Australia's Science Forum

We bought the Pasco pH probes from CiderHouseTech. They are WiFi and/or Bluetooth, seem really easy to use. They are not cheap (about $150 each) but don't need any additional interface at all, they download an app to their phones and connect directly to a specific probe. Hopefully this link will wor...

While I was researching the buffer solution, I found out how to make standard pH buffer solutions, might be of interest if you need one in a hurry? (All values assume a calibration temperature of 25 Celsius.)  pH 4.00 buffer solution: 100 mL of 0.1 M Potassium Hydrogen Phthalate + 0.2 mL of 0.1 M...

Thanks linotas - I will persist....

We recently received a set of the WiFi pH probes, which are fantastic, the seniors have been using them non-stop. We need to top up the buffer solution and according to the documentation it's a 4M solution of potassium chloride, mixed with a pH 4 buffer solution as well as a few drops of pH buffer p...

I do the same, remlap12 & melsid, although I wish I had a Woolies/Coles account I could use.

Is this what you are referring to??? Published in SchoolBiz last week OfficeMax Australia purchased by Platinum Equity Platinum Equity has recently purchased OfficeMax Australia. The transaction follows Platinum Equity’s acquisition of Staples, now known as Winc, in 2017. The Department of Educati...

I think I heard last year that they were struggling? Maybe it all got too difficult? Their website has been down for a few weeks now, I think. How sad.

I have found it so difficult to order stoppers - and it is such a hit-and-miss process. For the last year or two I have kept one stopper from each packet of 10, along with the supplier code and price, which will hopefully make my ordering ordeal a lot simpler in future! Good luck, I don't envy you, ...

It was the most fabulous way to learn specific skills, network, share information and feel supported. Thanks to everyone who helped make it such a success. You must have sacrificed so much of your personal time - much appreciated!

We have tested out our brand new microscopes with a drop of Motic oil that came with them - the booklet says we should use Xilene to clean the objective and slide. Any ideas what else will work? Microfibre cloth?

I have just found the following link which was last updated in June 2017, referring to a SchoolBiz in June 2016.

https://education.nsw.gov.au/school-inf ... cal-safety

I found some black food colouring which splits into 3 colours very quickly. It was very dark so I diluted it with a bit of water.

That's great news - I will wait a bit longer. Thanks Sue

I had no idea that "DET will arrange statewide chemical collections for government schools every three years" - taken out of CSIS, Figure E-5: Recommended waste bottles. I have been here for over three years and they certainly haven't done anything in that time! Can anyone shed any light? ...

Yes it's a great way to feel part of a community - unlike at school where we are all-too-often left out of everything. Thank you everyone!

I have the same setup here too - none of the teachers, even the ones who have been here for ages, could give me any clues

If it's anything like mine, it's always overflowing

Loopy, are you still relatively happy with the product? Has it been improved and updated to be GHS compliant? It looks like a good deal at $500 once off, including all future updates.

I have soaked a shower head in vinegar at home, it worked okay - might be better than CLR?

What a great idea, Shell1 and Lyn - can't wait to try it, makes the plates so much easier to handle, too!