Differences in the status of ontological categories on the concept maps of secondary-, undergraduate- and graduate-level chemistry students were analyzed with the "Pathfinder" scaling algorithm and multidimensional scaling. Results indicate differences among groups in the structural significance of abstract process-related nodes and…

Describes an open-ended activity in which students try to determine the factors that contribute to an unusual chemical reaction. Uses a case study approach to show students how the presence of chlorine in tap water can interfere with a pH indicator. Includes assessment guidelines and extension activities. (WRM)

Discusses the role of chemical-equation problem solving in helping students predict reaction products. Methods for helping students learn this process must be taught to students and future teachers by using pedagogical skills within the content of chemistry. Emphasizes that solving chemical reactions should involve creative cognition where…

Describes the biochemical structure and functions of the enzyme chymosin. Presents activities to familiarize students with fundamental aspects of enzyme-substrate interaction. (WRM)

Presents a procedure for creating a colored superabsorbant polymer gel. Pieces of the gel can be used to demonstrate convection currents in heating water. (WRM)

Describes a chemistry-related board game that can be used to build nomenclature, equation-balancing, and product-predicting skills. (WRM)

Describes a first-year course in General Chemistry that incorporates the principles of active engagement and the learning cycle paradigm. Recommends student small-group instruction and guided-inquiry laboratory investigations. (WRM)

Describes a role-play activity designed to help students understand the energy changes involved in an exothermic reaction by modeling the concepts of bond-breaking takes in energy, activation energy, temperature rise, and bond breaking gives out energy. (WRM)

Gives a rationale for, and benefits of, having preservice science teachers conduct a science exhibition for high school students and teachers. Provides organizational hints and recommendations. (WRM)

Develops a history and philosophy of science framework based on a rational reconstruction of experimental observations that led to the Millikan-Ehrenhaft controversy, and evaluates 31 chemistry books for coverage of the controversy. Finds that most books lacked a history and philosophy of science perspective and did not adequately address several…

Describes a constructivist chemistry laboratory approach based on students' personal experiences where students had the opportunity to develop their own experimental processes. Points out both the fruitfulness and difficulties of using a graduate student as a teaching assistant. (YDS)

Explains why it is important for chemistry educators to know about metacognition, provides some examples to illustrate main points, and discusses some instructional tools that have been employed to promote metacognition in introductory science courses. (Contains over 50 references.) (WRM)

Presents a project in which students create a chemistry resources World Wide Web page. Responds to the goal of applying new computer technology to student learning in a meaningful way. Emphasizes the role of planning and preparation in student projects. (DDR)

Provides an activity in which students create small classroom factories and investigate several aspects of production including design, engineering, quality control, waste management, packaging, shipment, and communication. (DDR)

Student-led workshops are helping undergraduate students learn from each other as they tackle organic chemistry. Each week, small groups brainstorm tough problems in sessions guided by upper-class students who have taken and passed the course. Debating and discussing chemistry problems with peers engages students with the material and boosts…