Illustrates how a novel problem of chemical equilibrium based on a closely related sequence of items can facilitate students' conceptual understanding. Students were presented with a chemical reaction in equilibrium to which a reactant was added as an external effect. Three studies were conducted to assess alternative conceptions. (Author/SAH)

Compares students' perceptions of laboratory classes in chemistry and biology using the Science Laboratory Environment Inventory (SLEI). Results indicate significant differences on the subscales of "integration" and "open-endedness." Suggests that the SLEI can be considered as a sensitive tool to measure students' perceptions…

Investigates reasoning strategies students use in solving stoichiometric problems and explores the relation between these strategies and alternative conceptions, prior knowledge, and cognitive variables. Results show how stoichiometric relations produce conflicting situations for students leading to conceptual misunderstanding of certain concepts.…

Introduces the American Renaissance in Science Education (ARISE) project. Discusses factors influencing the project's success. (YDS)

Observes an eighth grade science class in two overlapping perspectives: an action orientation and a discourse orientation. Reports that the teacher's actions encouraged univocal discourse between students and their reproductive understanding of scientific concepts. Concludes that before a class can become more like a scientific discourse…

Discusses the GIRLS (Gifted, Intelligent, Real-Life Scientists) Science Camp. (YDS)

Addresses the distinction between conceptual and algorithmic learning and the clarification of what is meant by a second-tier student. Explores why novice learners in chemistry and physics are able to apply algorithms without significant conceptual understanding. (DDR)

Argues that reduction in the use of antibiotics would enable antibiotic-sensitive bacteria to flourish. Presents an activity designed to show students how a small, seemingly unimportant difference in doubling time can, over a period of time, make an enormous difference in population size. (DDR)

Reports on a teacher's changing perceptions during a collaborative, two-year interpretive research project involving two researchers, herself, and her students. Uses the collaborative approach between teacher and researchers to promote students' theory-evidence coordination and use of word explanations with an emphasis on developing and critiquing…

This study used an alternating treatments design to evaluate the effect of three teaching practices: "response cards," (RC) "numbered heads together," (NHT) and "whole group question and answer" (WGQA) on 6th graders' daily quiz scores and pretest-posttest performance in chemistry. Results indicated that both RC and NHT were superior to the…

Presents a demonstration that is a safe blend of two other vivid and memorable demonstrations. Combines two exothermic reactions involving granulated sugar to devise a reaction that produces a small amount of smoke and a growing column of black carbon. (DDR)

Discussion of technological innovation and the process of design focuses on the design of computer software. Offers a framework for understanding the design process by examining two computer programs: FliPS, a multimedia program for learning complex problems in chemistry; and Tiger, a Web-based program for managing and publishing electronic…

Presents an activity in which students observe gelatin samples treated with substances that may or may not have an enzymatic effect on the protein on the gelatin. (WRM)

Describes the construction of a conductivity meter that includes a timer and a readout display that provides semiquantitative information. The meter can be made into a hand-held or lecture hall (demonstration) version. (WRM)

Investigates the views of 10 university chemistry lecturers, 85 pre-service chemistry teachers, and 23 chemistry students on the particulate level of a chemical reaction. (Author/CCM)