Investigates chemistry topics necessary to facilitate the study of biochemistry in U.S. medical schools. Lists topics considered especially important and topics considered especially unimportant in general chemistry and organic chemistry. Suggests that in teaching undergraduate general or organic chemistry, the topics categorized as exceptionally…

Presents a detailed procedure for finding an empirical formula from ion exchange chromatography and colorimetry. Introduces students to more varied techniques including volumetric manipulation, titration, ion-exchange, preparation of a calibration curve, and the use of colorimetry. (JRH)

Presents the details of a waste treatment experiment that enables students to employ much of the chemistry they have learned in class to solve a real chemical problem. Heightens students' awareness of the potential environmental impact associated with the waste they have generated. Contains 21 references. (JRH)

States that science courses present modern derived knowledge to be learned and applied to exercises. Proposes looking at the process of problem solving as an exercise in the scientific method against a historical background in social context with information about personalities involved. Uses an example moving from vague concept of element to a…

Describes a recent experimental class format entitled Chemistry and the Human Environment, which was designed as an interesting yet comprehensive chemistry course for nonscience students. Topics illustrate chemical underpinnings of social problems of interest to students. Concludes that course content must change with time to remain effective and…

Describes a classroom demonstration that shows that a reaction between two solids cannot only take place at room temperature but can go to completion in a very short time. The reaction can be completed in 15 minutes. (PVD)

Describes the design of a new laboratory course that calls for experiments to be grouped in clusters. Each cluster has a unifying theme which gives coherence to the experiments. Other important guidelines in design were the use of computers, introduction of microscale chemistry, and use of instrumentation. Cluster examples include Carbon Is Number…

Describes a freshman laboratory program designed to interface between the substances that surround students in their ordinary lives and abstract principles presented in chemistry classrooms. Course organization is based on the nature of the materials themselves, which include household chemicals such as hydrogen peroxide, food and beverages, pills…

Describes a low-cost four-color LED photometer developed to overcome the rising cost of laboratory equipment used in general chemistry labs and introduce instrumentation at the undergraduate level. The photometer detects absorbance at selected wavelengths of visible light but retains the advantages of a dual-beam system. The unit is compact and…

Describes basic misconceptions about the origin of elements and forms of matter found in chemistry texts that need modification in light of modern observational data and interpretations given in astronomy. Notes that there are forms of matter other than elements and compounds. Confounding examples from astronomy include white dwarfs, neutron…

Describes the use of concept maps as a metacognitive tool to help chemistry teachers and learners improve teaching and learning. Concept maps were used in response to changes in the conceptions of the nature of scientific knowledge and in how learning occurs. Concept maps are valuable in documenting and exploring the restructuring of conceptual…

Analyzes the enrollment patterns in chemistry during the first part of this century. Shows that the early progress of women in the first two decades of this century was not sustained and that a decrease in women's participation in all fields of chemistry was seen in the next few decades. Suggests explanations for these findings. (JRH)

Discusses the importance of fostering critical thinking in chemistry. Presents strategies to improve critical thinking that were used in general chemistry for science and engineering majors, a similar course for less-prepared science and engineering majors, and a course for nonscience students. (JRH)

Describes the electronic homework system that provides individual students with a disk of programs that they can use to generate personalized problem sets. Discusses the advantages of this approach and the nature of computerized problems. (JRH)

Describes the design of a biochemistry course that uses problem-based learning. Provides opportunities for students to question, dispute, confirm, and disconfirm their understanding of basic concepts. Emphasizes self-correction through dialogue. Topics covered include amino acids, metabolic pathways and inherited disease, proteins, enzymes and…