Describes the design of a Common Molecules collection that provides interactive tools for 3-D visualization of molecules. The organizational design provides not only structural information, but also historical and/or key information on the properties of the molecules in the collection. Describes student use of the collection and the role of…

Describes a lab that introduces agarose electrophoresis techniques and basic information on proteins to middle school and high school students. Insists that, built around a scenario in which students must solve a crime, the lab has real-world applications that should spark student interest. (KHR)

Presents an activity that provides a way to cover the complex topic of mass spectrometry and connects with a discussion of the 2002 Nobel Prize in chemistry. (DDR)

Describes the five-cups activity in which students explore materials in the cups. Discusses the effects of this activity on students' understanding of the nature of evidence and the quality and evaluation of that evidence. Includes test results during class and overnight. (KHR)

Describes an experiment to illustrate the effect of food source and added nutrients (N) on microbial activity in the soil. Supplies include air-dried soil, dried plant material, sources of carbon and nitrogen, a trap such as KOH, colored water, and a 500-mL Erlenmeyer flask. Includes a diagram of an incubation chamber to demonstrate microbial…

Argues that many laboratory experiments are designed to be clever and challenging but instead are confusing and frustrating for most students. Describes the use of a teaching approach in English courses for chemistry laboratories in which students get to do the experiment for fun and practice, then meet with the teacher for discussion before…

Describes the development of the Science Outdoor Learning Environment Inventory which includes seven scales. The instrument was used by high school students (N=643) and the results indicate that the instrument is a sensitive measure that differentiates between different types of field trips. Contains 19 references. (DDR)

Describes the use of a simple process known as chromatography to separate and observe the color pigments in leaves, inks, and other materials. Provides some historical background and detailed procedures. (DDR)

Presents an activity that enables students to gain a better understanding of the importance of polymers. Students perform an experiment in which polymer chains of polyvinyl acetate form crosslinks. Includes background information and discussion questions. (DDR)

Presents numismatic experiments that cover a range of topics that tie physical science and chemistry to society and history. Discusses measuring length; measuring mass; metals, alloys, and amalgams; reactivity of metals and electrochemistry; reactions of metals with acids; money to burn; magnetic properties of coins; inertia; refraction;…

Describes the biochemistry component of study to become a medical technologist in a Chilean university. Provides details of program structure, course content descriptions, and teaching strategies. (DDR)

Considers the possible relations among instruction, content, and assessment. Presents a rationale for and examples of demonstration-based testing activities. Highlights student performance and reaction to these assessment methods. Contains 13 references. (JRH)

Presents information about the chemistry of color-changing markers. Discusses the importance of acid-base reactions and oxidation-reduction chemistry. (DDR)

Demonstrated in this article are some of the capabilities of a spreadsheet program using data obtained in gas law experiments and a computer interface system. The ability to organize and analyze data which a computer can provide for the student is emphasized. (KR)

Described is a solar science activity designed to show students how light energy can be directed to produce visible chemical changes by making sunprints. Included are the materials, procedure, and safety considerations. (KR)