An introductory guide to deducing the mechanism of chemical reactions is presented. Following a typical workflow for probing reaction mechanism, the guide introduces a wide range of kinetic and mechanistic tools. In addition to serving as a broad introduction to mechanistic analysis for students and researchers, the guide has also been used by…

Describes various uses for balloons in chemistry instruction, such as their use as stirring devices, gas reservoirs, sources of carbon dioxide, and as atomic models. (CS)

Provides short descriptions of chemists' applications of computers in instruction: an interactive instructional program for Instrumental-Qualitative Organic Analysis; question-and-answer exercises in organic chemistry; computerized organic nomenclature drills; integration of theoretical and descriptive materials; acid-base titration simulation;…

Discusses the concept of equilibrium in chemical systems, particularly in relation to predicting the position of equilibrium, predicting spontaneity of a reaction, quantitative applications of the equilibrium constant, heterogeneous equilibrium, determination of the solubility product constant, common-ion effect, and dissolution of precipitates.…

Discussed are some of the issues which were considered when the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry revised its guide to notation in physical chemistry. Included are the choice between SI and non-SI units and choosing sensible names and symbols for quantities. (CW)

This paper reports on the success of a laboratory teaching technique for teaching undergraduate chemistry. Discussed are the premises of the approach, and the use of the computer, the explorations, and the seminar which are included in the course. (CW)

Described is a procedure by which the performance of chemical hoods can be tested. This procedure uses a mixture of dry ice and water to create a "smoke" for use in the test. Implications for sash design, performance evaluations and testing under standard and nonstandard conditions are discussed. (CW)

An overview of a program to overcome the lack of activity and relevancy in the elementary school by providing elementary students with hands-on science experiments that they can complete at home is given. Activities for second- and third-grade students are described and results are discussed. (CW)

Described is an experiment involving the synthesis and spectral studies of cobalt complexes that not only give general chemistry students an introduction to inorganic synthesis but allows them to conduct a systematic study on the effect of different ligands on absorption spectra. Background information, procedures, and experimental results are…

The synthesis of 4-acetylbiphenyl on a semimicroscale for use as an organic laboratory exercise is described. Materials, experimental procedures, and results are discussed. Sample NMR spectra used in the resulting analysis are provided. (CW)

Discussed are the results of a teacher training workshop on problem solving and classroom demonstrations. The materials and topics used in the workshop are listed. Suggestions for using problem solving and classroom demonstrations are provided. (CW)

Described is a five-week introductory inorganic laboratory course for first-year undergraduate students. Included are details of three preparations and three analyses conducted by the students in the course. (CW)

Describes a full day of chemistry fun and competition for high school chemistry students. Notes teams have five students from each high school. Lists five competitive events for each team: titration, qualitative analysis, balancing equations, general chemistry quiz, and quantitative analysis with atomic absorption spectroscopy. (MVL)

Discusses the problems of grading an organic laboratory course. Proposes that the grade should be based as: products--30 percent of the grade; notebooks--30 percent of the grade; exams and final report--40 percent of the grade. Gives an exception policy for special considerations. (MVL)

Describes the Center for Chemistry Education (CCE) model for teacher development. Provides three examples of professional development programs that were taken primarily from three CCE initiatives that include Teaching Science with Toys, Partners for Terrific Science, and Science Integration in Today's Elementary Schools. (Contains 12 references.)…