Applying Chemistry Knowledge to Code, Construct, and Demonstrate an Arduino–Carbon Dioxide Fountain

High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide The “maker” movement is receiving a lot of attention, especially in the field of education. In this context, we have created an Arduino–carbon dioxide fountain, devised to use digital tools, such as the Arduino microcontroller, a pressure sensor, and code, in combination with a solenoid valve and laboratory equipment to open the valve automatically and demonstrate the carbon dioxide fountain. In a previous work describing a carbon dioxide fountain experiment, students opened the valve if the pressure inside the round-bottom flask was deemed sufficiently low; they then observed the carbon dioxide fountain phenomenon. However, in the Arduino–carbon dioxide fountain experiment, the pressure sensor measures the pressure inside the round-bottom flask and sends the measured pressure value to the microcontroller. The microcontroller signals the solenoid valve to open when the measured pressure value is less than a setting value on the code. This fountain experiment provides students with the opportunity to apply and reinforce their understanding of chemistry concepts using digital tools to code a computer-operated carbon dioxide fountain.