Discusses reasons for, and problems caused by, the lack of practical work in chemistry classes worldwide and across educational levels. Describes and advocates the use of individual student microchemistry kits for undertaking a wide range of traditional experiments. Contains 13 references. (WRM)

Presents a classroom guide for a simple theoretical approach to the study of certain fluids. Discusses background information, followed by experimental procedures for the preparation of two popular viscoelastic materials ("Slime" and "Silly Putty") that exhibit unusual flow properties. Also lists student discussion questions along with the correct…

A survey of 129 science and technology-related centers and museums revealed a shortage of polymer chemistry exhibits. Describes those displays that do exist and suggests possibilities for future displays and exhibits. Contains 23 references. (WRM)

Describes four activities that use graphing calculators to model nuclear-decay phenomena. Students ultimately develop a notion about the radioactive waste produced by nuclear fission. These activities are in line with national educational standards and allow for the integration of science and mathematics. Contains 13 references. (Author/WRM)

Describes the development and implementation of an interdisciplinary course entitled "Science Success Stories." The course is based on experiences with students in freshman chemistry and introductory mathematics courses, and incorporates aspects of scientific culture and academic-success strategies into math and science content. Presents the…

Describes the redesign of the first semester general chemistry laboratory at the college level. An organic component is included in the redesign and it provides students with explicit examples of several types of operations in which chemists engage. Contains 16 references. (DDR)

Focuses on the kidnapping of a child whose fingerprints were not found inside the crime vehicle. Discusses the investigation that followed and led to knowledge of the differences between the fingerprints of children and adults. (DDR)

Describes the Iowa Chemistry Education Alliance (ICEA), a consortium of four chemistry instructors from high schools, members of the faculty at Iowa State University, and consultants from an Iowa Area Education Agency. Contains 21 references. (DDR)

Outlines an industrial chemistry course aimed at bridging the academe-industry gap by identifying two major threads: the way industry functions and the way industrial chemists should act in order to be most effective. Contains 39 references. (DDR)

Describes the development of a semester-long course that addresses issues of scientific integrity in a practical way as they arise in the daily lives of working scientists. Shares the topical organization of the course and other details. (DDR)

Explains the goals of a course to teach non-science majors how scientists think. Approaches science primarily as a way of knowing rather than as a body of knowledge and conveys the scientific method as an empirical endeavor. (DDR)

Reports on a study designed to determine whether the historical approach to chemistry teaching will promote the conceptual problem-solving ability of eighth-grade students and identify whether high or low achievers profit more from this teaching approach. (DDR)

Makes reference to a logic table introduced in the first keynote address of a series of three that focus on the history of chemistry and its application to teaching. Contains 42 references. (DDR)

Faculty who introduce active learning methods often perceive striking changes in student competence. Describes an assessment strategy designed to determine whether such changes in student skills are observable by independent and unbiased observers. Contains 16 references. (DDR)

Expands upon the concepts of precision and accuracy at a level suitable for general chemistry. Serves as a bridge to the more extensive treatments in analytical chemistry textbooks and the advanced literature on error analysis. Contains 22 references. (DDR)