bleach old stains with Javellewater. e. Use lemon Juice, which containscitric acid. 13.

How to remove paint. a. Rub with carbon tetrachloride. b.

Apply turpentine, followed by soap and ammonia.

6

14.

How to remove stain from scorching. a.

Place in direct sunlight, if the fiber is not damaged.

b. Sponge with hydrogen peroxide. c. Use Javelle water as a bleaching agent. 15.

How to remove varnish stains. a. Rub with wood alcohol or benzene. b. Apply acetone to the stain. c. Use turpentine or carbon tetrachloride.

16.

Sources for this chapter:

ln/here to get additional

help. a.

Hopkins, B. S., et al:

Chemistry and You.

Lyons and Carnahan, Chicago, 1947.

pages 581-

582. b.

Noble, L. E.: Applied Chemistry. Wilvert, Ventura, California, 1938.

c.

pages 141-145.

Observation and interviews at dry-cleaning establishments.

C.

ACTIVITY ASSIGNMENTS:

Things to do in learning to

remove b tains from fabrics. 1.

Remove the stains from fabrics in your home, start­ ing with the simpler stains before trying the more difficult ones.

2.

Get permission to assist in a dry cleaning shop

7

during the pre-spotting procedure. 3.

Prepare a demonstration of stain removal methods to give to home economies classes.

D.

EVALUATION:

Your progress will he checked in the

following ways. 1.

TRUE-FALSE;

Place X in the correct space for

true or false. T F a. ( )(• ) You should use carbon tetrachloride to remove grease stains. b. ( )( ) It is best to rub from the outside of a stain, toward the center. c. ( )( ) Grass stains should be removed with alcohol or ammonia water. 2.

BEST ANSWER:

Place the number of the best answer

in the parentheses. a. ( ) To remove iodine stains you should use; (1) carbon tetrachloride. sulfate.

(2) sodium thio-

(3) Javelle water.

(4) turpentine.

b. ( ) You may remove iron rust stains by treating with:

(1) acetic acid.

(3) ammonia water.

(2) oxalic acid.

(4) Javelle water.

c. ( ) Oil stains may best be removed by using: (l) benzene. chloride.

(2) starch.

(3) carbon tetra­

(4) household ammonia.

8

CHAPTER 2. IT'S TIME TO SHINE HOW TO CLEAN AND PRESERVE METALS A.

MOTIVATION:

Some things to be gained by applying

chemistry to metal problems. 1.

EASIER WORE:

Using a chemical reagent will cut out

tedious hand polishing. 2.

ATTRACTIVE FURNISHINGS:

Clean, lacquered metal

surfaces are adaptable to modern home decoration. 3.

LOWER MAINTENANCE COSTS:

You can prevent the

rusting of clothesline poles, lawn furniture, even bicycles and jalopies. B; ~ DIRECTIONS:

Key points to guide you in your metal

problems. 1.

How to clean silverware. a. Dissolve one half teaspoonful of baking soda, or washing soda, in a quart of water. b. Pour the soda solution into an old aluminum pan, or into an enamel pan in which has been placed an aluminum plate or sheet. c. Heat the solution in the pan to the boiling point. d. Place the silverware to be cleaned in the hot solution and allow to stand until the tarnish is removed.

(1) An electric current is set up in the solu­ tion between the aluminum and silver. (2) The tarnish, silver sulfide, is broken down and the sulfur is removed as the gas, hydrogen sulfide. When all of the tarnish has been removed, rinse the silverware in clear water and dry. (1) Do not leave hollow handled silverware in the solution more than five minutes. (2) The handles may become loosened if left in the hot solution for a longer period. to clean other metallic surfaces. Wash nickel and nickel alloys with a solution of trisodium phosphate. Clean brass by rubbing with lemon juice or vine­ gar, when badly stained. (1) Lemon Juice contains citric acid. (2) Vinegar contains acetic acid. Remove stains from copper or aluminum by boil­ ing in an oxalic acid solution, being sure to follow by a thorough washing with soap and water. (1) Dissolve 2 tablespoons of oxalic acid crystals in one gallon of water. (2) Oxalic acid Is poisonous.

10

d.

Scour iron and steel surfaces with a cleaning powder, rinse, and dry with heat. (1) Iron unites with oxygen in the air to form rust. (2) Moisture must be present in order for iron and oxygen to unite.

3.

How to finish metal surfaces. a.

Polish iron or steel by filing and then rubbing with emery cloth.

b.

Shine soft metals such as aluminum, pewter and lead with a fine grade of steel wool.

c.

Buff hard metals with emery or tripoli and finish by polishing with jeweler’s rouge.

4.

How to clean and preserve iron and steel. a.

Clean the surface of the metal thoroughly by buffing or by using steel wool.

b.

Remove grease from the surface with benzene or carbon tetrachloride.

c.

Make iron or steel black by applying the following procedure: Sodium thiosulfate Add distilled water

3 grams to make 1 liter

Heat the solution to 200°P and dip the metal into the liquid. d.

Blue iron or steel by using the following

11

formula: Sodium bisulfite

60 g

Lead acetate

15 S

Add distilled water

to make 1 liter

Heat the solution to 200°F and dip the metal into the liquid until the desired color is obtained. e.

Preserve the polish or color of metal surfaces by coating with a metal lacquer.

f.

Paint with red lead, made by the following formula: Dry red lead

100 lbs

Pure raw linseed oil

3^ gals

Turpentine

1 pt

Japan driers

1 pt

Thoroughly mix all ingredients to make about 6 gallons of paint. (1) Increase or decrease the amounts used in the formula, but keep the proportions the same. (2) A second coat of any desired color may be applied over the red lead primer. 5*

Sources for this chapter:

Where to get further

assistance. a.

Haines, Ray E., et al:

The Home Mechanics

12

Handbook. 1945. b. G.

D. Van Nostrand Co., Inc., New York,

pages 311-314, 343-344.

School maintenance supervisor.

ACTIVITY ASSIGNMENTS:

Fro.leets to help you in learn­

ing to clean and preserve metals. 1.

Plan how you would clean, beautify, or protect metal surfaces in your home and then carry out your plan.

2.

Help the school maintenance men clean and protect metal surfaces about the school.

D.

EVALUATION:

Some check-ups that may be applied to your

progress. 1.

TRUE-FALSE:

Place X in the correct space for

true or false. T F a. ( )( ) You should use trisodium phosphate to clean nickel and nickel alloys. b. ( )( ) To clean copper you should use baking soda or washing soda. c. ( )( ) It is best to use lemon juice or vinegar to clean brass. d. ( )( ) You should clean aluminum by boiling in oxalic acid solution. 2.

COMPLETION:

Write in the long blanks ahead of the

items the best answers that would go in the short

13

token blanks within the items. ___________

a . - The first coat of paint you apply to iron or steel should have a base made o f

____________ b.

..

You should not leave hollow handled silverware in a hot soda solution longer than ____ minutes.

___________

c.

To remove stains from copper or aluminum you should boll in an acid solution.

___________

d.

To blacken iron or steel you should dip it in a hot solution of

14

CHAPTER 3. THE DOPE ON SOAP HOW TO GET THE MOST VALUE FROM WASHING COMPOUNDS A.

MOTIVATION:

Rewards gained by checking the quality of

washing products. 1.

CLEANER CLOTHES: Proper cleaning compounds will do a better job of removing dirt.

2.

LESS DAMAGE TO FABRICS:

A good washing product will

not harm materials. 3.

ECONOMY OF SOAP: Softening the water will reduce the amount of cleaning agent needed.

4.

SKIN PROTECTION: Some soaps are not suitable for personal skin care.

B.

DIRECTIONS:

Some ways to help you evaluate and use

washing compounds. 1.

How to test for free alkali in soap. a.

Heat gently a small piece of bath or laundry soap in an evaporating dish to drive off the water.

b.

Test with a drop of an alcoholic solution of phenolpthalein after the soap has cooled. (1)

If the phenolpthalein is colorless it indicates the soap is either neutral or acidic.

(2)

A bright red color in the drop of

phenolpthalein indicates the presence of free alkalies. c.

Repeat the test with several brands of soap.

How to test for free fat in soap. a.

C!ut a piece of soap, about one half inch square, into fine pieces.

b.

Place the finely cut soap in a test tube and add about 25 cc of gasoline.

c.

Shake the test tube thoroughly and filter the contents through a dry filter paper into a watch glass.

d.

Set the watch glass aside until the gasoline evaporates.

e.

Look carefully on the watch glass to see if any free fat has appeared.

How to test washing powders for soap content. a.

Add hydrochloric acid to a solution of washing powder and distilled water.

b.

Watch the surface of the solution for a scum of stearic acid, which indicates the presence of soap.

How to test for phosphates in washing powders. a.

Add a small amount of concentrated nitric acid to a solution of washing powder.

b.

Warm the solution slightly after adding an equal

amount of ammonium molybdate solution, c.

Observe the solution for a yellow precipitate, indicating the presence of the phosphate ion.

How to test for borates in washing powders. a.

Dip a strip of turmeric paper into the washing powder solution, which has been acidified with hydrocloric acid.

b.

Allow the turmeric paper to dry.

c.

Wet the dry paper with sodium hydroxide.

d.

Watch for a reddish brown color to appear which changes to a gray blue or bluish black, indicat­ ing the presence of borates.

How to test for ammonium compounds in washing powders. a.

Add strong sodium hydroxide to a solution of washing powder.

b.

Heat the solution nearly to the boiling point.

e.

Test with a red litmus paper and by continu­ ously smelling the vapor. (1)

Red litmus turning blue indicates the presence of a basic salt.

(2)

The distinct odor of ammonia shows that an ammonium salt is present.

How to test for carbonates in washing powders, a.

Pour dilute hydrocloric acid over a sample of

17

the powder. b.

Check to see if carbon dioxide Is given off, Indicating carbonates.

8.

How to test the suds forming powers of detergents. a.

Obtain five different brands of soap, includ­ ing soap powders and soapless soaps.

b.

Make a soap solution of each kind of soap that you are testing by adding the same amount, 10 grams, of soap shavings or granules of soap to 50 cc of water.

c.

Heat each of the five mixtures gently until the soap is entirely dissolved.

d.

Number each solution so you will know which one contains a particular brand of soap.

e.

Test the soaps one at a time.

f.

Add 2 cc of the soap solution to 15 cc of dis­ tilled water in a large glass test tube.

g.

Shake the solution in the test tube vigorously.

h.

Use clean apparatus each time and shake each solution the same number of times.

i.

Measure the amount of suds formed for each soap.

j.

Record results of the test.

k.

Make similar tests, using the same amount of soap solution, but instead of distilled water use tap water and record the results.

18

1.

Do similar tests, using hard water prepared byadding 1 gram of magnesium sulfate to 50 cc of water.

9.

How to soften water, a.

In laundering, add washing soda, borax, or tri­ sodium phosphate to the water. (1)

Add the softening compound before any soap is put in the water.

(2)

The amount needed will vary with the degree of hardness of the water.

b.

Use a zeolite process to provide soft water for all household uses. (1)

Zeolite is a mineral water softener sold under such trade names as Perrautit, Grystolite, Decalso, and Duro.

(2)

Water softeners using zeolite can be re­ generated by running a concentrated solu­ tion of sodium chloride through the zeolite.

10.

Sources for this chapter:

Where you may find

additional help. a.

Ahrens, M. R., Bush, N. F., and Easley, R. K.: Laboratory Problems for Living Chemistry. G-lnn and Company, New York,

b.

Dull, Charles E,:

pages 193-202.

M o d e m Chemistry.

Holt and Co., New York, 194-2.

Henry

pages 130-131.

19

C.

c.

Local laundry operators.

d.

Commercial water softener companies.

ACTIVITY ASSIGNMENTS:

Projects to help you get the most

value from soap products. 1. Using the tests you have learned, compare granulated soaps with bar soaps to determine if the dissolving speed of granulated soaps is worth any difference in cost or quality. 2. Compare, by analysis, floating soaps and non-float­ ing soaps, to check their relative purity and also their cost per unit volume. 3. Test the washing products now used in your home and compare with results of tests made of other products, to determine if there would be any ad­ vantage in making a change. 4. Analyze the soap used in your school wash rooms for undesirable chemicals. D.

EVALUATION:

Samples of check-ups that may be made on

your -progress: 1.

TRUE-FALSE:

Place X in the correct space for

true or false. T F a. ( )( ) To make a test for free alkali in soap, you should use a water solution of phenolthalein.

20

b. ( )( ) You should use sulfuric acid when test­ ing washing powders for soap content. c. ( )( ) It is best to use a zeolite softener to provide large amounts of soft water. d. ( )( ) To soften water for laundering you should add borax to the water, after putting in the soap. e. ( )( ) In regenerating a zeolite softener, you should use a concentrated solution of sodium chloride. 2.

COMPLETION:

Write in the long blanks ahead of the

items the answers that would go in the short token blanks within the items. ___________

a. To test for phosphates in washing powders you should use ____ acid.

___________

b. In testing for free fat in soap you should shake fineiy cut soap in a test tube containing ____ .

___________

c. You should pour dilute ____ acid over a sample of washing powder to test for the presence of carbonates.

_________ •

d. For a large quantity of soft water you should use a softener that employs the use of the mineral ____ .

21

CHAPTER 4. HINTS FOR HOME CLEANING HOW TO REMOVE GRIME PROM HOUSE SURFACES A. MOTIVATION:

Values you may expect If you learn how

to remove household dirt. 1.

BETTER PARENTAL RELATIONSHIPS:

You may get on the

good side of mom by showing her easier ways to clean. 2.

LOWER MAINTENANCE COSTS:

Cleaning walls and floors

yourself will save on refinishing costs. 3.

SOCIAL APPROVAL:

Your friends may disapprove of an

untidy home. 4.

HEALTHIER CONDITIONS:

A clean house is less likely

to harbor germs. B. DIRECTIONS: 1.

Steps to follow in cleaning; up the home.

How to clean windows. a.

Clean when sunlight is not directly on them.

b.

Use a brush to remove loose dirt.

e.

Wash with warm water containing a small amount of ammonia.

d.

Use kerosene or denatured alcohol to assist the work in freezing weather.

e.

Follow the directions carefully if you use special liquid-spray cleaners.

f.

Dry with a non-1inting cloth.

22

2. How to remove grease spots from floors and walls. a. Spread or brush Fuller’s earth over the stain. b. Brush away the Fuller's earth after it has soaked up the grease. c.

For deep stains apply a paste of Fuller's earth and carbon tetrachloride.

d. Allow the paste to get entirely dry before brushing it off. 3. How to clean interior painted walls. a. Wash with a soft cloth and heavy soap suds, b. Make a washing solution of one cup of washing soda in one gallon of water. c. Begin at the top of the room and work downward with even strokes. d. Rinse with clear warm water. e. Wipe dry as each section is finished. 4. How to make a wallpaper cleaner. a. Use the following ingredients and amounts: Whiting

10 lb

Calcined magnesia

2 lb

Filler's earth

2 lb

Pumice (powdered) Cltronella oil b. Mix well together.

12 oz 4 oz

23

5.

How to make a general household cleaner, a.

b.

Use the following formula: Soap powder

2 oz

Soda ash

3 oz

Trisodium phosphate

40 oz

Finely ground silica

55 oz

Mix the ingredients together and store in a dry container.

6.

How to clean enameled metal surfaces. a.

Wash with a general household cleaner, being sure that the cleaner does not contain a harsh abrasive.

b.

Clean burned food particles from trays under stove burners by scrubbing with steel wool, and then washing the trays with soap and water.

c.

Remove stains in porcelain or enameled sinks or bowls by rubbing with kerosene. (1)

Yellow or brown stains, caused by leaky faucets or water which has iron in it, may be removed by rubbing with lemon juice or vinegar.

(2)

If the stain is an old one, use dilute oxalic acid or hydrochloric acid.

(3)

Rinse well after using any of these cleaning agents.

24

d.

Wash out refrigerators with a solution of baking soda and water.

7.

How to clean, leather. a.

Remove the dust with a stiff brush.

b.

Wash with a solution containing one tablespoon of vinegar in a pint of hot water.

c.

Dry quickly with a clean soft cloth.

d.

Polish with a leather cream.

e.

Use white vaseline, paraffin oil, or lemon oil to keep the color light.

8.

How to wash varnished furniture. a.

Remove all dust.

b.

Use cheesecloth for washing and wiping.

c.

Prepare the following solution; Boiling water Lemon oil Turpentine

d.

1 quart 3 tablespoons 1 tablespoon

Use this solution to wash a small space at a time.

e.

Wipe immediately with cheesecloth.

f.

Glean carved areas with the solution and a soft brush.

g.

Protect wallpaper and cushions with paper, in case of spattering.

25

9.

How to remove grease and ink stains from varnished furniture. a.

Mix a light oil and pumice stone to a putty­ like consistency.

to.

Using the paste on a cloth, toriskly rub the paste in the direction of the grain until the mark disappears.

c.

If ink or grease has penetrated the wood, repeat the applications, using a solution of one tablespoon of oxalic acid granules in a pint of water.

10.

How to clean plaster bric-a-brac. a.

Make a thick paste of white powdered starch and hot water.

b.

Brush the paste over the plaster and allow to dry.

c.

Scale the starch from the object.

d.

Test a small area of the object first to be sure the starch will not mar the finish.

11.

How to clean marble. a.

b.

Make a cleaner by this formula: Muriatic acid

2 oz

Acetic acid

1 oz

Verdigris

1 dr

Apply this cleaner with a brush.

26

c.

Sponge off with clear water,

d.

Brush again if necessary.

e.

Polish with pumice stone moistened by adding water.

12.

How to clean exterior painted walls. a.

Use plain soap and water if the walls are not too dirty.

b.

Clean with a commercial paint cleaner if the walls are badly stained by soot.

c.

Test the cleaning agent on a small portion to be sure it will not soften the paint.

d.

Remove drip stains by scrubbing with a cleaning solution consisting of one cup of trisodium phosphate in 3 gallons of hot water.

13.

How to eliminate dusty concrete surfaces. a. Remove all dirt and loose particles with a broom or brush. b.

Wash the surface thoroughly and allow it to dry.

c. Apply a "water-glass" solution of one part water-glass to 4 parts water. d.

Let the surface dry for a day or two.

e.

Wash off the surface with a mop and clean water.

f. Apply "water-glass" solution a second time. g.

Repeat this treatment until the solution is no longer absorbed by the concrete.

27

14,

Sources for this chapter:

Miere to get additional

help, a. Bennett, Harry:

The Chemical Formulary.

Chemical Publishing Co., Inc., Brooklyn, 1948. Chapter 20. b. Editors of Popular Mechanics:

Complete Book of

Home Repair and Improvements. Greystone Press, New York, 1949.

Part 1.

c. Mathews, B. S.:

The House and l f s Care.

Little, Brown and Company, Boston, 1926. pages 60-61. d. School home economics teacher. C.

ACTIVITY ASSIGNMENTS:

Projects to help you solve

cleaning problems. 1.

Plan some work saving methods of cleaning in your home and help your mother put them into effect.

2.

Help do the cleaning operations in the home economics bungalow.

3.

Assist the caretaker in cleaning the school and try to find ways of easing the work.

4.

Offer your services to your church when cleaning is to be done, and suggest ways of economizing on materials and labor.

28

D.

EVALUATION: 1.

Ways In which your progress may be checked.

TRUE-FALSE:

Place X in the correct space for true

or false. T F a. ()( )It is best to add a little ammonia to the water when cleaning windows. b.

()(

)You should add denatured alcohol to the cleaning solution when washing windows in freezing weather.

c.

()(

)You should clean windows when the sunlight is directly on them.

d. ( )( ) To clean painted interior walls, you should use a solution of one cup of wash­ ing soda in one gallon of water. e.

()(

)When washing interior walls, you should work from the bottom toward the top.

2.

COMPLETION:

Write in the long blanks ahead of the

items the best answers that would go in the short token blanks within the items, a. To remove deep grease spots from walls you should use a paste of FUller's earth and ____ . ___________

b. When washing exterior walls you should remove drip stains by using a solution of

29

e. The best way to remove old rust stains In enameled surfaces Is to use dilute oxalic or ____ acid. d. To eliminate dusty concrete sur­ faces you should apply^

.

e. To polish marble you should rub with ____ which has been moistened with water. f. If ink or grease stains have pene­ trated the wood of varnished furniture you should use a solution of ____ to remove them.

30

PART II. FIX UP HOW TO USE CHEMISTRY TO IMPROVE THE APPEARANCE OF YOURSELF AND YOUR HOME Now that we have things cleaned up, let's keep them that way and at the same time brighten up ourselves and our homes.

The appearance of our lawns, our homes, and

ourselves actively concerns us all.

Chemistry has helped

us before, let's give it another try and then maybe we can take it easy.

31

CHAPTER 5. A POUND OP CURE HOW TO CONTROL HOME PESTS A.

MOTIVATION:

Benefits to be sained by being able to

curb pests about your home. 1.

FEWER REPAIR BILLS:

Termite damage Is expensive to

fix. 2.

GOOD WILL OF NEIGHBORS:

No one wants their neigh­

bor to be a source of insect infestation. 3.

BETTER HEALTH:

Insects carry many diseases.

4.

FREEDOM FROM ACCIDENTS:

The proper use of poison

will eliminate dangers from misuse of the chemicals. B.

DIRECTIONS:

Suggestions to help you with your pest

problems. 1.

How to control flies. a.

Keep windows and doors screened.

b.

Cover food and garbage.

c.

Clean garbage cans inside and out and pick up soiled papers and cloths.

d.

Spray doorways, steps, screens, and garbage can with a residual 5% "DDT** solution.

e. 2.

Repeat the spraying in six to eight weeks.

How to control termites. a.

Preventing damage must be done by keeping ter­ mites from reaching the wood of your building.

32

b.

Place a piece of copper between the masonry of the foundation and the wood sill.

c.

Let the copper extend beyond the masonry on each side about 3 inches.

d.

Bend this projection down to an approximate forty-five degree angle.

e.

Destroy the earthen tunnels on masonry, as they indicate termites.

f.

Fill all cracks in the masonry.

g.

Do not attempt to use chemicals, as they must be forced into the wood and can best be done by a professional exterminator.

3.

How to control ants. a.

Trace the ants to their nest.

b.

Dust the surface and openings o*f the nest with sodium fluoride.

c.

Fumigate ants in their tunnels by the careful use of cyanide gas.

d.

Put out poison baits containing thallium sul­ fate. (1)

Care must be taken in using sodium fluor­ ide and thallium Bulfate as they are poisonous.

(2)

Caution must also be used with any compound giving cyanide gas, as the fumes are very

poisonous. How to control garden slugs. a.

Collect and destroy slugs at night.

b.

Place small piles of a methaldehyde poison at intervals in the garden. (1)

The slugs will be killed- when they feed on the methaldehyde.

(2)

This poison not only kills, but it also attracts the slugs.

How to control aphids or plant lice. a.

Spray with nicotine sulfate, pyrethrum, or rotenone. (1)

Material must get on the aphids.

(2)

Direct the spray to the underside of the leaves where most of the aphids are found.

b.

Use a dlchlor-ethy1-ether treatment about the base of plants to kill root aphids.

How to control nematode worms. a.

Fumigate the soil in the following way. (1)

Make small holes 10 inches apart and 4 to 5 inches deep.

(2)

Place -§ teaspoonful of chloripicrin or "D-Dtt in each hole.

(3)

Cover over the holes and wet the top few inches of soil.

34

(4)

Cover the area with mulch paper or damp canvas for two days.

b.

Walt at least 10 days before planting anything in the soil.

7.

How to control red spiders or mites. a.

Dust with fine dusting sulfur, directing it mostly to the undersides of the foliage.

b.

Repeat the treatment in a week to get any young that have hatched from the eggs.

8.

How to control leaf hoppers. a.

Spray the undersides of foliage twice, at twoweek intervals.

b.

Use a pyrethrum spray or dust, or use the following formula: Nicotine sulfate Soap powder Water

c.

!§• teaspoonsful 3 tablespoonsful 1 gallon

Spray potato plants with the regular Bordeaux mixture s.

9.

How to control clothes moths. a.

Keep material clean, brushed, and aired in the sunlight.

b.

Remove all spots.

c.

Spray closets with residual 5% "DDT” solution.

d.

Clean clothes thoroughly and store in sealed

35

boxes containing napthalene. e.

Use a commercial spray on upholstery, rugs and clothing to moth proof them.

10.

How to protect seeds from soil fungi. a.

Buy healthy or certified seeds from a reputable seed company or dealer.

b.

Purchase disease-resistant varieties whenever possible or practical.

c. Protect seeds by coating with a chemical product such as "semesan", "spergon*, and "arasan". d.

Disinfect and protect seed potatoes by dipping and wetting in a suspension of 2 ounces of yellow oxide of mercury in 4 gallons of water.

11.

How to control weeds in lawns and gardens. a. Pull the small weeds to control many species. b. Use one of the newer weed killers such as 2-4-D. (1)

Check with an expert before applying most of the selective weed killers.

(2)

Some of the new weed killers might also harm the plants you want to save.

12.

Sources for this chapters

Ways to get additional

help. a. Pyenson, Louiss Garden.

Pest Control in the Home

The MacMillan Company, New York, 1944.

36

C.

b.

County agricultural agent.

c.

School agriculture instructor.

d.

Local nurserymen.

ACTIVITY ASSIGNMENTS:

Things to do to help you learn

to control pests. 1.

Inspect your home for pests and apply the proper remedial measures, being careful to observe all safety precautions.

2.

Ask a nurseryman to let you assist him when he applies control measures against pests.

3.

Help the school caretaker use control measures in the school lawns and gardens.

D.

EVALUATION;

Your progress may be checked in the

following ways. 1.

COMPLETION:

Write in the long blanks ahead of the

items the best answers that would go in the short token blanks within the items. a. To control flies, you

should use a

5% residual solution of ____. b. You should use poison baits contain­ ing ____ to control ants. c. The best way to control slugs is by using ____ as a poison.

37

___________

d. To control nematode worms, you should fumigate the soil with _____.

2.

TRUE-FALSE:

Place X in the correct space for

true and false. T F a. ( )( ) You should use dusting sulfur to control red spider. b.

( )( )To controlleaf hoppers on potato plants you should spray with a regular Bordeaux mixture.

c.

( )( )You should use a dichlor-ethyl-ether treatment to control root aphids.

d.

( )( )When spraying to kill aphids, you should direct most of the spray toward the under side of the leaves.

38

CHAPTER 6. BRIGHTEN YOUR CORNER HOW TO WORE WITH PAINTS AND VARNISHES A.

MOTIVATION:

Things to be gained by properly using

protective coatings. 1.

BETTER APPEARANCE?

A good finish coat will do much

to improve the looks of your home. 2.

PRESERVE MATERIALS:

Protecting your belongings will

prevent depreciation. 3.

INCREASED SALES VALUE:

A well kept house and belong­

ings will make them worth more. 4.

COMMUNITY RECOGNITION:

Your friends and neighbors

will admire your well kept home. B.

DIRECTIONS:

Points to guide you in your use of paints

and varnishes. 1.

How to select paints. a.

Check the label for the exact character of the material. (1)

If the label has any fancy name or the word "compound” printed with the name of a good paint material, the product should be regarded with suspicion.

(2)

If the name and address of the manufacturer does not appear on the label, it is probably an adulterated product.

39

b.

Check for the following points on the label. (1)

White lead and zinc oxide together should form 85% or more of the total pigment in white or light colored paints.

(2)

The vehicle should be pure raw linseed oil, with just enough high grade Japan drier to dry the paint properly (5 per cent to 10 per. cent).

(3)

Volatile thinners should not make up more than 10 per cent of the vehicle.

(4)

The addition of gloss oil, rosin oil, fish oil, and mineral oil makes inferior paints.

c. Buy your paints only from a reliable merchant. d.

Consult with experts as to the type of paint and formula for the job.

2.

How to mix paints. a.

Select a container twice as large as the bulk of the mixture.

b.

Place white lead in the container.

c.

Pour linseed oil, a little at a time, into the white lead.

d.

Stir and add more oil, until a creamy paste is obtained.

e.

Add tinting colors

f.

Put driers into the mixture.

40

g.

Pour in balance of oil called for in formula.

h.

Thin with turpentine to brushing consistency.

i. Strain through cheesecloth or a fine screen, j.

Prepare ready mixed paints by the following procedure. (1)

Pour

(2)

Stir the

offoil into an empty

can.

remaining pigment to a smooth

paste. (3)

Add small amounts of oil and stir thoroughly.

(4)

Put in the rest of the oil and stir.

(5)

Pourthe

paint from can to can several

time s. (6) 3.

Strain through a cloth or screen.

How to remove old paint. a. Make a saturated solution of trisodium phos­ phate in hot water, or use sodium metasilicate. b. Brush or mop the solution onto the surface to be treated. (1)

Surface should be flat and horizontal so that the solution will not drain off.

(2) c.

Repeated applications usually must be made.

Speed up the operation by using a stiff scrubb­ ing brush while the solvent is at work.

d. Leave solvent on for about half an hour.

41

e.

Use a scraper to remove the softened paint.

f.

Repeat the applications until the paint film is softened through to the wood.

g.

Rinse completely with warm, clean water.

h.

Wipe the wood dry to prevent warping and then wipe with alcohol to remove traces of the chemical.

i.

Use caution with commercial paint and varnish removers as they usually are inflammable.

j.

Varnish may be removed by the same procedure.

4.' How to remove decals from painted surfaces.

5.

a.

Placea wet blotter over the decal.

b.

Leave the blotter on for 2 hours.

c.

Peel off the decal with a dull knife.

How to prepare surfaces for painting. a.

Cleannew surfaces with a brush or cloth.

b.

Coverpitch streaks and knots with a

coat of

orange shellac. c.

Remove grease or oil with a cloth dampened in turpentine or carbon tetrachloride.

6.

d.

Putty all cracks after the priming coat is dry.

e.

Use sandpaper to smooth.

How to paint metals. a.

Rub the surface with sandpaper or fine emery cloth.

42

b.

Wipe away all dust and grease with a rag moistened with benzene or carbon tetrachloride.

7.

c.

Use paint sparingly and brush out well.

d.

Brush on with up and down strokes.

e.

Finish with light cross strokes.

How to paint new cement or stucco surfaces. a.

Wait six months before painting or wash with a neutralizing solution. (1)

These materials contain soluble alkaline substances which are harmful to oil paints.

(2)

Six months is required to naturally neutralize the alkaline substances.

b. Wash the surface with a solution made by dissolving 2 pounds of zinc sulfate in 1 gallon of water. c. Apply the proper paint for this type of surface. 8.

How to apply varnish. a. Work in a warm room, free from dust. b.

Apply the varnish as it comes from the can.

c. Flow the varnish on rather than brushing it out. d. Sand with fine paper before applying additional coats.

43

e.

Dry the first coat 48 hours and the final coat 72 hours.

9.

How to clean dirty paint brushes. a.

Make a cleaning solution by the following procedure: Solution 1 Kero sene

1gal

Oleic acid

^gal

Solution 2 Ammonia (28%)

1pt

Denatured alcohol

1pt

Stir solution 2 into solution 1, continuing the stirring until the product is smooth. b.

Soak the dirty brushes in the solution overnight.

c. Wash in warm water. 10.

How to care for paint brushes. a.

Clean the brush as soon as you are through using it.

b.

Clean thoroughly in a liquid cleaner.

c.

Wash, with soap and water.

d.

Dry the brush completely.

e.

Immerse the bristles in linseed oil.

f. Wrap in paper. g.

Apply a fresh coating of oil occasionally if the brush is not being used.

44

11.

How to test for fineness of pigments. a.

Place about a teaspoonful of three commercial brands of paint in three beakers.

b.

Dissolve out the oils by adding 25 cc of turp­ entine or gasoline to each beaker.

c. Stir each thoroughly. d.

Filter each mixture through a dry filter paper and wash each residue with more of the turpen­ tine or gasoline.

e. Remove two thirds of the pigment from each filter paper and place each pigment in a large test tube. f . Fill the test tubes almost full of water and shake. g. Time the speed of settling of each pigment. 12.

How to test paints for resistance to sulfur com­ pounds. a.

Paint three metal or wood strips with white paint, using a different brand of paint on each strip.

b. Place the strips, when dry, into a dilute solu­ tion of ammonium sulfide or sodium sulfide. c. Allow to stand for 30 minutes, d.

Examine the degree to which each paint has been affected.

45

13.

How to test paints for elasticity. a.

Paint metal strips with three different paints, and allow to dry for at least 48 hours.

b.

Scratch each of the painted surfaces with a pin and examine them for ragged edges.

c. d. 14.

Bend each metal strip several times. Examine the painted surfaces for cracks.

Sources for this chapter:

Nhere to get additional

help. a.

Ahrens, M. R., Bush, N. F., and Easley, R. K.: Laboratory Problems for Living Chemistry. Ginn and Company, New York,

b.

Di Bernardo, D. J .: Handbook.

The Home Mechanics

D. Van Nostrand Company, Inc., New

York, 1945. c.

pages 207-209.

Chapters 1, 2, and 4.

Editors of Popular Mechanics:

Complete Book

of Home Repair and Improvements. Press, New York, 1949.

C.

Part 2.

d.

Local painters and paint dealers.

e.

School paint shop instructor,

ACTIVITY ASSIGNMENTS:

Greystone

Projects to help you learn to

work with paints and varnishes. 1.

Take care of the painting and varnishing work about your home and select the paints to be used.

46

2.

Do paint work around the aehool and assist with varnishing insofar as is possible.

3.

Offer your assistance in painting problems that might come up in your church or social organizations.

D.

EVALUATION:

Some check-ups that might be applied to

your achievement. 1.

TRUE-FALSE:

Place X in the correct space for

true and false. T F a. ()( ) In selecting paints, you should check the label for the exact character of the materials used. b.

()( ) Mien mixing paints, you should add tinting colors to the white lead before putting in the oil.

c.

()( ) You should use alcohol to remove traces of paint removing chemicals.

d.

()( ) It is best to use a wet blotter to remove decals.

2.

COMPLETION:

Write in the long blanks ahead of the

items the best answers that would go in the short token blanks within the items. ____________ a. To remove old paint, you should use sodium metasilicate or a saturated solution of

47

b. You should cover pitch streaks and knots In new wood with a coat of

c. You should neutralize the alkaline substances in new concrete or stucco by using a solution of ____. d. To test paints for resistance to sulfur compounds, you should place painted strips in a solution of ammonium or sodium.

48

CHAPTER 7. DIET FOR DIRT HOW TO TEST SOILS AND FERTILIZERS A,

MOTIVATION:

Benefits to be gained by using the right

fertilizers for your garden. 1.

BETTER GERMINATION:

Good soil helps plants

to get

a better start. 2.

EASIER CULTIVATION:

The proper amount of organic

matter keeps soil from getting hard. 3.

LARGER PLANTS:

Proper growth is dependent upon the

elements in the soil. 4.

BETTER LANDSCAPING:

^fell placed plants are of no

value unless they are healthy and look good. B.

DIRECTIONS:

Steps to follow in doing the testing

procedure. 1.

How to test fertilizers for potassium. a.

Add several grams of the fertilizer to 15 ce of dilute hydrochloric acid and bring to a boil.

b. Filter the solution and evaporate the filtrate until it is a thick, syrupy liquid. c.

Hold a platinum wire in the flame of the bunsen burner until the wire imparts no color to the flame.

d. Dip the wire into the syrupy filtrate and then hold it in the tip of the flame.

49

e. View the flame through a layer of cobalt glass. f. Watch for a violet color which indicates the presence of a potassium compound, 2.

How to test for phosphorus in fertilizer. a.

Dissolve 2 grams of the fertilizer in 15 cc of dilute nitric acid,

b. Boil the solution for 4 or 5 minutes and filter, c. Add 10 cc of ammonium molybdate solution to 1 cc of the filtrate, d.

Heat very slowly or allow the test tube to stand in a beaker of warm water.

e.

Observe the solution for the formation of a yellow precipitate, indicating the presence of the phosphate ion.

3.

How to test for nitrogen, a.

Stir 2 grams of the fertilizer in 20 cc of warm water and filter.

b.

Add 3 cc of freshly prepared ferrous sulfate solution to 6 cc of the filtrate,

c.

Hold the test tube at an angle of 30 degree's.

d.

Slowly and cautiously pour 5 cc of concentrated sulfuric acid down the side of the test tube. (1)

The acid, being heavier than the solution, will go to the bottom of the test tube.

(2)

A brown ring formed between the two

50

solutions indicates the presence of nitrogen compounds. 4.

How to determine the amount of moisture in a ferti­ lizer. a.

Measure out 10 grams of the fertilizer in an evaporating dish and weigh both.

b.

Place the dish with the fertilizer in a drying oven for 30 minutes.

c.

Remove the dish and weigh it after it has cooled.

d.

Replace the dish and fertilizer in the drying oven for approximately 30 minutes more.

e.

Take the dish out and weigh when cooled. (1)

If the weights after the first and second heatings are the same, all the moisture has been removed.

(2)

If the weights are not the same then reheat the sample until the weights are constant.

f.

Calculate the per cent of moisture by dividing the weight of the moisture by the weight of the fertilizer sample and multiplying by 100.

g.

Record the data in the following table: Weight of dish and fertilizer before heating

_____

Weight of dish

_____

51

Weight of fertilizer____________ _____ Weight of dish and fertilizer after heating___________________ _____ Weight of moisture______________ _____ Per cent of moisture 5.

_____

How to determine the percentage of organic matter in fertilizers. a.

Place the dish and fertilizer sample used in moisture test in a free flame.

b.

Heat to redness for about 30 minutes.

c. Remove the dish and weigh when cooled. d. Reheat to redness for 20 minutes. e. Remove, cool, and weigh. f.

Continue heating until weight is constant.

g. Record your data in the following chart: Weight of dish and ferti­ lizer before heating

_____

Weight of dish and ferti­

6,

lizer after heating

_____

Weight of organic matter

_____

Per cent of organic matter

_____

How to check the acidity of a fertilizer. a. Place a small amount of the fertilizer in a watch glass. b.

Moisten the fertilizer with distilled water.

52

c.

Put a piece of* red and blue litmus paper in the fertilizer for a few minutes.

7.

How to test contents of soil. a.

Take samples from 8 to 10 places in the area to be tested.

b.

Mix the samples together thoroughly to obtain a composite sample.

c.

Apply the same tests that were used to test fertilizers.

d.

A closer check on the acidity or alkalinity of the soil may be obtained by use of a pH indi­ cator.

8.

Sources for this chapter:

Where to get further

help. a.

Ahrens, M. R., Bush, N. P., and Easley, R. K.s Laboratory Problems for Living Chemistry. Ginn and Company, New York,

pages 211-212 and

215-216. .b.

Agricultural department bulletins.

c.

Local agricultural department agents.

d.

Local nurserymen.

e.

School agriculture teacher.

53

0.

ACTIVITY ASSIGNMENTS:

Projects to help you learn to

test soils and fertilizers. 1. Make a test of the soil and fertilizer at your home to see if the fertilizer is properly suited to correct any deficiencies in the soil. 2. Help your school agriculture teacher when he is testing soils and fertilizers. 3. Test fertilizers, unlabeled as to contents, and see if they would be satisfactory for the school gardens. D.

EVALUATION:

Check-ups that may be applied to your work

in this chanter. 1. BEST ANSWER:

Place the number of the correct

answer in the parentheses. a.

( ) To check a fertilizer for potassium, you should view the flame test through: (1) clear glass. glass.

b.

(2) carbon glass.

(3) cobalt

(4) selenium glass.

( ) In making a brown ring test for nitrogen, the concentrated acid you should use is: (1) hydrochloric. (4) sulfuric.

(2) nitric.

(3) acetic.

54

c.

( ) To accurately determine the amount of organic matter in a soil sample, you should heat:

(l) for 20 minutes.

weight is constant.

(2) until

(3) for 30 minutes.

(4) to redness. 2.

RATING- SCALE:

The following check may be made on

your technique in testing soils and fertilizers. Scores are as follows:

l(poor), 2 (fair), 3 (good),

and 4 (superior). Testing for

1

2

3

4

Potassium

^____

_____

_____

_____

Phosphorus

_____

____

_____

_____

Nitrogen

_____

_____

_____

____

Moisture

_____

_____

_____

_____

Organic Matter

_____

_____

_____

_____

Acidity_________ _____

_____

_____

_____

Total

55

CHAPTER 8. PRIMPING- PREPARATIONS HOW TO TEST AND MAKE COSMETICS A.

MOTIVATION:

Benefits that may result from testing and

making toilet preparations, 1.

2.

NICER APPEARANCE:

Properly prepared cosmetics can

help you make a

better impression.

MORE MONEY:

making your own cosmetics youcan

By

cut down expenses considerably. 3.

AVOID HEALTH HAZARDS:

You will learn to detect

harmful and undesirable. Ingredients present in some cosmetics. B.

DIRECTIONS:

Practical suggestions on how to test and

make cosmetics. 1.

How to test face powders. a.

Place a small amount of face powder in a test tube containing 5 cc of water.

b.

Bring the mixture to a boil.

c.

Add a few drops of

d.

Watch for a

iodine.

bluish black colorwhichwould

indi­

cate the presence of starch. e.

Examine face powders under a microscope to check the fineness of texture.

2.

How to test dentifrices for abrasives. a.

Spread a small amount of the tooth paste on a

56

piece of unscratched glass. b.

Make a paste of tooth powders by adding a little water.

c.

Place a smooth sided coin over the paste.

d.

Move the coin back and forth twelve times each way without using too much pressure.

e.

Wash the tooth paste off the glass.

f.

Examine the glass for scratches.

g.

Repeat the test with other tooth pastes, always using the same number of strokes.

h.

Compare the number of scratches caused by each tooth paste.

3.

How to make an after shave lotion. a.

Use the following basic formula: Boric acid Witch hazel Menthol G-lycerin

5 S 240 cc 0.1 g 5 cc

Perfume to suit b.

Dissolve the boric acid in the witch hazel.

c.

Add the menthol and glycerin.

d.

Shake well and add a perfume such as oil of lavender or oil of rose.

e.

Allow to stand over night and filter if the solution is cloudy.

57

4.

How to make a hand lotion. a.

Follow this basic formula: Gum tragacanth Water Glycerin Boric acid Witch hazel

2 S 125 cc 30 cc 5

S

50 cc

Perfume to suit b.

Put the tragacanth and boric acid in the water and leave overnight.

c.

Add the glycerin and witch hazel and shake well or mix with a rotary beater.

d.

Strain the solution through muslin.

e. Tint with cake coloring and perfume to suit. 5. How to make a nail polish remover. a.

Mix 90 cc of acetone and 30 cc of ethyl acetate.

b.

Add several drops of olive oil, or castor oil.

6. How to make a hair oil. a. Mix 88 cc of light, white mineral oil and

12 cc

of odorless castor oil. b.

Use mineral oil alone, if odorless castor oil is unavailable.

c.

Color with an oil-soluble dye, such as carmine, and add perfume to suit.

58

7.

How to make a vanishing cream base. a.

Make the cream of the following ingredients: Stearic acid Potassium hydroxide

75 grains

Mineral oil

-§-oz

Glycerin

£ oz

Water

6 oz

Perfume oil b.

1 oz

16 drops

Melt the stearic acid in the mineral oil, using a double boiler.

c.

Dissolve the potassium hydroxide in the water, add the glycerin, and bring the solution to boiling temperature.

d.

Add the first mixture gradually to the boiling solution, while stirring.

e.

Heat in the double boiler until smooth, stirring constantly.

f. 8.

Cool the mixture and then beat in the perfume.

How to make a brushless shaving cream. a.

Mix the following ingredients according to directions: Vanishing cream base

b.

12 oz

Powdered castile soap

-J-oz

Glycerin

1 oz

Form a mixture of the soap and the glycerin.

59

c.

Heat the mixture and the vanishing cream base, in separate double boilers, to a temperature of 160° P.

d.

Pour the soap and glycerin mixture slowly into the cream base.

e.

Stir constantly while combining the two mix­ tures and continue stirring until a smooth consistency is obtained.

9.

Howto make a.

Use

a tooth paste.

the following formula: Powdered castlle soap

1 oz

Calcium carbonate, precipitate, extra fine grade

8 oz

Powdered sugar

3 oz

"Karo” syrup, enough to make a paste Oil of peppermint b.

Mix

30 drops

the oil of peppermint in a small amount of

the powdered sugar and then mix with the remain­ der of the sugar. c.

Add the soap and the precipitated calcium carbonate and calcium phosphate.

d.

Grind thoroughly in a mortar or sift through a No. 50 sieve.

60

e.

Stir in enough "Karo" syrup to make a paste of the desired thickness.

10.

How to make a sun tan oil. a.

Use the following formula: Menthyl salicylate (b%)

10 cc

White mineral oil

89 cc

Hydroquinone

0.2 g

Perfume b.

1.0 cc

Put all ingredients together and stir until well mixed.

11.

How to make a sunburn ointment. a.

b.

Follow this formula: Peanut oil

60 g

Spermaceti

8g

White beeswax

76

Heat the above ingredients together very gently and stir thoroughly.

c.

Prepare a second solution by the following method: Oalcium acetate

5g

Distilled water

20 g

Stir until all crystals are dissolved. d.

Add the second solution to the first, and mix well.

61

12.

Sources for this chapter: a.

Additional help for you.

Ahrens, M. R., Bush, N. P., and Easley, R. K.: Laboratory Problems for Living Chemistry. G-inn and Company, New York,

b.

Bennett, Harry:

pages 119-123.

The Cosmetic Formulary.

Chemical Publishing Co., Inc., New York, 1937. Chapters 1, 2, 10, 12, 14, and 15. c.

Ephraim, Jerome W. :

Take Care of Yourself.

Simon and Schuster, New York, 1937.

Chapters

1, 2, 5 and 7. d. C.

Consult local druggists and doctors.

ACTIVITY ASSIGNMENTS:

Projects for learning to make and

test cosmetics for your use. 1.

Test the products that you now use and make samples of the same type for comparison and use.

2. Give a demonstration for a home economics class that will show methods of testing and making cosmetics. 3.

Make a survey of people outside

of the class to

see if they can detect any appreciable difference between the commercial preparations tested and the products prepared by you in the laboratory.

62

D.

EVALUATION:

Types of check-ups that may be used on

your mastery of making; and testing cosmetics, 1.

COMPLETION:

Write in the long blanks ahead of the

items the answers that would go in the short token blanks within the items. ____________ a. To test for starch in face powders, you should add ___

to a boiling

solution of powder and water. ____________ b. You should make a scratch test on , to test tooth pastes for abrasives. ____________ c. The best way to examine face powders for fineness of texture, is to use ____ . 2.

TRUE-FALSE:

Place X in the correct space for

true or false. T F a. ( )( ) To make a suitable hair oil, you should use light, white mineral oil. b. ( )( ) You should add several drops of castor oil, when making nail polish remover. c. ( )( ) It is best to use exactly the same test in comparing similar products.

63

3.

RATING- SCALE: items.

You will be rated on the following

Scores are as follows:

1 (poor), 2 (fair),

3 (good), and 4 (superior). 1

2

3

4

Accurate weighing

____

____

____

____

Accurate liquid measure

____

____

____

____

Following directions

____

____

____

____

Speed___________________ ____

____

____

____

Final product___________ ____

____

____

____ Total

64

PART III. RELAX HOW TO USE CHEMISTRY AS A HOBBY Now that you have learned how to keep your things clean and attractive, how would you like to learn to relax? don’t need any help on that subject?

You

Most of us know how

to relax physically, but prolonged inactivity can become boresome.

In the following chapters are some ways to use

your spare time that are interesting and can be profitable as well as relaxing.

65

CHAPTER 9. PHOTO FUN HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN PHOTOGRAPHS A.

MOTIVATION:

Advantages to be Rained from learning to

develop and print pictures, 1.

MORE MONEY FOR EQUIPMENT:

Cash saved bydoing

your

own developing and printing will pay for better supplies. 2.

PRINTS WHEN

YOU WANT THEM: No waitingfor films

to be processed commercially. 3.

BETTER PRINTS:

Commercial speed methods sometimes

damage the negatives, resulting in poor pictures. 4.

ADDITIONAL INCOME:

Developing and printing your

friend’s films can result in more spending money for you. 5.

ADMIRATION OF FRIENDS:

Your ability in your hobby

of photography will be interesting to others. B.

DIRECTIONS: 1,

Steps to follow in making your own pictures.

How to make a developing solution. a.

Use the total amounts given below: Elon Sodium sulfite, desiecated

2.0 grams 100.0 grams

Hydroquinone

5.0 grams

Borax, granular

2.0 grams

Water to make

1.0 liter

66

b.

Dissolve 2 grams of the sulfite in a small volume of water at a temperature of about 125° F.

c.

Add the elon slowly with stirring until completely dissolved.

d.

Pour the solution through a cloth filter suspended over a fairly large container.

e.

Divide the hydroquinone into 3 or 4 parts.

f.

Dissolve about 4 grams of sulfite in hot water (160° F.) and add one of the fractions of hydro­ quinone slowly with stirring.

g.

Repeat the procedure with each of the remaining portions of hydroquinone.

h.

Add the remainder of the sulfite by dissolving as much as possible in separate pans of warm water (125° F. ) and pouring each panful into the container.

i.

Check the volume as it should be about 80$ of total volume at this time.

j.

Dissolve the borax in a small amount of water.

k.

Filter this solution into the large container and add cold water to bring total volume to 1 liter.

1.

Stir the solution in the large container after adding each panful and again after water is added to bring it to the final volume.

67

m. 2.

Store In a dark colored bottle.

How to make a fixing bath solution. a.

Use the following amounts in the solution: Water (about 125°F.)

600.0 cc

Sodium thiosulfate (Hypo)-

240.0 grams

Sodium sulfite, desiccated

15.0 grams

Acetic acid, 28$

47.0 cc

or G-lacial acetic acid (conc.) Boric acid, crystals Potassium alum Gold water b.

to make

13.0 cc 7.5 grams 15.0 grams 1.0 liter

Dissolve the above chemicals in the order listed.

c.

Stir the solution while adding chemicals and be sure each chemical is dissolved before adding another.

3.

How to develop the negative. a.

Exclude all light except that coming from the safety lamp.

b. Unroll the film and remove it from the paper. c. With the face, or dull side, down, pass the film through the tray of water until it is pliable. d.

With the face, or dull side, up, pass the film through the developer in a similar manner,

68

keeping it in constant motion, so that the development will he uniform. e. When the details of the negative are clearlyshown, rinse the film in the tray containing water. f.

Pass the film strip, face up, through the fix­ ing solution several times, and then immerse it in the solution for about 15 minutes, to insure uniform fixing move the film occasionally while it is in the fixing solution.

g. If running water is available, the fixed film should be washed for about 30 minutes in a beaker into which a small stream of water is running.

If running water is not available, the

water should be changed 8 or 10 times at inter­ vals of 5 minutes and the negative should be agitated frequently. h.

Take the negative from the water, remove the excess water by blotting, secure each end with photographic clips, and hang it up to dry.

i.

When the film is quite dry cut the separate exposures apart.

4.

How to print the picture. a.

Keep out all light, except that coming from the safety lamp.

69

b.

Place the negative and print paper together in the same way and adjust in the printing frame so that the negative is in contact with the glass of the printing box.

c.

Expose the light for 3 seconds. (1)

The exact timing of the exposure will have to be learned from experience.

(2)

A dark negative generally requires more exposure time than a negative which has a good dark and light contrast.

d.

After the exposure, remove the sensitized paper and place it face down in the developer solu­ tion.

e.

Agitate the paper slightly for 45 to 60 seconds and then place it in the tray containing water for rinsing.

f.

Remove the print and wash in running water for one hour, or if running water is not available, wash in a tray of water, changing the water 12 times at intervals of 5 minutes.

g.

If a drying board is available, the prints should be placed face down on the drying board and covered with a piece of paper toweling; then the water and air bubbles should be rolled out with a cylindrical roller.

70

h.

The print, adhering to the board, should then be allowed to dry.

5.

Sources for this chapter!

Places to find additional

help. a.

Ahrens, M. R., Bush, N. P., and Easley, R. E.: Laboratory Problems for Living Chemistry. and Company, New York,

b.

Ginn

pages 145-148.

Crabtree, J. I., and Matthews, G-. E.:

Photo­

graphic Chemicals and Solutions. American Photographic Publishing Co., Boston, 1938. pages 123-132-and 148-158. c.

Morgan, Willard D.: Photographs.

1001 Ways to Improve Your

National Educational Alliance,

Inc., New York, 1945. d.

Your local photographers.

e.

Photography instructors in high schools and colleges.

C.

ACTIVITY ASSIGNMENTS:

Projects to aid you in learning

the developing and printing technique. 1.

Develop and print pictures taken by members of your family.

2.

Help others in the class with their photographic problems.

3.

Process negatives and prepare prints for possible

71

use in the school annual. 4.

Assist a professional photographer when he is developing and printing pictures.

D. EVALUATION? 1.

Some ways your progress may he checked.

RATING- SCALE: items.

You may be rated on the following

Scores are as follows:

1 (poor), 2 (fair),

3 (good), and 4 (superior). Rating items

1

2

3

4-

Preparing developer

____

____

____

____

Making fixing bath

____

____

____

____

Developing negative

____

____

____

____

Printing the picture

____

____

____

____

Final picture

____

____

____

____

Total 2.

TRUE-FALSE:

Place X in the correct space for true

or false. T F a. ()( )When developing the negative, you should exclude, all light. b.

()(

)To make the film pliable, you should pass it through a tray of water.

c.

()(

)In printing the picture, you should wash the print for about one hour.

d.

()(

)You should dry negatives near heat.

72

e. ( )( ) When the film is in the developing solution, you should keep it in constant motion. f. ( )( ) In the developing solution, you should use hydroquinine.

73

CHAPTER 10. CHEMICAL CARVINGHOW TO ETCH METALS A. MOTIVATION:

Things to be gained by learning to etch

metals. 1.

VALUABLE G-IFTS:

Etched metalware can help you

with your gift problems. 2.

HOME FUKNISHING-S:

Finished metal projects will be

useful in your home. 3.

BILLS FOR YOUR BILLFOLD:

You may sell nicely etched

metal products for good prices. B. DIRECTIONS:

Some pointers to help you get a well

finished product. 1. How to prepare the metal for etching. a. Cut the metal to the size of the finished product. b.

Remove all saw marks with a file and slightly round all edges.

c. Clean the surface with steel wool, using carbon tetrachloride or benzene to remove any grease present, 2. How to transfer the design to the metal. a. Draw the design to scale on tracing paper. (1) Avoid thin lines and sharp points. (2) Final design must be done in asphaltum

74

paint. b.

Paint the surface of the metal with a thin coat­ ing of whiting solution, made in the following proportions: ■Whiting Water

5 parts

Alcohol

5 parts

Liquid soap c.

1 part

a few drops

Place a carbon paper between the tracing paper design and the metal.

d.

Trace on the design by using a hard pencil or a steel point.

e.

Scratch the design into the metal, with the aid of a scrlber. (1)

Cut only deep enough to be easily seen.

(2)

Avoid any unnecessary lines, as they will show later.

f.

Wash off the whiting with water, and clean all surfaces with fine steel wool.

3.

How to prepare the design for the etching bath. a.

Paint all parts of the metal that are not to be etched with asphaltum.

b.

Dry the asphaltum for 24 hours.

c.

Straighten the outlines by scratching off any excess paint.

75

4.

How to make and use the etching bath. a.

Mix a suitable bath, using the following pro­ portions: For copper, brass, bronze or silver Nitric acid Water

3 parts 1 part

For German silver or pewter Nitric acid Water

5 parts 1 part

CAUTION:

Be sure to add the acid

to the water and pour slowly. b.

Put the coated metal into the etching bath un­ til it is etched 0.005 of an inch to 0.020 of an inch deep.

c.

Inspect the process every 10 minutes, and take out of the bath if any asphaltum has loosened. (1)

Use a test piece to be sure the action is not too rapid.

(2)

Brown and greenish gases are a danger sign.

(3)

A slow etching speed usually gives a better surface.

d.

Repaint parts that show signs of being eaten away and wait until paint is dry before re­ inserting in the bath.

e.

Remove from the bath and wash in water.

76

f.

Remove the asphaltum with turpentine or lacquer thinner.

g. Finish the surface with steel wool

or, for a

high polish, use a hand or power buffer. h.

Apply metal lacquer or wax to keep themetal from tarnishing.

5.

Sources for this chapter:

Where to get additional

help. a.

Haines, Roy E., et al: Handbook. 1945.

The Home Mechanics

D. Van Nostrand Go., Inc., New York,

pases 34-3-345.

b. School metal shop Instructor. G.

ACTIVITY ASSIGNMENTS:

Things to do to help you perfect

your etching -process. 1.

Etch metal ashtrays or similar objects for use in your home.

2.

Observe and give assistance during an etching operation in a metal shop.

3.

Prepare and etch objects to be used as gifts.

4.

Present a demonstration to hand craft divisions of local social clubs and Scout organizations.

D.

EVALUATION:

Your achievement may be checked in the

following ways: 1.

TRUE-FALSE:

Place X in the correct space for

77

true or false. T F a. ( )( ) If the asphaltum becomes loosened In the etching bath, you should repaint the surface. b.

( )( ) It Is best to use an etching bath of 3 parts nitric acid and 1 part water for etching pewter.

c. ( )( ) When mixing acid and water, you should be sure to pour the acid into the water. d. ( )( ) You should dry asphaltum paint for 12 hours before etching the metal. 2.

RATING' SCALE: items.

You may be checked on the following

Scores are as follows:

1 (poor), 2 (fair),

3 (good), and 4 (superior). Rating items

1

2

3

4

Cleaning surface_______ ____

____

____

____

Transferring design

__

____

____

____

Painting outline

____

____

____

____

Preparing etching bath

____

____

____

____

Finishing______________ ____

____

____

___

Final product

____

____

____

____

Total

78

3.

COMPLETION:

Write in the long blanks ahead of the

items the best answers that would go in the short token blanks within the items. ____________ a. You should use turpentine

or

lacquer thinner to remove ____ . ____________ b. To remove grease stains from the surface of the metal you should use ____. ____________ c. Before tracing

the designon the

metal, you should coat the surface with

79

CHAPTER 11. FIREPLACE BEAUTY HOW TO MAKE LOGS WITH COLORED FLAMES A.

MOTIVATION:

Rewards you may expect from learning to

chemically treat fireplace logs. 1.

PROFITABLE HOBBY:

You may make extra money by

selling these unusual fireplace logs. 2.

BETTER PARTIES:

The colorful flames will enhance

the setting for any fireside gathering. 3.

MORE CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS:

The money normally

spent for flame coloring powders can be used for other ornaments. B.

DIRECTIONS:

Suggestions on how to achieve the finished

product. 1.

How to prepare solutions for soaking logs. a.

Make the following solutions to get the appropriate colors: Green Flames Add one pound of boric acid or barium nitrate to one gallon of water. Blue Flames Dissolve one pound of copper sulfate in one gallon of water. Red Flames Mix one pound of strontium nitrate in one gallon of water.

80

2.

How to make the newspaper logs. a.

Unfold newspapers until they are full page sheets.

b.

Roll two or three newspapers tightly together and tie them.

c.

Add two or three more papers to the first small bundle, roll them tightly together and again tie.

d.

Continue adding newspapers two or three at a time and tieing after each operation until a log is formed.

e.

Keep the size of the log within a diameter of about five or six Inches.

3.

How to get the chemicals into the logs. a.

Dry the logs thoroughly.

b.

Place the solution in a container that is deeper than the diameter of the logs.

c.

Immerse the logs in the solution being sure that the logs are entirely covered.

d.

Leave the logs in the solution for at least two minutes and then remove.

e.

Dry the logs in a warm room.

f.

Apply the same treatment to pieces of wood or pine cones.

g.

Obtain two or more colors by drying the wood

81

or newspaper log, and then immersing in a solu­ tion that will give another color. 4.

How to obtain the best results. a.

Make a hot fire with plenty of coals, before adding the treated logs.

b.

After the logs have burned, stir the ashes and coals to get colored flames for an addi­ tional period.

5.

Sources for this chapter:

M e r e to get additional

help. a.

Hopkins, B. S. et al:

Chemistry and You.

Lyons and Carnahan, Chicago, 1947. b.

page 776.

McPherson, ¥., and Henderson, W. E.: at Work.

Chemistry

G-inn and Company, Hew York, 1948.

pages 514 and 525. C.

ACTIVITY ASSIGNMENTS:

Projects to help you in learning

to give colored flames to logs. 1.

Prepare logs to use at a school party.

2.

Raise money for a school project by making and sell­ ing the logs.

3.

Prepare and give a demonstration to local hobby clubs.

82

D.

EVALUATION; 1.

Ways your procedure may be checked.

TRUE-FALSE:

Place X in the correct space for

true or false. T F a. ( )( ) To obtain red flames, you should use a solution of barium nitrate. b.

( )( ) You should roll the complete log of news­ papers and then tie securely.

c.

( )( ) It is best to immerse the logs in

the

proper solution for at least 10 minutes. d. 2.

( )( ) You should dry the logs in a cool

RATING- SCALE: items.

room.

You will be rated on the following

Scores are as follows:

1 (poor), 2 (fair),

3 (good), and 4 (superior). Rating items

1

2

3

4

Preparation of solutions

____

____

____

____

Rolling of logs

____

____

____

_____

Tieing of logs___________ ____

____

____

____

Soaking of logs__________ ____

____

____

____

Drying___________________ ____

____

____

____

Total

COMPLETION!

Write in the long blanks ahead of the

items the best answer that would go in the short token blanks within the items. a. To obtain a soaking solution to produce blue flames, you should add one pound of ____ to one gallon of water. b. You should use strontium nitrate to get _____ colored flames. c. You should soak the logs for at least ____ minutes.

84

CHAPTER 12. DIRTLESS GARDENER HOW TO GROW PLANTS WITHOUT SOIL A. MOTIVATION;

Values you may expect from soilless plant

culture. 1.

BETTER QUALITY:

Flowers and food products are much

larger and more healthful than those grown in soil. 2.

NO MORE HOEING:

Cultivation and weeding are un­

necessary. 3.

MORE SPACE:

You can raise enough vegetables for a

family in a small area. 4.

OUT OF SEASON CROPS:

Plants can be grown all during

the year. B. DIRECTIONS:

Guiding principles and techniques in

hydroponics. 1.

How to make a sand culture tank. a.

Make a box of white pine or cypress, one foot wide, 6 inches deep and two or three feet long. (1)

The box may be larger or smaller, to suit individual requirements.

(2)

Any convenient container may be used in place of constructing a tank.

b.

Waterproof the tank by lining it with tar roofing paper and then coating the corners and seams with hot chunk tar.

85

c.

Paint metal container on the inside with a thick layer of asphaltum paint.

d.

Put a covering of dark material or paint on the outside of transparent glass onctainers.

e.

Make an outlet in the bottom of the tank to allow for drainage.

f.

Nearly fill the tank or container with clean white sand, not too fine. (1)

River sand may be used if it is thoroughly cleaned.

(2)

Ocean beach sand may be used if it is rinsed to remove all traces of salt and then sterilized with boiling water.

2.

How to make the stock and tank solutions. a.

Dissolve 118 grams of calcium nitrate in nearly a liter of water and then add enough water to make a total volume of one liter.

b.

Use the same amount of water and dissolve in it 49 grams of magnesium sulfate.

c.

Prepare a third solution by the same method, using 29 grams of potassium di-hydrogen phosphate.

d.

Keep each stock solution separate until making the tank solution.

e.

Make the tank solution by placing 10 cc of each

86

of the three stock solutions in each liter of water to be used. 3.

How to make a trace-element solution. a. Weigh out the following amounts of chemicals: Manganese nitrate

5.40 g

Zinc sulfate

0.44 g

Copper sulfate

0.16 g

Potassium iodide

1.16 g

b. Dissolve all of these amounts of chemicals in one quart of water. c. When using, mix 50 cc of the above solution with 25 gals of water. 4.

How to use the solutions in growing plants. a. Place seeds in the sand of the tank, more closely than in soil. b. Keep the sand moist at all times. (1)

If the atmosphere is dry, you will have to use water or tank solution every day.

(2)

Use enough solution to keep sand moist, but proper drainage must be maintained.

c. Start the seeds, using the tank solution. d. After two weeks, add the trace-element solution as needed. e. Alternate the feeding, using tank nutrient solution once, and the next time water alone.

87

f.

Make a study of plant characteristics so you can detect any deficiencies in the solution.

5.

How to grow plants in water solutions. a.

Make a tray of chicken wire to fit inside the tank to be used.

b.

Place in the tray a bedding material of white pine excelsior, glass wool, or peat moss, to a depth of about 3 inches.

c.

Leave about 4 inches of air space between the bottom of the tray and the nutrient solution.

d.

Investigate the changes needed in the solutions for water solutions.

e.

Plant the seeds in the bedding material and keep moist.

f.

Gheck carefully the additional techniques needed for this type of culture, such as aeration and addition of iron.

6.

Sources for this chapter: a.

Where to get more help.

Ellis, Garleton, and Swaney, Miller W.: Soilless G-rowth of Plants.

Reinhold Publishing

Corporation, New York, 1938, b.

Gericke, William Frederick: to Soilless Gardening. New York, 1940.

The Complete Guide

Prentice-Hall, Inc.,

88

c.

Matlin, D. R.:

Growing Plants without Soil.

Chemical Publishing Co., Inc., New York, 1939. Chapters 5, 7, 10, 11, and 12. C.

ACTIVITY ASSIGNMENTS;

Things to do to help you learn

the techniques^of soilless culture. 1.

Make the necessary equipment and grow vegetables for the family use.

2.

Grow plants by the soilless method and compare with soil grown plants as to quality, size, cost, time, and labor involved.

3.

Prepare materials and give a demonstration to local garden clubs.

4.

Make a comparison, under actual conditions, of the sand method and the water solution method, to de­ termine the advantages and disadvantages of each for home use.

D.

EVALUATION: 1.

Ways in which your progress may be tested.

TRUE-FALSE:

Place X in the correct space for

true or false. T F a. ( )( ) You should make your tank of redwood or cedar. b. ( )( ) It is best to leave 6 inches of space between the tray and water solution.

89

c. ( )( ) When feeding, you should alternate between nutrient solution and water. 2.

RATING- SCALE:

The following checks may be made on

your mastery of dirtless gardening. as follows:

Scores are

1 (poor), 2 (fair), 3 (good), and

4 (superior). Tank construction

1

2

3

4

Waterproofing

____ _

_____

_____

___ _

Drainage

_______ _____

____

_____

Proper materials

-_____

_____

_____

_____

_____

_____

_____

_____

Root area darkened

Total

Sand Culture

1

2

3

4

Sand kept moist_________ ____

____

____

____

Use of trace-elements

____

___

____

____

Alternation of feeding

____

____

____

____

Correcting deficiencies

____

____

____

____

Total

90

CHAPTER 13. MAGIC IN CHEMISTRY HOW TO PERFORM TRICKS WITH CHEMICALS A.

MOTIVATION;

Rewards that may come from learning to be

a chemical wizard. 1.

ENTERTAINMENT:

You can amaze your friends with

your puzzling feats. 2.

DECORATIONS:

Transferring pictures may help you in

preparing for a party. 3.

INVITATIONS:

Clubs may ask you to present your act

as a part of their program. B.

DIRECTIONS:

Steps to follow in making up your bag of

tricks. 1.

How to transfer pictures. a.

Make a solution by dissolving 2 cc

of turpentine

and 2 cc of tincture of green soap

in 250 cc of

water. b.

Select a picture from a newspaper or magazine.

c.

Moisten the picture with the prepared solution.

d.

Wait about 2 minutes.

e.

Place the picture face down upon a sheet of paper.

f.

Smooth out the paper and rub gently.

g.

Remove the picture.

How to make an elastic egg trick. a.

Select an egg which is just large enough so that it will not pass through the neck of a milk bottle.

b.

Place the egg in a beaker or cup of vinegar or a 3 per cent solution of acetic acid.

c.

Leave the egg in the solution for twenty-four hours.

d.

Drop a lighted match or small piece of burning paper into a dry milk bottle.

e.

Place the egg in the neck of the bottle so that it fits tightly. (1)

Do this immediately after match or paper is dropped in the bottle.

(2)

The burning match or paper creates a par­ tial vacuum, drawing the egg into the bottle.

f. Place the mouth of the bottle over your mouth. g. Move your headback until

the bottle is in a

vertical position. h. Blow hard into

the bottle and lift it rapidly

to get the egg out of the bottle. How to make an elastic bone. a.

Scrape a clean wishbone or leg bone of a chicken.

92

b.

Cover the bone with vinegar or a 3 per cent acetic acid solution.

c.

Leave the bone in the solution for at least a day.

d. Tie a knot in the bone. e. Soak the bone in limewater for 24 hours. 4. How to make a magic fire extinguisher. a. Set up a carbon dioxide gas

generator,

using calcium carbonate and hydrochloric acid. b.

Allow carbon dioxide gas to pass into a bottle until it has displaced the air.

c. Light a candle. d.

Pour the carbon dioxide gas, from the seemingly empty bottle, onto the flame of the candle. (1)

Carbon dioxide is heavier than air.

(2)

The candle cannot burn in an atmosphere of carbon dioxide.

5. How to change "wine1* to "milkM . a. Dissolve a pinch of calcium

hydroxide in two

thirds of a test tube of water. b. Filter the solution. c.

Add a drop of phenolpthalein to the filtrate.

d.

With a glass tube blow your breath into the solution.

e.

Continue blowing until a reaction takes place.

93

6.

How to make a miniature smoke screen. a.

Obtain two bottles, one containing concentrated hydrochloric acid, and the other containing concentrated ammonium hydroxide.

b.

Place the two bottles side by side.

c.

Remove the stopper from each of the bottles.

d.

Blow over the mouths of the bottles.

7. How to magically inflate a balloon. a. Get a small piece of dry ice. b.

Place the piece of dry ice inside the balloon. (1)

Dry ice is solid carbon dioxide.

(2)

When dry ice "melts’* it goes back into a gaseous state.

c. Tie the opening of the balloon. 8. How to make a chemical garden. a.

Mix together 35 cc of "water-glass" and 150 cc of water in a 250 cc beaker.

b.

Cover the bottom of a bottle with clean white sand.

e.

Pour the prepared solution into the bottle.

d.

Drop into the solution small crystals of four or five colored salts, such as copper sulfate and cobalt chloride.

9. How to make a copper sulfate tree. a. In a large test tube of boiling water, make a

94

saturated solution of copper sulfate.

10.

b.

Suspend a string in the hot solution.

c.

Allow it to stand for an hour or two.

How to grow crystals. a.

Make up a liter of saturated solution of sodium thiosulfate or copper sulfate.

b.

Place about 15 cc of this solution in a beaker or glass tumbler and cover with paper.

c.

Allow the solution to stand until it has become crystallized.

d. Select the largest, best shaped crystal. e. Remove any adhering crystals. f.

Place the largest crystal in a clean beaker and cover with more of the saturated solution.

g.

Replace the paper cover and allow the solution to stand for 24 hours or longer.

h.

Repeat this process every day until a large crystal is formed.

11.

Sources for this chapter.

Places to obtain more

help. a.

Ahrens, M. R., Bush, N. P., and Easley, R. K.: Laboratory Problems for Living Chemistry. Ginn and Company, New York,

b.

Dull, Charles E.-t

pages 149-151.

Modern Chemistry.

Holt and Company, New York, 1942.

Henry

page 111.

c.

Amateur magicians for techniques of presenta­ tion.

0.

ACTIVITY ASSIGNMENTS:

Things to do in learning the

making of chemical magic. 1. Conduct a demonstration for your class and after doing the tricks, explain the chemical principles involved. 2. Prepare and give a show for junior high school science classes and be prepared to answer questions. 3. Form a club among interested members of the class to improve your tricks and add new ones. D.

EVALUATION:

Ways in which your progress may be checked.

1. TRUE-FALSE:

Place X in the correct space for

true or false. T F a. ( )( ) To make an elastic egg, you should use a solution of 3 per cent acetic acid. b.

( )( ) You should use carbon monoxide gas to make a magic fire extinguisher.

c. ( )( ) It is best

to use a saturated solution

when making a copper sulfate tree. d. ( )( ) To magically inflate a balloon, you should use solid carbon dioxide.

COMPLETION:

Write in the long blanks ahead of the

items, the best answers that would go in the short token blanks within the items. ____________ a. To make a miniature smoke screen, you should use concentrated ammonium hydroxide and concentrated

b. You should use hydrochloric acid and ____ to generate carbon dioxide gas. c. To remove an elastic egg from the milk bottle, you should ____ . d. In making the "wine” you should color it red by adding ____ .

Bwrantsnr o p

southern

Cali fo r ni a l ib ra r t

97

BIBLIOGRAPHY 1.

Ahrens, M. R., Bush, N. P., and Easley, R. K.: Laboratory Problems for Living Chemistry. Ginn and Go., New York. 2 3 3 pp. (Gives simple but practical ways to test many everyday products.)

2.

Bennett, Harry: The Chemical Formulary. Chemical Publishing Co., Inc., Brooklyn, 194-8. 492 pp. (A list of formulas and methods for making hundreds of commer­ cial and home prepared products.)

3.

Bennett, Harry: The Cosmetic Formulary. Chemical Publishing Co., Inc., New York, 1937. 247 "pp. (A list of formulas for making every type of cosmetics with many that can be made in the home. )

4.

Bouser, F. G.: Life Needs and Education. (Teachers College Contribution to Education, New York: Teachers College, Columbia University, 1932). 288 pp.

5.

Crabtree, J. I., and Matthews, G. E.: Photographic Chemicals and Solutions. American Photographic Publish­ ing Co., Boston, 1938. 360 pp.

6.

Dewey, John: Democracy and Education. Company, New York, 1916. 434 pp.

The MacMillan

7. Di Bernardo, D. J. : The Home Mechanics Handbook. D. Van Nostrand Co., Inc., New York, 1945. 804 pp. 8. Dull, Charles E.: Modern Chemistry. Co., New York. 1942^ 604 pp.

Henry Holt and

9. Editors of the Popular Mechanics: Complete Book of Home Repair and Improvements. Greystone Press, New York, 1949. 512 pp. 10.

Ellis, Carleton, and Swaney, Miller W.: Soilless Growth of Plants. Reinhold publishing Corporation, New York, 1938. 277 pp.

11.

Ephraim, Jerome W.: Take Care of Yourself. and Shuster, New York, 1937. 287 pp.

Simon

98

12.

Gerlcke, William Frederick: The Complete Guide to Soilless Gardening;. Prentice Hall, Inc., New York, 1940. 285.PP.

13.

G-lasoe, P. M.: "The Deadly Parallelism between High School and College Courses in Chemistry.” Journal of Chemical Education. 6: 505-509 (March, 1929).

14.

Haines, Ray E., et al: The Home Mechanics Handbook. D. Van Nostrand Co., Inc., New York, 1945. 8o4 pp.

15.

Hopkins, B. S., et al: Chemistry and You. Carnahan, Chicago, 1947. 832 pp.

16.

Mathews, B. S.: The House and Its Care. Brown and Co., Boston, 1926. 415 PP.

17.

Matlin, D. R.: Growing Plants Without Soil. Chemical Publishing Co., Inc., New York, 1939. 137 pp. (Excellent book, simply written, giving basic formulas for solutions, tank construction and steps to follow in feeding.)

18.

McPherson, W., and Henderson, W. E.: Work. Ginn and Co., New York, 1948.

19.

Morgan, Willard D.: 1001 Ways to Improve Your Photographs. National Educational Alliance, Inc., New York, 1945. 277 pp.

2 0 . Noble, L. E.:

Applied Chemistry. California, 1938T 226 pp.

Lyons and

Little,

Chemistry at 676 pp.

Wilvert, Ventura,

21.

Otto, C.: ”Why Students Do Not Elect Chemistry." School Science and Mathematics. 33s 996-998 ^December, 1933).

22.

Pyenson, Louis: Pest Control in the Home Garden. The MacMillan Co., New York, 1944. 190 pp.

U niversity of southern California library