Presents a 10-hour chemistry experiment using copper sulfate that has three steps: (1) purification of an ore containing copper sulfate and insoluble basic copper sulfates; (2) determination of the number of water molecules in hydrated copper sulfate; and (3) recovery of metallic copper from copper sulfate. (Author/YDS)

Introduces an organic chemistry course using the cooperative learning method and investigates this teaching method's effects on student learning with the participation of (n=16) super-qualified freshman who achieved a grade of 5 on the College Board Advanced Placement (AP) examination. (YDS)

In the book, 'Through the Looking Glass and What Alice Found There', Alice walks through a mirror into a mirror-image world. Assuming that she is not changed by this transition, her enzymes are still only capable of processing molecules of the handedness of her native world. So the question is, what can Alice eat in the mirror-image world that…

Reports on some of the special considerations that were necessary when ConcepTests, a student active-learning method (SAL), was used in a smaller-sized class (15 students). Finds that the use of ConcepTests was a great way to actively engage students despite the small class size. (MM)

In this classroom activity, students perform a series of tests with deicers to decide which works better at melting ice and then decide if calcium chloride deicer is worth the extra cost. (MM)

Reports an experiment which is suitable for an introductory course in analytical chemistry and which illustrates the importance of matrix effects when selecting a method of standardization. Asserts that students learn how a spike recovery is used to validate an analytical method, and obtain practical experience in the difference between performing…

Explains the chemistry used in compact discs (CD), digital versatile discs (DVD), and magneto-optical (MO) discs focusing on the steps of initial creation of the mold, the molding of the polycarbonate, the deposition of the reflective layers, the lacquering of the CDs, and the bonding of DVDs. (Contains 15 references.) (YDS)

Introduces self-assembling, three-dimensional models (SAMs) that present the structure and behavior of water which facilitates a better understanding of the structural geometry of water. (Contains 12 references.) (YDS)

Introduces an activity that focuses on qualitative and quantitative measurements of density, mass, volume, area, length, and units for making measurements and simple calculations. Includes instructor information and a student activity sheet. (Contains 14 references.) (Author/YDS)

Introduces the Techniques in Chemistry I course taught in the Furman University Department of Chemistry which focuses on organic and inorganic chemistry. Uses a problem solving approach and active learning. (Contains 17 references.) (YDS)

Provides projects on soap bubbles designed to entertain and educate young children and high school/beginning college students as well as grown-ups with a variety of backgrounds. (MM)

Presents an activity designed for use during National Chemistry Week 2002 with the theme "Chemistry Keeps Us Clean". Allows students to discover more about a cleaning product they use everyday. Students make their own toothpaste and compare its properties with those of commercial toothpaste. (MM)

Summarizes selected articles from the journal "Nature" that relate to the theme of "Chemistry Keeps Us Clean" in its broadest sense. (MM)

Explores the confluence of cultural and technological changes that led to the transformation of soap into a ubiquitous and well-used object. Picks up the timeline for the development of soap in the early American republic when soapmaking was a householder's task. Traces the rise of the American cleanliness movement and correlates the rise to…

Defends cookbooks and lab manuals. Both can provide reliable procedures; are good places to start; and need not stand in the way of understanding, insight, or imagination. (MM)