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Going Wireless: Shifting Augustana’s First-years Labs

Written by: David King, University of Alberta – Augustana Campus

The Augustana Campus chemistry labs have traditionally been perfectly acceptable, but have yielded somewhat standard chemistry experiments with very typical analysis. As a satellite campus of the University of Alberta, located in Camrose, Alberta, we have strived to be almost an extension of our North Campus sibling, which has proved problematic within the constraints of a 100 kilometers distance. Recently, things have changed. Last summer, we diverged from this straightforward and customary path and decided to do something slightly different. Along with our newly renovated labs—that encourage thought and collaboration—we have fundamentally changed our first-year chemistry lab experiments, which mean that different analyzation techniques are needed. Gone are vitamin C titrations with Tang and tablets, replaced by extraction techniques and spectral analysis. Hand-held spectroscopes have been replaced with a fiber optic cable in a light emissions lab while also adding a light measurement for chemiluminescence.

Our previous vitamin C laboratory experiment was based in a traditional vein, where titrations were used to determine the vitamin C content in both Tang (a powdered orange drink very few students today have ever experienced) and 500mg vitamin C tablets. Being a “traditional” lab exercise meant that most students likely had seen this done in high school or had done this very titration themselves. Our goal was to create an experience where the students learn a new analytical technique by extracting vitamin C from a pepper, then determining the vitamin C concentration from a standard calibration curve on a PASCO Wireless Spectrometer. All of these skills are taught in the first week of this exercise. Week two is all about the inquisitive nature and enthusiasm of the first-year chemistry students. We wanted them to start critically thinking about what they read and whether or not it is scientifically sound, and we also wanted students to gain confidence in their research abilities right away, both in a laboratory setting and with data analysis. The idea is that students would formulate a research question and then create a hypothesis to test in the lab to add to their skills. Since the PASCO Wireless Spectrometers allow us to keep data sets, we could use the same calibration curves throughout the testing.

Student Myths Tested:

  • Different cooking methods affect on Vitamin C
  • Different storage methods affect on Vitamin C
  • Freshly squeezed vs. prepackaged juice
  • Over the counter vitamin C supplements vs. natural sources
  • Comparing vitamin C content of fruits and vegetables from different international origins

Light emissions lab experiments can be tedious at best. You need to constantly be looking through a hand-held spectroscope, which is exactly what we were asking our students to do. Also, we were looking at lights, flame tests and emission tubes with said spectroscopes. Throughout all of this, we weren’t asking the students to really do anything else, chemically speaking. Chemiluminescence and chromatography columns were two things we decided to add into our updated labs, along with the fiber optic cable accessory for the Wireless Spectrometers (as well as scaling back the spectroscope use). In the first part of our experiment, students would activate a glow stick and add the content to our 3D printed Light Calorimeter, then read the light emitted using the PASCO Wireless Light Sensor. From here, students would take the glow stick content and run it through a silica gel column to remove the chemical that activates the “glow”, then read the light emitted again. Peroxide and sodium salicylate would then be added to get the “glow” to return, and one last reading on SPARKvue would be taken.

By using this method, we wanted students to learn not only about columns and their ability to separate mixtures but also to get comfortable learning how to collect data using a sensor and a data logger (in this case an iPad). In the second part of our experiment, we still use traditional light emission tubes (Argon, Helium, etc.) where we use spectroscopes to obtain the emission spectrum lines. For the hydrogen tube, however, we set up the fiber optic cable accessory and the PASCO Wireless Spectrometer to get the most precise emission light spectrum we can. Ideally, the students learn both techniques but come away with the appreciation for the newer tech.

Changing these two experiments to incorporate PASCO equipment and using different techniques has allowed the students to get a more modern feel for newer types of equipment and techniques that are more advanced than your “standard chemistry type” experiments.

Since the wireless sensors are easily incorporated into our lab designs, we have set our sights on adding the brand new PASCO Wireless Colorimeter to our forensic based Escape Box Lab to give students an idea how an analysis of this type could be performed in the field.

We also have a unique laboratory based three-week course for non-science majors that utilizes the PASCO Wireless CO2 sensor in an interesting way. Our laboratory future is both bright and innovative, and more importantly, possible, with the tools from PASCO at our disposal.

 

PASCO products mentioned in this article:

Trip to Muskoka with PASCO’s Air Quality Sensor

Over the weekend, AYVA’s Marketing Director Rhonda took PASCO’s new Wireless Air Quality Sensor and Wireless Weather Sensor on a road trip to Muskoka Lakes, to test the air quality in Ontario’s cottage country vs Mississauga (one of Canada’s largest cities) – and to pick up her son (Mason) from camp.

Both sensors were turned on around 7am, at the 0 minute mark and then were in the car for a ~ 2 hours on the way up to Muskoka. The sensors were beside the lake between 10:10-10:20 a.m, around the 180-190 minute mark. From minute 210 and onward the sensors were back in the car returning to Mississauga. 

The temperature varied the most by the lake, indicated by the red circle. This would make sense because of the breeze coming off the lake and since the altitude is higher in Muskoka then Mississauga the temperature would be lower at that time by the lake. The temperature had an overall increase since it is usually cooler in the mornings and warms up throughout the day. 

There was a noticeable decrease in particulate matter when the sensors reached the lake. This aligns with how particulate matter typically arises from chemicals such as sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides in the atmosphere which are emitted from power plants and vehicles. These are far enough away from the lake that any readings of particulate matter would be very small.

Volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) are compounds that have a high vapour pressure and low water solubility, and are found in both indoor and outdoor air. While some VOCs give off distinctive odours at higher levels, they may be present with no smell. The graph shows varying amounts of VOC’s throughout the trip, but near the lake they are at very low levels, close to zero. There are no chemicals or burning fuels close to the lake so therefore VOC levels are very low. 

Nitrogen oxides form when fuel is burned at high temperatures. NOx pollution is emitted by automobiles, trucks and other vehicles. It was expected that these gases would not be detected by the lake since there was no fuel burning nearby. Interestingly, some levels of these gases were detected after the 400 minute mark which is around 1:50pm. These gases were likely detected when the sensors were surrounded by traffic, close to Mississauga since vehicles would be burning fuel. 

The relative humidity % varied across the trip but appeared to be the highest for a longer period of time when the sensor was by the lake. This would make sense since humidity is a measure of the amount of water vapour in the surrounding air. Large amounts of water will evaporate off the lake on a hot summer day and become water vapour in the atmosphere, explaining the high humidity readings that were picked up by the sensor.

We are fortunate to have the opportunity to use PASCO’s Wireless Weather Sensor and new Wireless Air Quality Sensor on a Muskoka road trip. These sensors allowed us to obtain the best possible data needed for exploring the air quality by a lake, and how it may differ from the air quality during a long car trip. We learned that the air quality is much cleaner by the lake, with lower readings of particulate matter and VOC’s in the air that may arise from dangerous chemicals, along with no signs of dangerous nitrogen oxide levels. 

PASCO’s sensors act as the perfect educational tools for classrooms, giving students a greater understanding of concepts related to chemistry, physics and biology.

 

Featured Sensors:

Wireless Air Quality Sensor 

Wireless Weather Sensor with GPS

 

Chemvue

Chemvue is an intuitively designed software for chemistry investigations, programmed with input from faculty for college lab student success. It enables convenient data collection and analysis, elegant college lab report design, and easy export options. Coming soon to your local device.

Our new chemistry application is built with your needs in mind. Measurements begin instantaneously upon pairing sensors to give students immediate digital readouts of the phenomenon they are measuring. The reported units communicate significant figures correctly, and units can be easily converted by a menu drop-down option.

 

PASCO is looking for University/College chemistry instructors and lab managers to try Chemvue and provide feedback.

Your expertise can shape the future of Chemvue! Follow this link to sign up and join our Chemvue preview group, and feel free to provide feedback using the link within the software.

Register to Preview Chemvue

 

Already have Chemvue? Interact with a free sample data set!

Download free sample data sets (descriptions below) to analyze and edit on your own! We collected the data here at PASCO, so all you have to do is open the file in Chemvue and begin investigating.

Evaporative Cooling

Explore evaporative cooling rates of methanol, ethanol, and propanol. (Data collected using our Wireless Temperature Sensor.)

Download Data Set

Boyle’s Law

Investigate how gas responds when the volume of its container changes. (Data measured with our Wireless Pressure Sensor.)

Titration Curves

Compare titration curves of various strong and weak acids. (Volume measured using our Wireless Drop Counter.)

 

Why Chemvue?

Informed UI/UX & Feature Design:

          Designed in collaboration with college chemistry professors.

Innovative Technology Integration:

          Engineered with state-of-the-art data collection and lab reporting.

Improved Investigation & Analysis:

          Envisioned to improve lab efficiencies and student learning.

Chemvue has three methods of data input:

  • Capture real-time measurements from sensors
  • User-entered data
  • Calculations on column data. Analysis calculations allow for finding slope, best fit, area under the curve, and count of events measured in the selection. Communicate your measurements clearly with labels, annotations, and customizable column titles.

Chemvue is compatible with PASCO’s award-winning line of chemistry sensing equipment.

Students can:

  • Measure ion concentrations in solution
  • Determine reaction kinetics by color changes
  • Monitor gas pressure concurrently with volume or temperature changes
  • Log solution volumes to find acid-base strengths
  • Determine solution potentials from their electric potentials
  • Track battery capacity following current levels
  • Investigate nuclear probabilities measuring rates of decay from unstable isotopes
  • And much more

Features

With features designed specifically for chemistry courses, this interface simplifies workflow to maximize student efficiency during lab time.

  • Auto-Configuration

Chemvue recognizes and auto-configures an appropriate page setup based on the device you connect. Did you connect PASCO’s Wireless pH Sensor and Drop Counter? Chemvue recognizes you want to run a titration. Auto-configuration also applies to our spectrometers, colorimeter, Geiger counter, and melt point apparatus.

  • Calibration

Calibration can easily be set via the measurement dropdown menu from the digital display, graph axes, or table headings when sensors are connected.

  • Calculator

Use existing data points to calculate new meaningful values, manipulate data to show linear relationships, or convert measurement units.

  • Number Formatter

Choose significant figures, fixed decimal places, or scientific notation to display your data and edit them anytime.

  • Sampling Options

Choose from a wide range of sampling intervals for data point collection to fit your experimental needs.

  • Export Options

Promote student collaboration with export options at the click of a button. Chemvue supports the sharing of CSV data and PNG images, allowing students to share, analyze, and write up their labs on any device with any software.

  • Dark Mode

Reduce eye fatigue and make your data stand out with Dark Mode; toggle between modes while using the software, and export screenshots with light or dark backgrounds–perfect for presentations.

How Do I? Videos

Follow along with the Chemvue “How Do I?” YouTube tutorial videos to easily navigate Chemvue’s features and displays.

For many more Chemvue “How Do I?” tutorial videos, click the link below.

Video Tutorial Collection

Chemvue Experiments

Explore these college-level General Chemistry lab activities designed to work with Chemvue software.

Physical and Chemical Changes

Kinetics: Reaction Order and Rate Constant

To view more Experiments in the Chemvue Collection, click the button below.

Chemvue Labs for College Chemistry

Data Collection

Connect to a PASCO sensor wirelessly or using a USB cable. Chemvue utilizes the newest Bluetooth® technology, and wireless sensors pair through a simple in-app list so no system settings are required. With multiple sensors in most labs, easily connect the correct sensor from a proximity sorted list of sensors (6-digit laser-etched ID number).

Connect wirelessly to a PASCO sensor
Comparing titrations of several acids helps students understand how concentration, strength and polyprotism impact curve shape and location.
Titration graph showing pH vs. Volume as titrant is added to solution.

Immediately choose from dozens of sensed properties based on which instrument is connected: Temperature, pressure, mass, conductivity, light absorption, gas concentrations (O2, CO2, and ethanol), voltage, current, pH, ion selective electrodes, radiation, sound, humidity and atmospheric conditions. The list of possibilities grows as tools are added to the PASCO line! Easily connect to Chemvue and start capturing values to record on your device for further analysis.

Select regions on your graph to compare values, interpolate data, and explore formulas that best describe the relationship between the variables. Use tools like tangent lines to determine reaction rates, and calculate the area under the curve to determine how much has reacted.

Easily stretch axes scale your graph, drag your graph to areas of interest, or select and zoom in to magnify data points. In-context tools make it simple to find what you’re looking for, which means that students spend their time learning the science, not the software.

Boyles Law showing relationship between volume and pressure of a contained gas.

Data Sharing and Export

When it’s time for students to submit their work, students can easily export an image of their graph, export the data to a .csv file to work in a spreadsheet, or save it in our Chemvue format. This file can be shared by email or sent via bluetooth (whatever your device supports) back to themselves to design their lab write-ups.

 

Testing the Air Quality at AYVA with PASCO’s Wireless Air Quality Sensor

Today we tested out PASCO’s new Air Quality Wireless Sensor. Using this sensor, we were able to determine the temperature, humidity, particulate matter, VOC’s, and levels of ozone and nitrous oxide present. We tested the air quality of four different environments. First inside AYVA’s office, then directly outside the office, behind a car while it is running, and inside a car while it is running. 

In all of these runs ozone and nitrous oxide levels were found to be 0 ppm. Ozone and nitrous oxide can be very dangerous so we were happy to see no evidence of it in all four environments. 

We can also see that the temperature was much higher for the runs inside and outside of the office, compared to the runs inside and outside of the running car which is likely due to the sensor being in a shaded area when outside.

We noticed that the humidity is lowest inside both the office and the running car, which is likely due to the air conditioning in both spaces. The humidity outside is much higher since there is no air conditioning or ventilation, therefore readings 2 and 3 had much higher relative humidity percentages.

Analyzing the VOC graph, it is clear that VOC levels in the air were heavily influenced when placing the sensor directly outside the exhaust of a running car, which makes sense considering the large levels of carbon dioxide being emitted. Since air conditioning can also affect VOC levels, runs 1 and 3 were not very stable. However, run 2 remained relatively stationary, as there was no air conditioning of fumes interfering with any organic compounds in the air.

The particulate matter levels were highest during run 3 where the sensor was placed behind a running car and the lowest during run 2 where the sensor was placed just outside of the office. This makes sense because the exhaust from the car would have more particulate matter than the air outside. Inside the office and car there was some particulate matter probably due to the air conditioning. 

Using the Air Quality Sensor with these experiments, we were able to get a better understanding of different factors that affect air quality, such as humidity, VOCs and particulate matter.

Temperature Probe – Chemical Compatibility

A: Excellent,
B: Good,
C: Fair to Poor,
D: Not recommended
Chemical 304 Stainless Steel (PS-2153) 316 Stainless Steel (PS-3201)
Acetaldehyde A A
Acetamide D A
Acetate Solvents D A
Acetic Acid D B
Acetic Acid — 20% B A
Acetic Acid — 80% D B
Acetic Acid — Glacial C A
Acetic Anhydride D B
Acetone A A
Acetone 70°F A A
Acetonitrile (Methyl Cyanide) A A
Acetophenone A B
Acetyl Chloride B B
Acetylene A A
Acrylonitrile A A
Adipic Acid B B
Aero Lubriplate A A
Aerosafe 2300 A A
Aerosafe 2300F A A
Aeroshell 17 Grease A A
Aeroshell 1Ac A A
Aeroshell 750 A A
Aeroshell 7A Grease A A
Alcohol A A
Alcohol: Amyl A A
Alcohol: Benzyl B B
Alcohol: Butyl A A
Alcohol: Diacetone A A
Alcohol: Ethyl A A
Alcohol: Hexyl A A
Alcohol: Isobutyl A A
Alcohol: Isopropyl B B
Alcohol: Methyl A A
Alcohol: Octyl A A
Alcohol: Propyl A A
Alkaline Solutions A A
Allyl Alcohol A A
Allyl Chloride B B
Almond Oil (Artificial) B B
Aluminum Acetate (Burow’s Solution) C B
Aluminum Chloride D C
Aluminum Chloride 20% D C
Aluminum Fluoride D D
Aluminum Hydroxide B C
Aluminum Nitrate A A
Aluminum Phosphate A A
Aluminum Potassium Sulfate D B
Aluminum Potassium Sulfate 10% A A
Aluminum Sulfate B B
Amines A A
Ammonia 10% A A
Ammonia Anhydrous A A
Ammonia Nitrate A A
Ammonia, anhydrous B A
Ammonium Acetate B A
Ammonium Bifluoride D B
Ammonium Carbonate B B
Ammonium Casenite A A
Ammonium Chloride C C
Ammonium Fluoride D A
Ammonium Hydroxide B A
Ammonium Nitrate A A
Ammonium Oxalate A A
Ammonium Persulfate A B
Ammonium Phosphate A A
Ammonium Phosphate, Dibasic B C
Ammonium Phosphate, Monobasic B C
Ammonium Phosphate, Tribasic B B
Ammonium Sulfate B B
Ammonium Sulfite B B
Ammonium Thiosulfate A A
Amyl Acetate (Banana Oil) A A
Amyl Alcohol A A
Amyl Chloride (Chloropentane) A A
Aniline A B
Aniline Dyes B B
Aniline Hydrochloride D D
Animal Fats & Oils A A
Anti-Freeze (Alcohol Base) A A
Anti-Freeze (Glycol Base) A A
Antimony Trichloride D D
Aqua Regia (80%, Hci, 20% Hno3) D D
Arochlor 1248 B B
Aroclor B B
Aromatic Hydrocarbons A C
Arsenic Acid B A
Arsenic Trichloride D D
Asphalt B A
Asphalt Emulsions A A
Atmosphere, Industrial B A
Automatic Brake Fluid A A
Automatic Transmission Fluid A A
Automotive Gasoline (Standard) A A
Aviation Gasoline A A
Banana Oil A A
Barbeque Sauce A A
Barium Carbonate B B
Barium Chloride B C
Barium Cyanide A A
Barium Hydroxide B B
Barium Nitrate B B
Barium Sulfate B B
Barium Sulfide B B
Beer A A
Beer (Alcohol Ind.) A A
Beer (Beverage Ind.) A A
Beet Sugar Liquids A A
Beet Sugar Liquors A A
Benzaldehyde B B
Benzene B B
Benzene Hot B B
Benzene Sulfonic Acid B B
Benzoic Acid B B
Benzol A A
Benzonitrile D D
Benzyl Alcohol A A
Benzyl Benzoate B B
Benzyl Chloride C B
Bleaching Powder (Wet) A D
Blood A A
Blood (Meat Juices – Cold) B A
Borax (Sodium Borate) A A
Bordeaux Mixtures A A
Boric Acid B A
Brake Fluid (Non-Petroleum Base) A A
Brewery Slop A A
Bromine D D
Bromine Dry Gas D D
Bromine Moist Gas D D
Bromine-Anhydrous D D
Bromobenzene B B
Bunker Oil A A
Butadiene A A
Butane A A
Butanol (Butyl Alcohol) A A
Butter C A
Buttermilk A A
Butyl Acetate B C
Butyl Acetyl Ricinoleate A A
Butyl Amine A A
Butyl Benzoate B B
Butyl Ether B A
Butyl Phthalate B B
Butyl Stearate B B
Butylene A A
Butyric Acid B B
Calcium Bisulfide B B
Calcium Bisulfite B A
Calcium Carbonate (Chalk) B B
Calcium Chloride C C
Calcium Chloride Saturated A A
Calcium Hydroxide B B
Calcium Hydroxide 10% A A
Calcium Hydroxide 20% A A
Calcium Hydroxide 30% A A
Calcium Hypochlorite C C
Calcium Hypochlorite 2% Boiling C B
Calcium Nitrate C B
Calcium Nitrite A A
Calcium Oxide A A
Calcium Sulfate B B
Calcium Sulfide B B
Calgon A A
Cane Juice A A
Cane Sugar Liquors A A
Carbitol B B
Carbolic Acid (Phenol) B B
Carbon Bisulfide B B
Carbon Dioxide A A
Carbon Dioxide (dry) A A
Carbon Dioxide (wet) A A
Carbon Disulfide B B
Carbon Monoxide A A
Carbon Tetrachloride B B
Carbon Tetrachloride (dry) B B
Carbon Tetrachloride (wet) A A
Carbonated Water A A
Carbonic Acid B B
Catsup (Ketchup) B B
Caustic A A
Cellosolve B B
Cellosolve, Acetate B B
Cellosolve, Butyl B B
Chloric Acid D D
Chlorinated Water B B
Chlorine (dry) D B
Chlorine (Wet) D D
Chlorine Dioxide D D
Chlorine Trifluoride A A
Chlorine Water C C
Chlorine, Anhydrous Liquid D D
Chloroacetic Acid D B
Chloroacetone B B
Chlorobenzene B B
Chlorobromomethane B B
Chlorobutadiene B A
Chloroform A A
Chloronaphthalene B B
Chlorophenol B B
Chlorosulfonic Acid D D
Chlorosulfonic Acid Dilute D D
Chlorotoluene B B
Chlorox® (Bleach) A A
Chocolate Syrup A A
Chromic Acid – 5% B A
Chromic Acid – 50% C B
Chromic Acid 10% B B
Chromic Acid 30% B B
Chromic Acid Concentrated C C
Chromic Acid Dilute A A
Cider (Apple Juice) A A
Citric Acid B A
Citric Acid Dilute A A
Coca Cola Syrup A A
Coconut Oil (Coconut Butter) A A
Cod Liver Oil A A
Coffee A A
Copper Acetate C C
Copper Chloride D D
Copper Cyanide B B
Copper Fluoborate D D
Copper Fluoride D D
Copper Nitrate A A
Copper Nitrite A A
Copper Sulfate A A
Copper Sulfate – 5% Solution A A
Copper Sulfate >5% B B
Copper Sulfate 5% B B
Corn Oil B A
Cream D A
Creosote Hot B B
Cresols A A
Cresylic Acid A A
Crude Oil A A
Cupric Acid D B
Cupric Chloride B B
Cutting Oil (Sulfur Base) A A
Cutting Oil (Water Soluble) A A
Cyanic Acid A A
Cyclohexane B A
Cyclohexanol B B
Cyclohexanone B B
Denatured Alcohol A A
Detergent Solutions A A
Detergents General A A
Developing Fluids (Photo) A B
Diacetone A A
Diacetone Alcohol B B
Diacetone Alcohol (Acetal) A A
Dibenzyl Ether B B
Dibutyl Phthalate A A
Dibutyl Sebecate A A
Dichlorobenzene A B
Dichlorodifluoro Methane A B
Dichloroethane B B
Diesel Fuel A A
Diethanolamine A A
Diethyl Ether B B
Diethyl Sebecate A A
Diethylamine B B
Diethylene Glycol A A
Diisobutylene B B
Dimethyl Aniline B B
Dimethyl Formamide A B
Dimethyl Phthalate A B
Dioctyl Phthalate A A
Dipentene A A
Diphenyl B B
Diphenyl Ether A A
Diphenyl Oxide B A
Dowtherm Oil A A
Dry Cleaning Fluid A A
Dyes A A
Epichlorohydrin A A
Epsom Salts (Magnesium Sulfate) A B
Ethane A A
Ethanol (Ethyl Alcohol) A A
Ethanolamine A A
Ether A A
Ether Sulfate D D
Ethers B B
Ethyl Acetate B B
Ethyl Acetate 120° F B B
Ethyl Acetate 140° F B B
Ethyl Acetate 70° F B B
Ethyl Acrylate A A
Ethyl Benzene B B
Ethyl Benzoate A A
Ethyl Butyrate A A
Ethyl Cellulose B B
Ethyl Chloride A A
Ethyl Chloride Wet D A
Ethyl Ether B B
Ethyl Formate B B
Ethyl Mercaptan B B
Ethyl Silicate A A
Ethyl Sulfate D D
Ethylene (Ethene) A A
Ethylene Bromide A B
Ethylene Chloride B B
Ethylene Chlorohydrin B B
Ethylene Diamine B B
Ethylene Dibromide B B
Ethylene Dichloride B B
Ethylene Glycol B B
Ethylene Oxide C C
Ethylene Trichloride A A
Fatty Acids B A
Ferric Chloride D D
Ferric Chloride Concentrated D D
Ferric Nitrate B B
Ferric Sulfate B A
Ferrous Chloride D D
Ferrous Sulfate B B
Fluoboric Acid B B
Fluorine C A
Fluorine (Liquid) A A
Fluorine Gas Dry – 300° F A B
Fluorine Gas Wet D D
Fluosilicic Acid C B
Formaldehyde D A
Formaldehyde 40% A A
Formic Acid C C
Freon – Wet C D
Freon 11 A A
Freon 112 A A
Freon 113 A A
Freon 114 A A
Freon 114B2 A A
Freon 115 A A
Freon 12 B B
Freon 13 A A
Freon 13B1 A A
Freon 14 A A
Freon 21 A A
Freon 22 A A
Freon 31 A A
Freon 32 A A
Freon 502 A A
Freon Bf A A
Freon C318 A A
Freon Dry A A
Freon Dry F11 A A
Freon Dry F12, F113, F114 A A
Freon Dry F21, F22 A A
Freon K-142B A A
Freon K-152K A A
Freon Mf A A
Freon Pca A A
Freon TF A A
Freonr 11 A A
Fruit Juice A A
Fuel Oils (ASTM #1 thru #9) A A
Furan (Furfuran) A A
Furan Resin A A
Furfural (Ant Oil) B B
Gallic Acid B B
Gas Natural A A
Gasoline (Aviation) A A
Gasoline (high-aromatic) A A
Gasoline (Leaded) A A
Gasoline (Meter) A A
Gasoline (Unleaded) A A
Gasoline Leaded Refined A A
Gasoline Sour A A
Gasoline Unleaded Refined A A
Gelatin A A
Glucose (Corn Syrup) A A
Glue (PVA) B A
Glycerin (Glycerol) A A
Glycol B B
Glycolic Acid A A
Glycols B B
Gold Monocyanide D A
Grape Juice A A
Grapefruit Oil A A
Grease A A
Grease (Ester Base) A A
Grease (Petroleum Base) A A
Grease (Silicone Base) A A
Helium A A
Heptane A A
Hexamine A A
Hexane A A
Hexanol Tertiary A A
Honey A A
Hydraulic Oil (Petro) A A
Hydraulic Oil (Petroleum Base) A A
Hydraulic Oil (Petroleum) A A
Hydraulic Oil (Synthetic) A A
Hydrazine A A
Hydrobromic Acid D D
Hydrobromic Acid 20% D D
Hydrochloric Acid – 10% D D
Hydrochloric Acid – 20% D D
Hydrochloric Acid – 37% D D
Hydrochloric Acid 100% D D
Hydrochloric Acid, Dry Gas D D
Hydrocyanic Acid B A
Hydrofluoric Acid D D
Hydrofluoric Acid (Conc.) (Cold) D D
Hydrofluoric Acid (Hot) D B
Hydrofluoric Acid 100% D B
Hydrofluoric Acid 20% D D
Hydrofluoric Acid 50% D D
Hydrofluoric Acid 75% D D
Hydrofluosilicic Acid 100% D D
Hydrofluosilicic Acid 20% C D
Hydrogen Chloride Gas Dry A A
Hydrogen Chloride Gas Wet D B
Hydrogen Cyanide B A
Hydrogen Fluoride Anhydrous B A
Hydrogen Gas A A
Hydrogen Peroxide – 10% B B
Hydrogen Peroxide – 100% B A
Hydrogen Peroxide – 30% B B
Hydrogen Peroxide – 50% B A
Hydrogen Sulfide (dry) C A
Hydrogen Sulfide (wet) C A
Hydrogen Sulfide Dry C A
Hydroquinone B B
Hypochlorous Acid D D
Ink (Printers) C C
Iodine D D
Iodoform B B
Isobutyl Alcohol A A
Isooctane A A
Isophorone A A
Isopropyl Acetate C B
Isopropyl Alcohol A A
Isopropyl Chloride A A
Isopropyl Ether A A
Jet Fuel (JP1 to JP6) A A
Jp-1 A A
Jp-2 A A
Jp-3 A A
Jp-4 A A
Jp-5 A A
Jp-6 A A
Jp-X A A
Kerosene A A
Ketchup A A
Ketones A A
Lacquer Solvents A A
Lacquer Thinners A A
Lacquers A A
Lactic Acid B B
Lard B A
Lard Oil (Cold) A A
Lard Oil (Hot) A A
Latex A A
Lauryl Alcohol (N-Dodecanol) A A
Lead Acetate B B
Lead Molten B B
Lead Nitrate B B
Lead Sulfamate C C
Lemon Oil A A
Ligroin A A
Lime A A
Lime Bleach A A
Lime Sulfur A A
Lineoleic Acid B A
Linoleic Acid B A
Lithium Chloride A A
Lithium Hydroxide B B
Lubricants A A
Lubricants (Petroleum) A A
Lubricating Oil A A
Lubricating Oil Di-Ester A A
Lye (Calcium Hydroxide) B B
Lye (Potassium Hydroxide) B A
Lye (Sodium Hydroxide) B B
Lye 10% B A
Lye 50% B B
Lye Concentrated B D
Lye Solutions A A
Magnesium Bisulfate A B
Magnesium Carbonate B B
Magnesium Chloride D D
Magnesium Hydroxide (Milk of Magnesia) B A
Magnesium Nitrate B B
Magnesium Oxide A A
Magnesium Sulfate A B
Maleic Acid B B
Maleic Anhydride A A
Malic Acid A A
Malt Beverages A A
Manganese Sulfate B B
Mash A A
Mayonnaise C A
Mercuric Chloride D D
Mercuric Chloride (Dilute Solution) D D
Mercuric Cyanide C C
Mercurous Nitrate B B
Mercury A A
Mesityl Oxide A A
Methane A A
Methanol A A
Methyl Acetate A B
Methyl Acetone A A
Methyl Alcohol B A
Methyl Alcohol 10% A A
Methyl Amine A A
Methyl Bromide A A
Methyl Butyl Ketone A A
Methyl Cellosolve B B
Methyl Chloride A A
Methyl Chloride (Dry) A A
Methyl Chloride (Wet) A A
Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) A A
Methyl Formate B B
Methyl Isobutyl Ketone (MIBK) B B
Methyl Isopropyl Ketone A A
Methyl Methacrylate B B
Methylamine A A
Methylene Chloride B B
Milk A A
Mineral Oil A A
Mineral Spirits A A
Mixed Acids D D
Molasses A A
Monochloroacetic acid D B
Monochlorobenzene B B
Monochlorodifluoro Methane A A
Monoethanolamine A B
Motor oil A A
Muriatic Acid D D
Mustard D D
Naphtha A A
Naphthalene A B
Napthenic Acid A A
Natural Gas A A
Neatsfoot Oil A A
N-Hexaldehyde A A
Nickel Chloride D C
Nickel Nitrate B B
Nickel Sulfate B B
Nitrating Acid (<15% HNO3) C D
Nitrating Acid (>15% H2SO4) C C
Nitrating Acid (S1% Acid) C A
Nitrating Acid (S15% H2SO4) C C
Nitric Acid – 10% A A
Nitric Acid – 20% A A
Nitric Acid – 25% A A
Nitric Acid – 35% A A
Nitric Acid – 50% B A
Nitric Acid – 70% A A
Nitric Acid (5-10% Solution) A A
Nitric Acid (Conc.) A A
Nitric Acid (Red Fuming) B B
Nitric Acid Dilute A A
Nitrobenzene B B
Nitrogen A A
Nitromethane A A
Nitrous Acid B B
Nitrous Oxide D B
O-Dichlorobenzene B B
Oils: Aniline A A
Oils: Castor A A
Oils: Cinnamon A A
Oils: Citric A A
Oils: Clove A A
Oils: Coconut A A
Oils: Cod Liver A A
Oils: Corn B A
Oils: Cottonseed C A
Oils: Creosote B B
Oils: Crude A A
Oils: Diesel Fuel (20,30,40,50) A A
Oils: Fuel (1,2,3,5A,5B,6) A A
Oils: Ginger D D
Oils: Hydraulic Oil (Petro) A A
Oils: Hydraulic Oil (Synthetic) A A
Oils: Lemon A A
Oils: Linseed A A
Oils: Mineral A A
Oils: Neatsfoot A A
Oils: Olive B A
Oils: Orange A A
Oils: Palm A A
Oils: Peanut A A
Oils: Peppermint A A
Oils: Pine A A
Oils: Rapeseed A A
Oils: Rosin A A
Oils: Sesame Seed A A
Oils: Silicone A A
Oils: Soybean A A
Oils: Sperm (whale) A A
Oils: Tanning A A
Oils: Transformer A A
Oils: Tung (Wood Oil) A B
Oils: Turbine A A
Oils: Vegetable A A
Oleic Acid A A
Oleum 100% (Fuming Sulfuric) A A
Oleum 25% B B
Oleum Spirits B B
Olive Oil B A
Oxalic Acid (cold) D D
Oxygen A A
Ozone B B
Paint Thinner, Duco B A
Paints & Solvents A A
Palm Oil A A
Palmitic Acid B A
Paraffin A A
Peanut Oil A A
Pentane C C
Peppermint Oil A A
Perchloric Acid D D
Perchloroethylene B A
Petrolatum A A
Petroleum A A
Petroleum Ether A A
Phenol (10%) B B
Phenol (Carbolic Acid) B B
Phenol Sulfonic Acid B B
Phosphoric Acid – 20% A B
Phosphoric Acid (>40%) D D
Phosphoric Acid (crude) D B
Phosphoric Acid (S40%) D C
Phosphoric Acid Aerated A B
Phosphoric Acid Air Free D A
Phosphoric Acid Boiling D D
Phosphorous Trichloride Acid A A
Phosphorus A A
Phosphorus Trichloride A A
Photographic Developer A A
Photographic Solutions D A
Phthalic Acid B B
Phthalic Anhydride A A
Picric Acid D D
Pine Oil A A
Plating Solutions – Antimony A A
Plating Solutions – Arsenic A A
Plating Solutions – Brass A A
Plating Solutions – Bronze A A
Plating Solutions – Bronze (Cu-Sn Bronze Bath 160°F) A A
Plating Solutions – Bronze (Cu-Zn Bronze Bath 100°F) A A
Plating Solutions – Cadmium (Fluoborate Bath 100°F) A A
Plating Solutions – Chrome A A
Plating Solutions – Copper (Copper Fluoborate Bath 120°F) A D
Plating Solutions – Gold A D
Plating Solutions – Indium A C
Plating Solutions – Iron A A
Plating Solutions – Lead A C
Plating Solutions – Nickel A A
Plating Solutions – Silver A A
Plating Solutions – Tin B A
Plating Solutions – Zinc A A
Potash (Potassium Carbonate) B B
Potassium Acetate B B
Potassium Aluminum Sulfate D B
Potassium Bicarbonate B B
Potassium Bichromate B B
Potassium Bromide D B
Potassium Carbonate (Potash) B B
Potassium Chlorate B B
Potassium Chloride C C
Potassium Chromate B B
Potassium Cyanide B B
Potassium Dichromate B B
Potassium Ferricyanide B B
Potassium Ferrocyanide B B
Potassium Hydrate A B
Potassium Hydroxide B A
Potassium Hypochlorite D B
Potassium Iodide B A
Potassium Nitrate B B
Potassium Oxolate B B
Potassium Permanganate B B
Potassium Sulfate B B
Potassium Sulfide B B
Potassium Sulfite B A
Propane A A
Propane (Liquified) A A
Propyl Acetate A A
Propyl Alcohol A A
Propylene B A
Propylene Glycol B B
Propylene Oxide A A
Pydraul A A
Pyridine B B
Pyrogallic Acid D B
Pyroligneous Acid (Wood Vinegar) B B
Quinine Bisulfate B B
Quinine Sulfate B B
Rapeseed Oil A A
Rosin B B
Rosin Oil A A
Rum A A
Rust Inhibitors A A
Sal Ammoniac B A
Salad Dressings A A
Salicylic Acid B B
Salt Brine B D
Salt Water C B
Sea Water C C
Sesame Seed Oil A A
Sewage A A
Shellac A A
Shellac (Bleached) A A
Shellac (Orange) A A
Silicone A A
Silicone Oil A A
Silver Bromide D D
Silver Chloride D D
Silver Cyanide A A
Silver Nitrate B B
Soap Solutions A A
Soda Ash A A
Sodium Acetate B B
Sodium Acid Sulfate D B
Sodium Aluminate A A
Sodium Aluminum Sulfate D A
Sodium Bicarbonate A B
Sodium Bichromate B B
Sodium Bisulfate D C
Sodium Bisulfite C B
Sodium Borate C B
Sodium Borate (Borax) B B
Sodium Bromide C C
Sodium Carbonate A A
Sodium Chlorate B B
Sodium Chloride C C
Sodium Chromate B B
Sodium Cyanide A B
Sodium Ferrocyanide B B
Sodium Fluoride D D
Sodium Hydroxide (20%) B B
Sodium Hydroxide (50%) B B
Sodium Hydroxide (80%) D D
Sodium Hydroxide (Caustic Soda-Lye) A A
Sodium Hypochlorite D A
Sodium Hypochlorite (<20%) C C
Sodium Hypochlorite (100%) D D
Sodium Hyposulfate A A
Sodium Hyposulfite D D
Sodium Metaphosphate D D
Sodium Metasilicate A A
Sodium Nitrate B B
Sodium Nitrate Moten B A
Sodium Perborate B C
Sodium Peroxide B A
Sodium Phosphate B B
Sodium Polyphosphate B B
Sodium Silicate (Water Glass) A B
Sodium Sulfate (Salt Cake) B B
Sodium Sulfide B D
Sodium Sulfite D B
Sodium Tetraborate A A
Sodium Thiosulfate B B
Sorghum A A
Soy Sauce D D
Soybean Oil A A
Stannic Chloride D D
Stannous Chloride C A
Starch B B
Stearic Acid B B
Stoddard Solvent A A
Styrene A A
Sugar (Liquids) A A
Sulfate (Liquors) B B
Sulfate Liquor Black B B
Sulfite Liquor B B
Sulfolane D B
Sulfur D D
Sulfur Chloride D D
Sulfur Dioxide D A
Sulfur Dioxide (dry) D A
Sulfur Dioxide Gas Dry A A
Sulfur Trioxide B C
Sulfur Trioxide (dry) D C
Sulfuric Acid (<10%) D C
Sulfuric Acid (10-75%) D D
Sulfuric Acid (75-100%) C D
Sulfuric Acid (cold concentrated) C B
Sulfuric Acid (hot concentrated) D C
Sulfuric Acid Fuming Oleum B B
Sulfurous Acid D B
Syrup A A
Tall Oil D B
Tallow A A
Tannic Acid B A
Tanning Liquors A A
Tar And Tar Oil B A
Tar, Bituminous A B
Tartaric Acid C C
Terpineol A A
Tertiary Butyl Catechol B B
Tetra Ethyl Lead A A
Tetrachloroacetic Acid D D
Tetrachloroethane C A
Tetrachloroethylene A B
Tetrahydrofuran A A
Tetralin A A
Tetraphosphoric Acid B B
Thionyl Chloride D D
Tin Molten C C
Tin Tetrachloride D D
Titanium Tetrachloride B B
Toluene (Toluol) A A
Toluene At 70° A A
Tomato Juice A A
Tomato Pulp & Juice A A
Transformer Oil A A
Transmission Fluid (Type A) A A
Tributyl Phosphate A A
Trichloroacetic Acid D D
Trichloroethane B B
Trichloroethylene B B
Trichloromonofluoroethane (Freon 17) A A
Trichloropropane A A
Trichlorotrifluoroethane (Freon 113) A A
Tricresyl Phosphate B B
Tricresylphosphate B B
Triethanol Amine A A
Triethanolamine A A
Triethyl Phosphate A A
Triethylamine A A
Triphenyl Phosphite A A
Trisodium Phosphate B B
Tung Oil A B
Turbine Oil A A
Turpentine A A
Urea B B
Uric Acid B B
Urine A A
Vanilla Extract A A
Varnish A A
Vegetable Juice A A
Vegetable Oil A A
Vegetable Oil (Hot) B B
Vinegar B A
Vinyl Acetate B B
Vinyl Chloride B A
Water A A
Water, Acid Mine B B
Water, Boiler Feed A A
Water, Brackish A A
Water, Deionized A A
Water, Demineralized A A
Water, Distilled A A
Water, Fresh A A
Water, Salt C C
Water-Brine, Process, Beverage B B
Waxes D A
Weed Killers A A
Whey A A
Whiskey A A
Whiskey & Wines A A
White Liquor (Pulp Mill) B A
White Water (Paper Mill) A A
Wine A A
Wood Pulp A A
Xylene B B
Zinc Carbonate B B
Zinc Chloride D D
Zinc Cyanide A A
Zinc Hydrosulfite A A
Zinc Molten D D
Zinc Nitrate A A
Zinc Sulfate B A

Monitoring the Solar Eclipse Using PASCO Sensors

Last Monday, on April 8th we were lucky enough to witness the rare phenomenon of a complete solar eclipse. Before the eclipse we set up many different PASCO sensors to see how it affects different environmental factors. We set up PASCOs Wireless Weather Sensor with GPS, Wireless Temperature Sensor, and Wireless Light & Colour Sensor.

The weather sensor was set up to remote log from 10am until 4:30 pm at a sample rate of 1 second. After data collection we graphed the absolute humidity (g/m^2), relative humidity (%), and the UV Index in SPARKvue. As you can see around the time when the partial eclipse starts the UV index begins to fall and the relative humidity begins to increase. At the moment of complete totality UV index hits its minimum value of 0 and the relative humidity hits a maximum of 60%. Much like the UV Index absolute humidity begins decreasing at the time of the partial eclipse, however it hits its minimum value of 4.0 g/m^2 before the moment of complete totality.

 

Unlike the Wireless Weather Sensor both the Wireless Temperature and Light & Colour Sensors were set to remote log from 12 pm to 4:30 pm. The Wireless Temperature Sensor begins to increase from around 12- 2pm, at the beginning of the partial eclipse (140 on the X-axis) there is already a slow decrease down from a high of 14.6℃. The temperature reaches its lowest value 7.8℃ a few minutes after complete totality.

 

The Wireless Light & Colour Sensor showed some of the most interesting and instantaneous effects of the eclipse. Both red and blue light are rather consistent in their readings until the moment of totality where there is a sharp decrease in the % of red light and a Sharp Increase in the percentage of blue light. Both illuminance and white light follow a similar pattern of a parabolic shape, both reaching a minimum value of 0 at the moment of totality

 

 

Many thanks to PASCO sensors, whose contribution was integral to the success of this project! Their sensors enabled us to gather precise data effortlessly, minimizing the need for constant supervision. PASCO’s sensors serve as ideal educational tools for classrooms, helping students grasp fundamental concepts across physics, chemistry, and biology.

Featured Products:

Wireless Temperature Sensor

Wireless Weather Sensor with GPS

Wireless Light & Colour Sensor 

Eclipse Science: Harnessing Sensors for Phenomenal Measurements

Join PASCO for an illuminating webinar where we delve into the captivating world of solar eclipses and the innovative use of sensors to capture crucial data during these celestial events. Discover how light, temperature, and weather sensors can unlock a deeper understanding of eclipses and their impact on the environment.

In this interactive session, you’ll learn practical techniques for using sensors and software to measure changes in light intensity, temperature fluctuations, and atmospheric conditions before, during, and after an eclipse. We have measured many eclipses, and in this webinar we will share our tips and tricks so that you and your students can get the best measurements and spark discussion around this amazing phenomenon.

This webinar offers valuable knowledge and hands-on experience in using sensor technology for real-time eclipse measurements.


Featured Products:

  • Wireless Temperature Sensor
    • The Wireless Temperature Sensor is a general-purpose sensor found in many science labs. With a rugged, waterproof design and a long-lasting battery, students can spend more time collecting data and less time dealing with equipment.
  • Wireless Weather Sensor with GPS
    • This sensor is packed with 19 different measurements, including GPS, that can be monitored live or collected over the long term.

Lessons Learned from the Great American Eclipse


Eclipses aren’t only awe-inspiring to witness, they’re also an excellent opportunity for science! Find out what scientists (and PASCO!) learned from the 2017 eclipse, and mark your calendar for the upcoming solar eclipses!

What was the Great American Eclipse?

The Great American Eclipse was a total solar eclipse that occurred on August 21, 2017, and was visible across the United States. It was the first total solar eclipse visible from coast to coast in the US in almost a century. The path of totality, where the Moon completely blocked the Sun, passed through 14 states, starting in Oregon and ending in South Carolina. At its maximum point, viewers on Earth could experience the eclipse for around 2 minutes and 40 seconds.

The eclipse generated significant public interest, with millions of people traveling to witness the event and many others tuning in to live broadcasts. It also provided a special opportunity for scientists to study the Sun and its effects on Earth.

A Unique Opportunity for Scientific Discovery

The Great American Eclipse led to several scientific discoveries, many of which were only made possible by the unique conditions an eclipse creates. During a total solar eclipse, the Moon completely blocks the Sun’s light, allowing scientists to gather data about the Sun’s shape, structure, and its relationship with other phenomena, like solar wind. Researchers use a combination of tools to collect eclipse data, including ground-based and airborne instruments, as well as satellites that provide data about the Sun’s corona, magnetic field, and its impact on the Earth’s atmosphere and ionosphere.

What Did Scientists Learn from the 2017 Solar Eclipse?

Some of the most significant observations made during the Great American Eclipse regard the corona, the outermost part of the Sun that’s usually too dim to see.

For years, scientists had been puzzled by the fact that the corona is far hotter than the surface of the Sun. During the Great American Eclipse, researchers were finally able to determine just how hot the corona actually is. By measuring the temperature of the corona more accurately, scientists found that it was about one million degrees Celsius (1.7 million degrees Fahrenheit), which is much hotter than the Sun’s surface temperature of around 5,500 degrees Celsius (10,000 degrees Fahrenheit).

But that wasn’t all scientists observed. Researchers also studied the magnetic field of the corona and found it to be much more complex than previously thought. Just like Earth, the Sun has a magnetic field with north and south poles. They also discovered evidence of “coronal loops,” which are giant arcs of plasma that are trapped in the corona’s magnetic field.

The Great American Eclipse provided a rare opportunity for scientists to study the Sun’s corona in ways that are not possible under ordinary conditions. The next opportunity for such studies isn’t until October 14, 2023, when the Great North American Eclipse crosses our skies.

Weather Changes During the Great American Eclipse

Because the Moon’s shadow cools Earth during a solar eclipse, several atmospheric changes occur following the drop in temperature. The 2017 total solar eclipse produced some noticeable weather effects in areas located in the path of totality, particularly in the moments leading up to and during the period of totality.

While the amount of cooling varied depending on the location and the weather conditions at the time, some areas experienced a temperature drop of 6.6ºC! In addition to the reduced temperature, the Great American Eclipse also affected wind patterns. As the air temperature cooled, the density of the air changed, which in turn affected the way that air flowed around the area. This created a brief period of stillness and calm in some areas, as the usual winds died down.

 

Tracking Eclipse Weather Changes With PASCO Wireless Sensors

At PASCO, we made some observations of our own during the Great American Eclipse! Here in Northern California, we only experienced a partial eclipse, but the weather changes did not disappoint! Using a Wireless Weather Sensor with GPS, we measured and compared the relationship between Temperature (ºC) and Light Intensity (lux) over the duration of the eclipse. Check out our results below!

As the Moon covered the Sun, there was a sudden drop in light intensity, which was shortly followed by a reduction in temperature. Though we only experienced a partial eclipse, we still observed a drop in temperature of 2.37ºC!

Looking for ways to study the next eclipse with your students? Head over to our eclipse page to learn how to conduct this experiment for yourself!

Eclipses and Animal Behavior

A solar eclipse catches the attention of people for its beauty and awe, but we might not be the only ones who notice. Many animals also recognize a change in their environment. As the sky darkens and the temperature drops, some species behave peculiarly.

Keeping Your Pet Safe

Worried that your pet will get scared during the eclipse?

It is unlikely that dogs and cats will react to solar eclipses, as they typically do not have a strong biological or behavioral response to changes in light or natural phenomena like eclipses.

However, it is possible that some dogs or cats may become confused or disoriented by the sudden change in light, especially if they are outside during the eclipse. Also, excited crowds can cause anxiety for some pets, so be careful about bringing your furry friend along if you decide to view the solar eclipse from a public place.

To ensure your pet’s safety and comfort during an eclipse, it is generally best to keep them indoors or in a calm, secure environment. You may also want to consider providing your pet with distractions such as toys or treats to keep them occupied and help them feel at ease.

Visit our eclipse page for information on when and where to view upcoming solar eclipses!

Wildlife Reactions to a Solar Eclipse

Wild animals tend to have more overt responses to eclipses than our domestic companions. Some animals may become disoriented or confused by the sudden change in light, while others may simply adjust their activities to the altered conditions.


For example, some birds may stop singing during an eclipse, return to their nests, or stop flying. Researchers reason this is likely because they perceive the darkness as a signal that it is time to roost for the night. Animals that usually start stirring at sunset like frogs and crickets may start to chirp. Some spiders may take down their webs, only to rebuild them again when the sunlight returns. Nocturnal animals such as bats and owls may become active during the eclipse, while diurnal animals such as squirrels and deer might be more active just before and after the eclipse.


In some cases, animals may exhibit unusual or even erratic behavior during an eclipse. For example, researchers have observed ants and bees behaving as if it is nighttime during a total solar eclipse, even though it is still light enough to see. One study during the 1984 eclipse watched as chimpanzees at the Yerkes Regional Primate Research Center climbed up their enclosure as high as they could and turned to face the sky.

In a study conducted during the 2017 eclipse at the Riverbanks Zoo in South Carolina, researchers found that 76% of the animals they observed exhibited a behavioral change in response to the total eclipse. Most of these behaviors were typical of the animal’s evening routine.


Some of the behaviors, however, indicated some level of anxiety for the animal. For instance, a head male gorilla charged his glass enclosure, and one male giraffe proceeded to sway his entire body, including his neck, back and forth. Strangely, all the baboons ran around their pen together as totality approached, despite having just been in two separate groups. Once totality passed, they stopped running and returned to their previous arrangement. Flamingos also behaved out of character, huddling together on an island in the center of their enclosure and remaining still. As totality waned, the flock dispersed to their usual groups.

The response of animals to solar eclipses is complex and varies depending on a variety of factors, including the species, their natural behaviors, and the specifics of the eclipse itself. So, while enjoying the wonder of a solar eclipse, take note of any animals around you–you might spot some interesting behaviors!

Want to measure light and temperature during an upcoming eclipse for yourself? Check out our collection of free eclipse activities, or learn how to build your own pinhole projector with our DIY Eclipse Handbook.

Order PASCO Eclipse Glasses HERE!

History of Solar Eclipses

Solar eclipses have fascinated humans for thousands of years, and many ancient cultures have developed their own myths and legends to explain these rare astronomical events.

 

Early Explanations

One of the earliest known records of a solar eclipse comes from the ancient Chinese, who recorded an eclipse in 2136 BCE. They believed that a dragon was devouring the Sun, and civilians would make loud noises and bang on pots and pans to scare it away.

In ancient Greece, the philosopher Anaxagoras correctly predicted a solar eclipse in 478 BCE. He was the first to suggest that the Moon shines by reflecting light from the Sun, and he was imprisoned for this proposal. His research led to his discovery that eclipses are caused by the Moon blocking the Sun’s light when it passes in front of it. However, his scientific explanation for the phenomenon was not widely accepted until centuries later.

Another Greek philosopher, Aristotle, later refined this theory, explaining that the Earth was at the center of the universe and that the Moon’s orbit was slightly tilted relative to the Earth’s orbit around the Sun. This meant that eclipses occurred when the Moon passed directly between the Sun and Earth, casting a shadow on the planet.

The ancient Maya of Central America were also skilled astronomers and recorded solar eclipses in their calendars. They believed that the eclipses were a sign of impending doom, so they would perform elaborate rituals to appease the gods.

In the Middle Ages, Islamic astronomers developed more accurate models of the movements of the Sun, Moon, and planets. The Persian astronomer Al-Battani, for example, refined the earlier Greek models, proposing that the Moon’s orbit around the Earth was elliptical rather than circular.

By the time of the Renaissance, scientists had developed even more sophisticated theories to explain eclipses, incorporating ideas such as the rotation of the Earth and the elliptical orbits of the planets.

Today, astronomers have a detailed understanding of the mechanics of eclipses, and are able to predict the exact timing and location of these rare astronomical events with great precision. Solar eclipses are still a source of wonder and fascination, and astronomers and scientists continue to study them to gain a better understanding of our universe.

 

Famous Eclipses

Eclipses that make it to the status of “famous” are generally those that have led to scientific discovery. Some, though, were noted for the sheer number of people who witnessed them.

One of the first recorded eclipses was the Thales of Miletus Eclipse in 585 BCE. The ancient Greek philosopher Thales of Miletus correctly predicted the solar eclipse would occur during a battle between the Lydians and the Medes; however, historians debate the exact year the eclipse occurred, and Thales’ method to predict the event remains uncertain. Regardless, upon observing the phenomenon in the sky, soldiers on both sides laid down their weapons and called a truce to end the war.

In 1715, the famous astronomer Edmund Halley (of Halley’s comet) correctly calculated the event of a solar eclipse within four minutes over England. Halley used Isaac Newton’s newfound theory on gravitation for his prediction, and he’s credited with funding the publication of Newton’s work in the Principia.

The Total Solar Eclipse of 1919 is famous for providing the first experimental evidence for Einstein’s theory of general relativity; Einstein predicted that some stars would appear in a different position in the sky during the eclipse due to the Sun’s gravity bending the starlight. Astronomers observed this shift in position to be accurate, and Einstein published his complete theory soon after.

The Solar Eclipse of August 11, 1999 was the first visible total solar eclipse in the United Kingdom since 1927, and the first visible in Europe in nearly ten years. It was one of the most photographed eclipses in history, viewable to over 350 million people.

The Great American Eclipse of 2017 was a total solar eclipse that was visible–at least partially–across the entire United States. Millions of people watched, as it was the first total solar eclipse to span the United States since 1918.

Solar Eclipse Activities & Resources

Want to conduct your own experiments during this year’s solar eclipse? Give your students the science experience of a lifetime with these free solar eclipse activities. These free activities can be performed with students of all ages and include step-by-step instructions, analysis questions, and preformatted software files for students.

Light and Temp Study

Solar Eclipse Light and Temperature Study

In this lab, students become junior eclipse scientists as they use Wireless Light and Temperature Sensors to track how light and temperature change during a solar eclipse.

Weather Study

Weird Weather: Solar Eclipse Weather Study

Strange things happen during a solar eclipse! This lab lets students uncover local changes in weather conditions using a Wireless Weather Sensor with GPS.

UV Light Study

Why Do We Wear Eclipse Glasses? A Study with UV Beads

In this sensor-free activity, students use UV beads to compare the effectiveness of sunglasses and eclipse glasses in blocking UV light.

Protect Your Eyes with PASCO Eclipse Glasses!

PASCO Glasses

Safety is essential when witnessing any solar eclipse.
Ensure your students are protected with our certified eclipse glasses!

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