A simple synthesis of fluorescent carbon quantum dots from lemon juice is described to introduce advanced high-school students and undergraduate college students to nanoparticle synthesis and quantum dots. The synthesis is based on the carbonization of lemon juice using only a hot plate stirrer. Column chromatography is used to separate different…

A thematic course called "Climate Change: Chemistry and Controversy" was developed for upper-level non-STEM students. This course used the socioscientific context of climate change to teach chemical principles and the nature of science. Students used principles of agnotology (direct study of misinformation) to debunk climate change…

Radiation is an important aspect of daily life. We interact with radiation from several sources, both natural and manmade, and in fact life on Earth depends on it. Although the general population, and students in particular, can recognize its importance, it is not clear whether they understand its meaning. Bearing these considerations in mind, a…