Color-Changing Markers – An Exiting Topic for Inquiry-Based Chemistry Education

Abstract

Chemistry and life are undisputedly connected and always interdependent. Hence, it must be an essential aim to underline the value of this correlation in the light of our basic knowledge of chemistry and our general education. Moreover, it is important to relate chemical ideas with observations of daily life and living causes. In order to meet the aims of motivating and modern chemistry lessons, the author has developed a unit based on experiments exploring so-called Magic Markers. Ordinary looking felt pens change their colors when they are painted over by Magic Pens. To research on the chemical principles underlying this effect, number of simple but astonishing experiments suitable for students has been developed.