We sometimes struggle with the question of whether our primary goal is for students to recall or understand answers to questions, or for students to do science and improve their "scientific temper". This article describes how an enquiry-based laboratory experiment was carried out in which the stress was on the latter. The students…

This article describes how a university and a museum have worked together to create a "How science works" workshop entitled "What's in our water?" The workshop teaches students about the continuing pollution from a disused coal mine, how the pollution is cleaned up using a state-of-the-art treatment works and how…

We often say that food and fuels "contain" energy, whereas energy is stored in the fuel-oxygen system generated during photosynthesis. This article suggests revised approaches to teaching that make a clear distinction between matter (food, fuel, oxygen) and energy. (Contains 1 table, 5 boxes, and 6 figures.)

Reviews the interests and inventions of Robert Bunsen. Describes the constant water level bath, suction pump, absorptiometer, and diffusiometer. Contains 16 references. (DDR)

Describes the chemistry of dyeing, including acid, basic, vat, and disperse dyes. Includes laboratory experiments. (MLH)

Discusses the difficulty of explaining the concept of entropy, and provides exercises, experiments, and discussions concerning entropy. (MLH)

Describes the construction of an amplifier and force transducer that can be used to demonstrate electrical activity in nerve and muscle using the gastrocnemius muscle and sciatic nerve of the frog. (MLH)

Suggests several mechanisms for catalysis by metal ion complexes. Discusses the principal factors of importance in these catalysis reactions and suggests reactions suitable for laboratory study. (MLH)

Describes eleven laboratory experiments, including the catalytic effect of copper in zinc-acid reaction; a study of the rate of polymerization of some aldehydes; and a demonstration automatic potentiometric titrator. (MLH)

Describes the difficulties that arise from teaching science to mixed ability groups where individualized instruction is emphasized. (BR)

Describes how social aspects of science can be incorporated into teaching soap and detergents in British secondary chemistry and general science courses. Historical background to the use and production of soap and the development of detergents are also presented. (HM)