In this article, we tackle the phenomenon of what seems to be a misunderstanding between science education theory and philosophy of science--one which does not seem to have received any attention in the literature. While there seems to be a consensus within the realm of science education on limiting or altogether denying the explanatory role of…

Electricity and magnetism are fundamentally interconnected, as represented by the symmetry in Maxwell's equations. Much of the research on Gauss's and Ampere's laws has focused on their application in calculating electric or magnetic fields. However, there remains a significant gap in the literature in exploring these laws in a broader…

Herein, we present an integrated upper division chemistry laboratory experiment involving the synthesis, characterization, and evaluation of catalytic metal--organic frameworks (MOFs). Experiments are designed to facilitate the solvothermal synthesis and characterize MOFs, including UiO-66, UiO-66-NH[subscript 2], and UiO-66-NO[subscript 2]. The…

Current science education reform efforts have identified sensemaking as an important goal of science education, and science education researchers have studied what constitutes the sensemaking process in the science classroom. Because the studies of sensemaking are loosely linked to those of scientific reasoning, however, they have provided little…

Modeling is a core practice in science and is a meaningful way to learn the subject. This article introduces a modeling-based approach that highlights the idea that modeling is an iterative process and integrates the fundamental parts of scientists' work and key suggestions for teaching through modeling. The lesson "The Structure and Function…

We use a validated conceptual multiple-choice survey instrument focusing on thermodynamic processes and the first and second laws of thermodynamics at the level of introductory physics to investigate the problem-property dependence of introductory and advanced student responses to introductory thermodynamics problems after traditional…

The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated changes in educational strategy, including modification of assessments. Students in the Master of Biomedical Sciences (MBS) program at Duke University School of Medicine are required to take a course entitled "Organ Systems" (OS), which includes organ histology. In pre-pandemic circumstances, cumulative…

Observational practice is discussed as a substitute for physical practice for motor learning and adaptation. We systematically reviewed the literature on observational practice in reaching and aiming tasks. Our objectives were to identify (i) performance differences between observational and physical practice; (ii) factors that contribute to…

Many undergraduate chemistry and biochemistry students pursue careers in healthcare. Biomaterials, designed to harmonize with the complexity of the human body, have become increasingly significant in medicine as implants, drug delivery vehicles and tissue scaffolds. We believe it is essential that undergraduates are exposed to biomaterial…

The rapid development of technology in the Industrial Revolution 4.0 has made it necessary for students to master technology and have data literacy and technology literacy skills. However, initial studies show that the data and technology literacy of grade XI high school students is still relatively low. This study aimed to investigate the…

In this article we analyze the classic Hodgkin and Keynes 1955 paper describing investigations of the independence principle, with the expectation that there is much students and educators can learn from such exercises, most notably how the authors applied their diverse skill set to tackling the numerous obstacles that the study presented. The…

As an introduction to quadrupolar effects in NMR spectroscopy, students use low field ([superscript 1]H, 60 MHz), benchtop [superscript 13]C NMR spectroscopy to contrast the spin-spin coupling behavior of [superscript 13]C to the dipolar [superscript 1]H and quadrupolar [superscript 2]D in familiar solvents C(H/D)Cl[subscript 3], C(H/D)[subscript…

Redox reaction is a core chemical concept. However, its abstract nature makes it very difficult for students. Students' conceptual structure reflects their mastery of concepts, which helps teachers implement targeted educational strategies. This study aimed to explore the conceptual structures of redox reaction held by students (grades 10 to 12)…

This study contributes to the growing body of research on the role of crosscutting concepts (CCCs) in three-dimensional teaching and learning by examining the complexity of elementary preservice teachers' (PSTs) knowledge for teaching related to CCCs. The researchers used qualitative methods to analyze PSTs' responses to a questionnaire about CCCs…

Past research repeatedly revealed students' struggles to understand chemical equilibria, especially concerning their dynamic nature. Black-box simulations have proven to be helpful here. However, the effect is strongly dependent on the quality of teaching, the design principles of which are not yet fully known. One aspect of debate concerns the…