Research shows that women are entering the field of physics at a faster rate than the field of chemistry through bachelor's and doctoral degrees. However, STEM studies primarily compare women to men or examine them as a single entity. Therefore, a paucity of research exists that examines what may differentiate women in certain critical and…

The antioxidative capacity of phytochemical compounds is often discussed in life science courses (to prevent or slow cancer) and food science courses (to prevent the oxidation of sensitive ingredients). Thus, we developed a laboratory experiment where the photochemical reaction of lightsticks is used to qualitatively demonstrate the antioxidative…

A module that can be incorporated into chemistry or environmental science classes at the high school or undergraduate level is described. The module is divided into a series of segments, each of which incorporates several concepts and results in students making significant predictions about the behavior of organic xenobiotics.

A laboratory activity that can be used at a number of levels from high school to college is discussed. This activity can be used to teach chemical concepts such as oxidation and reduction, stoichiometry, acids and bases, pH, nucleophilic reactions, conjugation, leaving groups, complexation, solubility, and reversibility.

A new method is presented, which educates and empowers the teachers and assists them in incorporating entropy analysis in their curricula and also provides an entropy-analysis unit that can be used in classrooms. The topics that the teachers can cover depending on the ability of the students and the comfort level of the teacher are included.

Presents an educational game designed for first- or second-year high school students who have already studied themes related to the periodic table elements, such as their symbols, electronic configurations, properties, and uses. The game is designed to help students learn the symbols of the elements and their properties or uses in a fun, engaging…

Presents Fragrance Structured Learning Packages (SLPs), group activities designed to help students recognize the value of applying chemistry in a real-world setting. Developed by the Department of Chemistry at the University of York. (Author/KHR)

Presents an activity on chemical changes and experimentation with testing the roles of various reactants in accomplishing the changes. (Author/KHR)

Compares the revised Blue Bottle formulation to the classical Blue Bottle. Indicates that the revised formulation gives a somewhat bluer solution, but initially slower reduction when compared to the classical formulation. (Author/KHR)

Presents an experiment that is quick and easy to prepare, visually striking, and amusing to students. Relates to several key chemical concepts including polarity, intermolecular forces, solubility, and spectrophotometry. (Author/NB)

Presents an interactive method for using the periodic table as an effective mnemonic for writing electronic configurations. Discusses the intrinsic relevance of configurations to chemistry by building upon past analogies. Addresses pertinent background information, describes the hands-on method, and demonstrates its use. Transforms the traditional…

Discusses the proper place for hydrogen in the periodic table. (NB)

Describes an alternative method for exploding hydrogen balloons as a classroom demonstration. Uses the method of igniting the balloons via an electronic match. Includes necessary materials to conduct the demonstration and discusses potential hazards. (SOE)

Identifies practical ways to introduce students to thermodynamic concepts, such as heat and mechanical energy. Introduces three different energy transformations that everyone should be able to envisage. (SOE)

Describes visual experiments that illustrate some basic concepts in chemistry and their principles. (KHR)