Reports the results of an investigation on student understanding of selected topics in heat and temperature, particularly thermal equilibrium, giving evidence for a number of misconceptions about heat and temperature and the relationships between specific heat, heat capacity, and heat transfer. Subjects represented diverse groups with widely…

A compact disc (CD) serves as a diffraction grating for the study of the dependence of angles of diffracted beams on that of the incident beam from a laser. The demonstration/experiment illustrates the occurrence of different orders of diffraction. Knowledge of the wavelength of the laser permits determination of the groove spacing within ~1% by…

Presents a microscale pH titration technique that utilizes an automatic pipet. A small aliquot (1-5 mL) of the analyte solution is titrated with repeated additions of titrant, and the pH is determined after each delivery. The equivalence point is determined graphically by either the second derivative method or a Gran plot. The pipet can be…

A previous study of prospective teachers found that students from different countries and different levels of electrochemistry hold common misconceptions, indicating that concepts were presented to them poorly. Reports on how prospective teachers' scientifically incorrect ideas were used to form assertion-reason-type questions and how these…

Presents the Chemical Concepts Inventory (CCI), an inventory that faculty can use to judge the extent of several common alternate conceptions among their students. Demonstrates that students come to general chemistry with a variety of the alternate conceptions described in the research literature. Shows that a traditional general chemistry course…

Determines the effect of collaborative learning on student attitudes and performance in an introductory chemistry laboratory. Results indicate that collaborative learning did not affect short-term student achievement. Students seemed to develop a more positive attitude about the laboratory and chemistry in the collaborative learning sections as…

Develops a sensitive and specific pre-semester assessment for students enrolled in general chemistry for science majors that would identify students at risk for failing the course. The student pre-semester assessment (SPSA) predicted 40.8% of the students who went on to fail first-semester general chemistry. It was a better predictor of at-risk…

Currently molecular structure is taught in general chemistry using three theories, this being based more on historical development rather than logical pedagogy. Electronegativity is taught with a confusing mixture of definitions that do not correspond to modern practice. Valence bond theory and VSEPR are used together in a way that often confuses…

Introduces a chemistry course designed for preservice teachers that focuses on increasing the knowledge of students using hands-on, constructivist, inquiry-based science experiences. (YDS)

Explains how to use magnets to demonstrate the electron flow mechanism of a chemical reaction. (YDS)

Explains the experimental basis of the first law of thermodynamics and examines the concept of reversible processes on the first law. (YDS)

Describes an activity using rubber bands to demonstrate Gibbs free energy, entropy, and enthalpy. Includes instructor information and a student activity sheet. (YDS)

Explains the concept of spontaneous assembly which plays a role in determining the form of biochemical structures. (Contains 15 references.) (YDS)

Describes a summer research program at James Madison University targeting deaf and hard-of-hearing students and teachers participating in and collaborating on chemistry research with hearing students and teachers. (Contains 18 references.) (YDS)

Explains the advantages and disadvantages of verification experiments in classrooms from the secondary school science teacher's point of view and discusses the reasons for difficulties and resistance in replacing verification experiments with inquiry experiments. (Contains 19 references.) (YDS)