Capillary electrophoresis is gradually working its way into the undergraduate laboratory curriculum. Typically, experiments utilizing this newer technology have been introduced into analytical or instrumental courses. The authors of this article have introduced an experiment into the introductory laboratory that utilizes capillary electrophoresis…

The approaches of teaching organic (full year) and biochemistry courses in the United States colleges and universities are described. The revised courses are probably more useful and relevant for the students as they maintain and improve the education of chemistry majors.

Presents an experiment that is quick and easy to prepare, visually striking, and amusing to students. Relates to several key chemical concepts including polarity, intermolecular forces, solubility, and spectrophotometry. (Author/NB)

Describes the design of an exercise to foster critical thinking skills in a freshman chemistry course. Emphasizes practical issues involved in the use and implementation of the rubric to promote critical thinking. The intellectual standards that define critical thinking skills are embedded in the rubric. (Author/NB)

Presents a variety of activities, assignments, and mentoring structures to address the challenges of teaching writing while at the same time delivering analytical chemistry content. Emphasizes the importance of students being able to communicate in the language of their chosen field. (Author/NB)

Describes an alternative approach to finding exactly solvable, one-dimensional quantum mechanical potentials. Differs from the usual approach in that instead of starting with a particular potential and seeking solutions to the related Schrodinger equations, it begins with known solutions to second-order ordinary differential equations and seeks to…

Recommends using educational technology to present images of chemical reactions to students instead of doing time-consuming live demonstrations. Uses a VCR to show hazardous chemical reactions, give instructions to organize students into groups, think about data, draw conclusions, and design an experiment. Reports that the quality of learning from…

Describes an alternative method for exploding hydrogen balloons as a classroom demonstration. Uses the method of igniting the balloons via an electronic match. Includes necessary materials to conduct the demonstration and discusses potential hazards. (SOE)

Identifies practical ways to introduce students to thermodynamic concepts, such as heat and mechanical energy. Introduces three different energy transformations that everyone should be able to envisage. (SOE)

Notes that beginning teachers mimic the teaching of their college instructors; however, not many of the strategies students observe and mimic are supported by recent reform efforts. Proposes that college and university science instructors must recognize their impact on science teacher education and adjust their strategies to be consistent with the…

Introduces chemistry laboratories in which students have the opportunity to conduct laboratory projects in multiple sessions that promote planning, thinking, technical performance, and responsibility. Defines the process of experimentation and its applications to science laboratories and describes successful project applications. (YDS)

Presents a mystery based on the well-known characters, Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson. Emphasizes qualitative inorganic analysis, laboratory observations, and oxidation-reduction processes. (Author/YDS)

Presents a scenario of a plane crash and asks students to identify passengers based on chemical compounds and passengers' health conditions. (YDS)

Presents a science activity on consumer chemistry in which students explore artificial flavors that are commonly used in foods, such as isoamyl acetate and methyl salicylate. Includes instructor information and a student worksheet. (YDS)

Presents a puzzle using chemical element clues leading to animal names. (YDS)