Describes two examples where synthetic salt-base mixtures are used in a microscale organic laboratory program as a simple and quick procedure for carrying out Wittig reactions. Both experimental procedures are outlined and discussed. (TW)

Highlights aspects of safety that are unfamiliar to most laypersons and to many chemists as well. Presents findings that may lend themselves to presentation in chemistry classes. Details flammability tests, vapor space hazards, and the special case of gasoline containers. Provides experimental data relating vent area and internal pressure. (CW)

Describes a procedure for constructing point groups based on the symmetric parent molecules of methane and adamantane. Intended for use in teaching concepts such as subgroups and cosets to beginners in group theory. (TW)

Describes the preparation of selected aldehydes and ketones, alcohols, amines, phenols, haloalkanes, and tertiaryamines by differential scanning calorimetry. Technique is advantageous because formation of the reaction product occurs and the melting point of the product is obtained on the same sample in a short time with no additional purification…

Gives an overview of Science-Technology-Society (STS) education, which views scientific and technological progress as social processes. An STS course called Social Organic Chemistry is described as a replacement for Application of Organic Chemistry in a teachers' college. The course addresses the application of the principles and fundamentals of…

Discussed are four major advantages to the use of microscale laboratories for teaching chemistry. Included are effects on waste generation, laboratory safety, reagent variety, and laboratory efficiency. (CW)

Describes a possible exam or homework problem for a physical chemistry course. Investigates the temperature and concentration dependence of homogeneous chemical equilibria. Provides acceptable solutions. Offers a computer program able to provide partial credit on questions requiring four-seven sequenced items. Program available from author. (MVL)

Presents the mechanistic ideas underlying reactions between nucleophiles and carbonyl compounds as well as some popular misconceptions. Relates reactions of carboxylic acid derivatives to those of aldehydes and ketones. Discusses leaving group ability and the ability of carbonyl oxygen to accept a negative charge. (Author/MVL)

Presents a halogen substitution of an alkane using a compartmentalized Petri dish or Conway dish on an overhead projector. Provides methodology and several modifications for different reactions. Uses hexane, methyl orange, bromine, and silver nitrate. (MVL)

Recounts a high school chemistry lab explosion while distilling alcohols. Proposes peroxide formation in older samples of alcohols as the cause. Lists commonly found laboratory alcohols and their peroxide concentrations. Discusses methodology for both detecting and removing peroxides. (MVL)

Selective illustrative examples of students' learning difficulties and misconceptions in first-year general and organic chemistry are presented in the students' terms, followed by strategies the author uses to overcome the difficulties. Suggests that student misconceptions in first-year chemistry are not interrelated logically and are not prone to…

Provides examples of how concept mapping can be used to help overcome misconceptions in college chemistry. (PR)

The demonstrations presented in this article relate to everyday life, address interdisciplinary aspects, and have implications for the life sciences. Topics of the demonstrations are electricity calculations, astronomy, electrolysis of water, ester synthesis from butyric acid and pentanol, catalysis, and minerals. (PR)

Classroom demonstrations are a great vehicle for getting students to apply information they have heard in a lecture. Educational research is replete with data showing that concept application in an inquiry setting reinforces long-term science content retention. This means that students learn best when they experience applications of concepts and…

Reviews three computer software packages for Apple II computers. Includes "Simulation of Hemoglobin Function,""Solution Equilibrium Problems," and "Thin-Layer Chromatography." Contains ratings of ease of use, subject matter content, pedagogic value, and student reaction according to two separate reviewers for each…