Exploring materials locally available to teach chemistry experimentally in developing countries

•A breathalyzer simulator was constructed from materials locally available.•Chemical kinetic, oxidation reactions, and among others can be discussed using a breathalyzer simulator.•Three strategies were proposed about of how the breathalyzer simulator can be used in class room or in the laboratory. Chemistry is a basic science and it is present in most aspects of daily life. For being an instrument of human formation, assume a special role that expands cultural horizons and autonomy in the exercise of citizenship. Therefore, it is important that this subject is taught from an everyday life perspective so that it fulfills its transforming role. One of the problems that most developing countries face in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education is the lack of conventional materials and reagents for practical classes and demonstrations. Therefore, the present work aimed to build a breathalyzer simulator to be applied in a teaching class of chemistry. Several steps were followed since the construction of the breathalyzer, tests of its functionality using local alcoholic drinks as a source of ethanol and finally strategies were proposed for its application in the classroom. The results showed that the simulated breathalyzer was constructed using locally available materials, such as chalk, pen tubes and birthday balloons. Furthermore, during the device functional test was possible to observe color changes resulting from the interaction between the ethanol in the drinks and the acidic dichromate solution. Based on the results obtained, strategies were proposed for its usage in the classroom.