Outlines the development of a kinetic study using the enzyme Lactaid to hydrolyze the synthetic substrate of lactose into an undergraduate laboratory experiment. Provides students with experience doing order-of-magnitude estimates. (DDR)

Argues that Lewis diagrams can be easily done by students using a minimal number of clues. Presents a method to draw the Lewis structure of molecules, polyatomic ions, and radicals whereby students no longer need to move bonds or lone pairs of electrons. (DDR)

Describes the implementation of a modular approach and some of the active learning strategies it employs, plans for evaluating the effectiveness of this approach, and plans for disseminating it broadly within the undergraduate chemistry community. (DDR)

Details how a spreadsheet with graphics capabilities can be used to illustrate enzyme kinetics and explain how computer simulation of a reaction mechanism is accomplished. (DDR)

Describes a set of Mathcad instrument simulations and documents that introduce important concepts for instrumental analysis. Enables students to adjust parameters and optimize an instrument in a timely fashion. (DDR)

Describes the use of a quiz that asks elementary but probing questions about chemistry and delivers the message to students that they have much to gain from chemical education. Arises out of concern over lack of student motivation in chemistry. (DDR)

Reviews the history of the acquisition and refinement of the chemical arts in the context of the use of metals by humans, the academic-industry connection in chemical education, curriculum history in chemistry, and the state of the chemistry teaching and learning environment. Contains 20 references. (DDR)

Describes a revised laboratory set-up for performing flame tests that enables students to pay more attention to the results of the tests and less attention to the manipulation of equipment. Employs a watch glass to add the analytical solutions to the flame. (DDR)

Presents the ninth story in a series of chemical mysteries with emphasis on forensic chemistry, physical properties, and qualitative organic analysis. The mystery centers around the adventures of Sherlock Holmes. (DDR)

A chemistry teacher describes the elements of the ideal chemistry textbook. The perfect text is focused and helps students draw a coherent whole out of the myriad fragments of information and interpretation. The text would show chemistry as the central science necessary for understanding other sciences and would also root chemistry firmly in the…

The primary focus of this participant-centered workshop was to introduce the student-centered classroom. Describes the model for the conference and issues addressed which include process as the missing element in the curriculum; peer-led learning teams; integrating chemistry, mathematics, and physics; writing as a learning tool in chemistry;…

Lavoisier showed that water was formed by chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. In Lavoisier's "Traite Elementaire" of 1789, he states that the reaction to form water requires exactly two volumes of hydrogen gas to react completely with one volume of oxygen gas. This was 20 years before Gay-Lussac studied the reactions between different…

Describes a demonstration of the principles of a voltaic cell using lemon cells to power a calculator and other items. A lemon fortified with a penny and a galvanized nail produces a potential of one volt. (PVD)

Illustrates that acid-base indicators come in many forms and the reversible effects that acids and bases have on the colors of such indicators. An object is dyed in an indicator, which causes the object to turn dark blue at pH less than 3.0 to 5.0. Suggests using dyeable fabric shoes and other cotton articles. (PVD)

Describes the Workshop Chemistry project, a coalition of faculty, students, and learning specialists, and the development of a peer-led team-learning model for teaching and learning chemistry. The model includes freedom to discuss and debate chemistry in a challenging yet supportive environment, connection to mentors, and the power of working as…