Science and storytelling have an uneasy relationship. The scientific community frequently disdains stories, seeing them as polluting the purity of objective communication of data. In the peer-review process, for example, scientists who tell stories with their data are seen as "embellish[ing] and conceal[ing] information to evoke a response in…

Many students probably know something about space from playing computer games or watching movies and TV shows. Teachers can expose them to the real thing by launching their experiments into near space on a weather balloon. This article describes how to use high-altitude ballooning (HAB) as a culminating project to a chemistry unit on experimental…

The number of students majoring in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) is declining due in part to a lack of student interest (Fairweather 2008; NRC 2012; PCAST 2010). One reason may be the difference between how science is done in school and how it is done in the field (Osborne, Simon, and Collins 2003). An interdisciplinary…

High school students have had some difficulties in understanding chemistry due to traditional ways of teaching this specific science. It is important to improve teaching methods that increase student motivation, not only to enhance their capacity for understanding, but also to generate a greater level of interest in the study of chemistry for…

Funded by innovative programs at the National Science Foundation and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Richmond faculty in biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics, and computer science teamed up to offer first- and second-year students the opportunity to contribute to vibrant, interdisciplinary research projects. The result was…

Thinking green is normal for the current generation of high school students, who have always had recycling bins in their classrooms and green themes in their assemblies, their lessons, and their television shows. It follows that sophisticated, multidisciplinary programs are now operating in schools throughout the country to educate students about…

Described is an inorganic chemistry course based on the premise that a balanced understanding of inorganic chemistry requires knowledge of the experimental, theoretical, and technological aspects of the subject. A detailed description of lectures and laboratories is included. (KR)

Inspired by the Salters Approach (UK) and ChemCom (USA), units for a new curriculum for chemistry teaching are being developed in Germany based on theories of scientific literacy, motivation, and situated learning. The curriculum follows a context-based approach. Rather than using the structure of the discipline, it generates basic chemical…

Recognizing that the vast majority of students will enter the chemical industry, an optional four-course sequence related to industrial chemistry was introduced. Program details are given along with information on how it was integrated into the curriculum of a small school with minimal staff size changes and limited facitlities. (JN)

Described is the "typical" curriculum necessary for graduation with a biochemistry degree from college. The information was synthesized from over 600 responses to a questionnaire sent to colleges and universities. Biochemical educators and scientists have been asked to review the curriculum and send comments. (KR)

Describes an undergraduate polymer laboratory program in which the laboratory simulates an industrial organization. The goals of the program are to foster an understanding of the properties of polymers and how they change, their preparation, and industrial application. (JN)

Describes a program designed to prepare students to work upon graduation in the industrial chemical field as chief chemists in production plants; in analytical laboratories; or in sales, management, or public relations within chemical firms. Also describes industry-college relationship established to achieve program objectives. (JN)

Described is a chemistry program for high school students in rural Pennsylvania administered by Juniata College. Support, programing, equipment, and management of this van-based program are discussed. The positive effects on the students, teachers, and the college community are stressed. (CW)

Describes an innovative freshman chemistry program in which course sequences have been designed to accommodate students with strong or weak chemistry backgrounds or with no previous chemistry at all. Includes information on courses offered, instructional strategies, and laboratory examinations. (JN)

An undergraduate research program in natural product synthesis was established at a small liberal arts college. Discusses program goals (including the total synthesis of maytansine), objectives, and accomplishments to date. Guidelines for establishing such programs are offered. (JN)