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Publications from H.M.S. Beagle

Over the years, we've written a number of short documents on various science-related subjects. These will be available for download and distribution here.

Although we provide these documents at no charge, and do not require anything special if you want to use or redistribute them, we do ask that you credit us as the source, complete with a link to this page, if you use or distribute more than three copies of any document. Thanks!

Benchmark Chemicals Legacy Chemical Set -- NEW!

Recreating the list from the famous Gilbert Chemistry sets, this document is the companion to our soon-to-be-released line of chemicals for the home experimenter.

READ | Right-Click to Download

Gerb Formulas

From our joint session of the High School Students' Science Alliance and the Make:KC group comes this discussion of how to make a gerb. Never run across the word before? Here's one definition, from Wikipedia: "A gerb is a type of firework which produces a jet of sparks, usually lasting between 15 and 60 seconds. It is a thick-walled tube filled with pyrotechnic composition and possessing a choke, which is a narrowing in the tube. Gerbs are often referred to as 'fountains'."

READ | Right-Click to Download

Growing Chrome Alum or Mixed Alum Crystals

Ever wondered how to make your own spectacular crystals at home? Follow the steps in these documents to make either single crystals or sprays.

Growing Chrome Alum Crystals, Part 1 (right-click to download)
Growing Chrome Alum Crystals, Part 2 (right-click to download)

Industrial Acids and Bases

A document detailing the characteristics of acids and bases.

Industrial Acids and Bases (right-click to download)

Microscopy and Slide Preparation

There are many techniques which you must learn in order to successfully prepare slides for use with your microscope. Here are a few of them.

Slide Mounting with Canada Balsam (right-click to download)
Slide Staining with Methylene Blue and Malachite Green (right-click to download)

Mineral Testing and Identification

Trying to tell your hematite from rutile? There are simple ways to help to narrow your identification down.

Mineral Identification Kit (right-click to download)
Mineral Streak Testing (right-click to download)

Polly: A Psittacosaurus in Search of a Home

A brief photo-essay detailing how we came by our store's very own parrot-billed dinosaur.

Polly the Psittacosaurus Comes to Parkville

The Rockhound's Checklist

Going out into the field? Take a look at our handy checklist.

The Rockhound's Checklist (right-click to download)

Saltpetre and Sugar Rocket Fuel

A simple procedure for making a basic solid rocket propellant. WARNING: There is obvious danger here, and by following these instructions, you acknowledge that H.M.S. Beagle is in no way responsible for any injury or property damage which might result from your attention - or inattention - to these directions. By following these instructions, you also certify that you are of legal age in your municipality, if applicable. Be responsible.

Saltpetre and Sugar Rocket Fuel (right-click to download)

Supersaturated Sodium Acetate Solution

This experiment demonstrates the exothermic reaction caused by the heat of crystallization.

Supersaturated Sodium Acetate Solution Instructions (right-click to download)

The Story of a Ship: About the H.M.S. Beagle and Her Voyages

Coming soon - the story of a ship...

Made 1 August 2008
Updated 12 June 2010