Examines several classes of errors with examples of each from the development of chemistry in the 18th and 19th centuries. These include erroneous theories, seeing a new phenomenon everywhere, theories erroneous in detail yet fruitful, rejection of right hypotheses, and incoherent insights. (Contains 36 references.) (ASK)

Uses student-taught review sessions to reinforce basic concepts and to practice giving an oral presentation to an attentive audience. Indicates that the program was successful in helping students develop oral presentation skills while they were experiencing peer teaching. (ASK)

Presents a problem on solubility equilibrium which involves macroscopic, microscopic, and symbolic levels of representation as a resource for the evaluation of students, and allows for assessment as to whether students have acquired an adequate conceptual understanding of the phenomenon. Also diagnoses difficulties with regard to previous…

Slater's Z values are a limited pedagogical tool for understanding shielding trends throughout the periodic table. Uses screening percentages as a method to predict effective nuclear charge. (ASK)

Flame tests are used for demonstration of atomic structure. Describes a demonstration that uses spray bottles filled with methanol and a variety of salts to produce a brilliantly colored flame. (Contains 11 references.) (ASK)

Electrochemiluminescence involves the production of light near an electrode surface by generating species that can undergo highly energetic electron transfer reactions. Presents a demonstration that uses Ru(bpy)32+ (bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine) as the light-emitting molecule and tri-n-propylamine (C9H21N) as a coreactant. (Contains 25 references.) (ASK)

Presents an activity that explores the temperature behavior of UV-sensitive beads and investigates the effectiveness of sunscreens. (ASK)

Summarizes and presents results of a national survey on undergraduate inorganic chemistry which asked faculty to describe the general layout of their undergraduate program and course content. Reveals both similarities in the structure of undergraduate inorganic chemistry programs across the country and diversity in content. (ASK)

Describes the modular approach created by ChemConnections that involves change in content and pedagogy. Reports on two comparative evaluation studies that assess the impact of the modular approach on students' understanding, reasoning skills, and attitudes toward chemistry. Indicates that modular classroom section students outperformed the…

Reviews the problem solving approach in chemistry and explains effective instructional methods for teaching problem solving. (YDS)

Presents an activity on building a structure with Lego blocks and points out the importance of laboratory records. Includes instructor information and a student worksheet. (YDS)

Presents a laboratory activity using an Ob-scertainer which can be completed by students working as individuals, in pairs, and in groups. Explains the pair approach and focuses on the hypothesis forming process and group roles. (YDS)

Introduces a laboratory experiment for determining blood alcohol content using a combination of instrumental analysis and forensic science. Teaches the importance of careful laboratory technique and that experiments are conducted for a reason. Includes the procedure of the experiment. (Contains 17 references.) (YDS)

Explains the theory of thin layer electrophoresis, hazards related to the apparatus, and how to conduct an experiment. (YDS)

Describes a laboratory experiment on surface tension. (Contains 14 references.) (YDS)