Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 12, 2026

Manufacturing Simple and Inexpensive Soil Surface Temperature and Gravimetric Water Content Sensors
Published on: December 21, 2019
Simple, Inexpensive Classroom Experiments for Understanding Basic Gas Laws and Properties of Gases
Heidi L Collins1, Stephen E DiCarlo1
1Department of Physiology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201.
Abstract:
As educators, we are continually designing new methods and procedures to enhance learning. During this process, good ideas are frequently generated and tested, but the extent of such activities may not be adequate for a full manuscript. Nonetheless, the ideas may be quite beneficial in improving the teaching and learning of physiology. Illuminations is a column designed to facilitate the sharing of these ideas (illuminations). The format of submissions is quite simple: a succinct description of about one or two double-spaced pages (less title and authorship) of something you have used for the classroom, teaching, lab, conference room, etc. You may include one or two simple figures or references. Submit ideas for inclusion in Illuminations directly to the Associate Editor in charge, Stephen DiCarlo (sdicarlo@med.wayne.edu).
Related Concept Videos
Kinetic Molecular Theory and Gas Laws Explain Properties of Gas Molecules
Chemical Stoichiometry and Gases: Using Ideal Gas Law to Determine Moles
Gas Laws: Boyle's, Gay-Lussac, Charles', Avogadro's, and Ideal Gas Law
Mixtures of Gases: Dalton's Law of Partial Pressures and Mole Fractions
Applications of the Ideal Gas Law: Molar Mass, Density, and Volume
Noble Gases
The elements in group 18 are noble gases (helium, neon, argon, krypton, xenon, and radon). They earned the name “noble” because they were assumed to be nonreactive since they have filled valence shells. In 1962, Dr. Neil Bartlett at the University of British Columbia proved this assumption to be false.

