Distillation is one of the coolest things I remember doing in organic chemistry. It is so very revelent chemistry and everyday life with ethanol production, petroleum distillation, distillation of aromatics, etc. However, student laboratory distillation set-ups can be cost-prohibitive, especially in these dire economic times.
The hand boiler toy (a.k.a. "love meter") offers a very economical way to allow students to experience the distillation process.
