Proposes a new model for an academic chemistry library based on experiences at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in which primary access to journals is electronic and print journals are archived unbound in a remote storage facility following local access for one year. Discusses results of a feasibility study. (Author/LRW)

Provides an overview of the area of quantitative research in chemical education, which involves the same components that comprise chemical research: (1) a question or hypothesis; (2) research design; (3) data collection and analysis; and (4) interpretation of results. Includes questions of interest to chemical educators; areas of quantitative…

Discusses appropriate methodologies for investigating how learning occurs in the laboratory. Presents two techniques, concept mapping and V-diagramming, which can be effective research tools in probing students' understanding of chemical principles. These techniques can also be effective instructional tools that help students integrate lecture…

Outlines a strategy for the teaching of equilibrium in a poolside atmosphere. Illustrates the practical application of knowledge about equilibrium as demonstrated by pool staff as they satisfy the needs of both the swimmers and local health inspectors. (DDR)

Provides descriptions of a range of resources and methods that can be used to produce metals such as titanium, vanadium, chromium, manganese, iron, and molybdenum. Details on equipment and safety precautions are also outlined. (DDR)

Explains a series of experiments that enable students to discover the internal and external structure of the vanilla pod, isolate the chemical constituents of the pod, identify vanillin in the pod extract, and compare extracts across varieties of vanilla. (DDR)

Describes computer-animated sequences and interactive multimedia instructional programs for use in introductory chemistry which allow students to explore electrochemical cells. The workbench section enables students to manipulate the experimental apparatus, chemicals, and instruments in order to design and build an experiment. The interactive…

Describes a graduate seminar on race and ethnicity in the teaching of chemistry. Tables show representative titles from the course bibliography and course announcement for Chemistry 901, covering such issues as the culture of science and multicultural teaching strategies. Discusses course requirements and syllabus. Concludes with course feedback…

Presents a week-long unit of study that covers the concepts of acid base chemistry and involves students in a context in which that information is relevant. In this activity, students build a model swimming pool and must maintain the chemistry of their pool at safe levels. (DDR)

Describes a design for a hand-held conductivity tester powered by a 9V battery that gives semi-quantitative results for aqueous electrolyte solutions of concentrations ranging from 0.001 M to 0.1 M. The tester uses a bar-graph LED driven by an LM3914 integrated circuit to indicate the level of conductivity. A list of parts, procedures, and results…

Provides activities that explore the concept of solubility using correction fluid. Topics include oil versus water solubility and whole milk versus fat-free milk. (DDR)

Computer technology has afforded opportunities to design science curriculum experiences that capitalize on hypertext environments. Though these settings may provide students with flexibility as they explore science, the question remains, Does science inherently favor sequential approaches to curriculum? Addresses the tension this creates using an…

Describes design-based science, which aims to develop useful skills for a wide range of actual problem-solving situations involving science. Discusses units of design activities concerning the voltage and lifetime of batteries and the potential in science education. (KHR)

Explores teaching methods to improve students' understanding of quantitative chemistry and their ability to solve related problems using the Multidimensional Analysis System (MAS). Investigates the relationships between MAS-classified chemistry problems and student achievement in solving these problems. Shows that improvement in student…

Described is a seminar designed for graduating senior chemical engineering majors. The class structure, schedules, goals and objectives, homework assignments, course grading, and student comments are discussed. Listed are a questionnaire for evaluating mock interviews, talk topics, and job selection criteria as developed by the students. (CW)