A guided-inquiry project designed to teach students the basics of spectrophotometric instrumentation at the second year level is presented. Students design, build, program, and test their own single-wavelength, submersible photometer using low-cost light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and inexpensive household items. A series of structured prelaboratory…

Two introductory organic chemistry laboratory experiments are described based on the Diels-Alder reaction of 2,3,4,5-tetraphenylcyclopentadienone, which is synthesized prior to or in a one-pot reaction, with styrene. Students are presented with three possible products, the "endo" and "exo" diastereomers and the decarbonylated…

The Science Writing Heuristic (SWH) is an instructional technique that combines inquiry, collaborative learning, and writing to change the nature of the chemistry laboratory for students and instructors. The SWH provides a format for students to guide their discussions, their thinking, and writing about how science activities relate to their own…

Describes a project that can be used to encourage intellectual independence in students and teach them some of the inquiry procedures used in scientific research. Discusses procedures, safety precautions, and sample results. (CW)

Describes a method used to teach the concept of geologic time to introductory geology students using an inquiry-based approach. Students work in teams to obtain rock samples that are used to interpret the geologic history of a region. (SAH)

Describes attempts to adapt collaborative-learning techniques and a problem-solving approach to large introductory organic chemistry course sections at the University of Alberta. (WRM)

Discusses the recommendation in "Benchmarks for Science Literacy" and "National Science Education Standards" of teaching science through inquiry. Describes research focused on inquiry, investigation, and interpretation in a preservice science teacher preparation program. (Contains 14 references.) (YDS)