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When Mentos candies are dropped into a bottle of Diet Coke, a foamy fountain jets out of the beverage container. It has previously been argued that ingredients found in Mentos candies significantly enhance this fountaining effect. Other previous work has demonstrated that the kinetics of foam production can be quantitatively monitored using a device constructed from inexpensive, easily obtained materials. In the results reported here, students used this simple device to monitor the kinetics of foam production in the Diet Coke and Mentos experiment and to draw conclusions about the system. It was possible to model the kinetic data obtained using kinetic mechanisms that involve irreversible first-order steps. Furthermore, the data collected allowed students to acquire evidence that the kinetics of foam production appears to be unaffected by the presence of certain ingredients in candies and gums, in contrast to previous claims. Many of the protocols described herein can be carried out simply and inexpensively, making them useful for high school, introductory, and general chemistry courses. In addition, the kinetic data collected are of sufficient quality to allow for analysis sophisticated enough for use in student research projects and physical chemistry courses.

The needs of under-graduate students and newly qualified speech and language therapists (SLTs) are discussed. The results of a small-scale survey of final year SLT students and one of newly qualified therapists are presented. Similarities between clinical teaching of under-graduates and mentoring of newly qualified therapists are identified. The paper calls for a combined training course for experienced SLTs to acquire the core knowledge and skills required to carry out either or both roles effectively.

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Causes of social isolation and loneliness in older adults are multifactorial and can have significant effects on their health and quality of life. Older adults who have good social support exhibit lower levels of depression, higher levels of life satisfaction, lower stress levels, and lower health care costs. By assessing and addressing social isolation and loneliness in community-dwelling older adults, rehabilitation therapists can have a positive impact on their physical and mental health.