Presents a simple demonstration that simultaneously illustrates the differences in the atomic emission of various elements and requires the minimum amount of time for preparation and cleanup. (JRH)

Presents a modification of the "Ammonia Fountain" demonstration that requires only a common glass or plastic syringe and concentrated ammonia water. (JRH)

Presents an inexpensive laboratory experiment that combines the recommended techniques for teaching fractal geometry in the classroom with the standard procedures for studying electrochemical deposition of ramified patterns in the regime of low solution concentration and low applied constant driving force. Introduces students to fractal growth…

Presents an experiment designed to give students some experience with photochemistry, electrochemistry, and basic theories about semiconductors. Uses a liquid-junction solar cell and illustrates some fundamental physical and chemical principles related to light and electricity interconversion as well as the properties of semiconductors. (JRH)

Describes a system to construct paper models of all 51 of the possible fullerene isomers from C60 through C84. Provides students, teachers, and specialists with an inexpensive mechanism to follow the literature interplay on fullerene structures. (JRH)

Discusses some of the conceptual difficulties encountered by undergraduate students in learning certain aspects of chemical equilibrium and thermodynamics. Discusses teaching strategies for dealing with these difficulties. (JRH)

Discusses the use of the least-squares regression line in determining the optimum straight line in an efficient and objective manner and the validity of its underlying assumptions in certain situations. Discusses the treatment of kinetic data, distortion from large errors, and the Guggenheim method. (JRH)

Conducted a study to determine what students can do with information presented in class about moles, molecules, atoms, gram atomic weight, Avogadro's number, and molar mass. Results indicate that the students had significant difficulty making effective use of the information about the number of atoms in a molecule provided by the subscript in a…

Discusses how a chemistry curriculum can be designed using traditional classroom activities and assessments along with alternative and authentic approaches. Presents a variety of assessment and learning experiences for a first-year course in chemistry. (JRH)

Describes the construction of a low-cost handmade apparatus for the electrolysis of water that is durable enough to endure rough treatment. (JRH)

Describes an exercise designed to be used in an Advanced Placement (AP) chemistry course to accompany the study of thermodynamics. Uses Differential Scanning Calorimetry in teaching the concepts of thermochemistry and thermodynamics. (JRH)

Discusses the impact of various factors on the "charring reaction" of a carbohydrate with concentrated sulfuric acid including the type of sugar, the degree of fineness of the sugar crystals, and the amount of water added. (JRH)

Presents an analogy for the principle of separation by mass spectrometry using an overhead projector, nickel spheres, and magnets. (JRH)

Presents a demonstration that combines the "Ammonia Fountain" experiment with the "Density Gradient" experiment to create a greater effect. (JRH)

Examines the efforts, in four European countries, to increase the professionalization of teacher training. France recently elevated the status of teachers to civil servants and strengthened certification procedures. Germany retains a high degree of academic excellence and professional training. England and Wales have increased local autonomy and…