Describes the physical and chemical structure of zeolites and presents a series of experiments demonstrating some of the properties of these chemicals, including investigations of the hardness of tap water and the water-softening capabilities of various laundry detergents. Contains 13 references. (WRM)

Describes a simple, small-scale experiment that can be applied at any stage in a chemistry course, including acid-base reactions, solubility, reaction rates, equilibrium, and problem solving. (WRM)

Reviews three projects that use a graphing calculator linked to a calculator-based laboratory device as a portable data-collection system for students in chemistry classes. Projects include Isolation, Purification and Quantification of Buckminsterfullerene from Woodstove Ashes; Determination of the Activation Energy Associated with the…

Describes the process of designing a continuing education workshop on chemical information instruction. Discusses tailoring material to the audience and setting; adapting instruction to the available technology, with the Web as a presentation tool; and lessons learned about effectively teaching chemical information. (AEF)

Reports on a study of the views of teachers and staff on the introduction of individual investigative work into the precollege, advanced-level chemistry courses in Great Britain. Contains 21 references. (DDR)

Describes a set of Mathcad instrument simulations and documents that introduce important concepts for instrumental analysis. Enables students to adjust parameters and optimize an instrument in a timely fashion. (DDR)

During the past three years, staff at the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy have developed a partial reconstruction of Whitehead's "one subject matter," a course reconnecting biology, chemistry, earth and space sciences, and physics into an integrated science program. Staff successfully overcame dilemmas regarding thematic…

Describes how to approach block scheduling of science classes. Discusses the planning process, specific activities that work well in longer science classes, and techniques for motivating students. (DDR)

Investigates the effects of teaching with an interactive tutorial multimedia unit on students' understanding of concepts presented in the unit and their perceptions of the learning environment. Discusses the results and concludes that the multimedia unit shows promising effects on students' acquisition of knowledge. (CMK)

Describes the development and implementation of a web-based software engine that selects from a database of questions for students to answer and provides immediate feedback for students and instructor. Discusses the results of using this technology in an organic chemistry section. (Contains 22 references.) (WRM)

Describes a study of high school students' and chemistry teachers' understanding of the gas laws which focused on the application of scientific concepts in practical situations instead of mathematical calculations in theoretical situations. (Contains 13 references.) (WRM)

Describes the implementation of problem-based learning (PBL) pedagogy in an undergraduate classroom. Briefly describes PBL philosophy and protocols, and gives guidance in choosing and integrating a PBL problem into the curriculum. Contains 13 references. (WRM)

Presents an analysis of undergraduate students' experiences in and attitudes toward small group learning in chemistry. Finds that small group learning activities provide a mechanism for students to build a feeling of community in the classroom. (Contains 21 references.) (WRM)

Argues that K-12 students in the United States will continue to lack essential science knowledge until teachers are more knowledgeable about science, science curricula are restructured, and more varied science books are available. Highlights print and Web resources dealing with earthquakes and volcanoes, the heart, science experiments at home, and…

Reports on a pilot study investigating 22 11-13 year old students' preferences for and interests in using animation and video when viewing examples of melting, boiling, and dissolving. (Author/MM)