Kemtec Science: Toothpaste Evaluation

Target Grades: 9-12

Studying the physical and chemical composition of toothpaste is not only a valuable scientific activity, but leads to consumer evaluation of the best toothpaste for the price. Students learn about the development and demineralization of enamel and the functions of various tooth paste components. They evaluate several toothpastes for percentage of solids, pH, foaming action, abrasive action, and specific substances and use this data to make judgments about toothpaste effectiveness. This kit is ideally taught as guided inquiry/qualitative analysis.‚ 

Kit Contains:

• Instructor Manual
  
• Student Data Sheets
  
• MSDS
  
• Microscope Slides (Glass)
  
• Microscope Slides (Plastic)
  
• Medicine Cups
  
• pH Paper
  
• Pipet
  
• Hydrochloric Acid Dilute Solution
  
• Ammonium Hydroxide Solution
  
• Ammonium Oxalate Solution
  
• Limewater
  
• Nitric Acid Solution
  
• Silver Nitrate Solution
  
• SPADN Test
  
• Fluoride

Required, But Not Included:

• Balance
  
• Infrared Lamp or Hot Plate
  
• Evaporating Dishes
  
• Lab Glassware
  
• Plastic Tubing
  
• Petri Dishes
  
• Samples of Five Brands of Toothpaste