Making Soap in Chemistry Class

 

I work in a school system in the science department. One of the best parts of my day job is making soap in chemistry classes at the high school.  So when Seth Klein asked me if I was available to teach his classes, I quickly cleared my calendar said yes.

I’ve made soap before with high school students. They enjoy a practical application of what they are learning. Mr. Klein has 3 chemistry classes and this year I decided to mix it up.  Instead of each class making a loaf of their own soap, we would make a layered soap, with each class pouring a layer into 3 molds.

The 3rd period class made the first layer and they chose a blue color. They weighed and measured out ingredients like pros. By the time the 4th period class came in, the room smelled pretty good. We were using a blend of patchouli, clove and rose. They made the yellow layer, and worked just as well as the previous class did.

I had a break for a while, and got back to my day job. I had taken days off when Brian was in the hospital and I had lots to catch up with.  Finally the last class came in for 9th period. They made the top blue layer, and used glitter to top the soap off.

The soap stayed in the mold for 48 hours and then we cut the soap. I let the students cut the bars and they said it was harder to do than it looked. Here is the final soap.

 

I love making soap in chemistry classes. Many students can’t see that chemistry can be useful to them outside of class. We talked about chemical changes verses physical changes and what it means to superfat a soap. I’m grateful for the opportunity to share my love of saponification with them.

What are you grateful for today?

Yours in Gratitude,

Angela