Quantitative demonstration of chemical kinetics often requires sophisticated equipment and materials. By using inexpensive and commonly available chemicals, we propose here two clock reactions, oxygen–safranin–benzoin clock and cysteine–iodine–hydrogen peroxide clock. Students simply measure and add stock solutions to start clock reactions. Sudden discoloration or coloration of the reaction mixture marks the end of the reaction, and this can be conveniently timed. Students then complete calculations and graphing in a spreadsheet file by following common protocols. Rates of reaction are calculated from the ratio of [limiting reactant]0 and clock time. Orders of reactions and rate constants are determined by the method of initial rate. Additional discussions on topics such as catalysis, reaction mechanism, redox reaction, and pseudo-zeroth-order reaction are also possible.

Eleven demonstration activities for an introductory undergraduate chemistry safety session are described. The first two activities are a safety video and a lab tour. All other activities are drawn from popular demonstrations and presented in the context of chemical safety. These include a balloon bursting via toluene, a dry ice fog created in a fume hood, a reaction forming a carbon snake, a glycerol and potassium permanganate reaction, creation of a fireproof banknote, a candle extinguished by a copper coil, a candle extinguished by a test tube, a demonstration of a can crushed by air pressure, and creation of a soda geyser. The pedagogical narratives of these demonstrations cover all four areas of chemistry safety learning outcomes using the RAMP approach (recognizing hazards, assessing risks, minimizing risks, and preparing for emergencies) recommended for undergraduate students by the American Chemical Society.