Here, we propose a laboratory exercise to quickly determine single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in human "alcohol dehydrogenase 1B (ADH1B)" and "aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2)" genes involved in alcohol metabolism. In this exercise, two different genotyping methods based on polymerase chain reaction (PCR), namely…

Thermal cameras have shown to have utility in secondary school classrooms and undergraduate courses. In this paper, the author argues for their potential in the primary school classroom and presents a range of activities that can be undertaken with thermal cameras (or supplied images). With limited access in mind, the activities in this paper have…

Science educators now broadly recognize the multimodal nature of learning in science, where learners make meanings within modes (linguistic, mathematical, visual, and actional) by using the conventions of different sign systems or grammars in these modes. However, how teachers guide students to link and infer new meanings across modes, called…

Learning media is a tool that makes it easier for educators to convey material to students effectively and efficiently to improve the quality of learning. Biology subjects in the essential enzymes and cell metabolism competencies require precision and accuracy, so appropriate learning media are needed. Booklets are a medium that can make it easier…

A novel teaching approach is aimed at elucidating the concept of bond enthalpy for general chemistry students. Through the integration of a hands-on candy pulling activity, students in a large lecture class were provided a tangible experience to explore bond strengths using rope candy and a luggage scale. Feedback from students indicated a clear…

Aristotle's wheel paradox is a fascinating example of a classical puzzle that can pique a student's interest. The existing explanations in the literature are limited to discussions of the wheel trajectory; in this paper, we study the paradox from the viewpoint of motion decomposition, an approach we consider more intuitive. The motion of the point…

The electric field inside a uniformly charged long cylindrical shell is a standard example discussed in introductory university physics. The field is zero inside the cylinder; outside of the cylinder, the field behaves like a long wire at the center carrying the same amount of charge per unit length, analogous to that of a uniformly charged…

Changing where, when, and how objects are studied is central to lab-based science (Knorr Cetina, 1999). Science involves changing the scale of objects--particularly scales of size, time, and intensity--from what is experienced in the world. Similar to investigations conducted in science laboratories, classroom investigations involve…

A symmetry activity using student-built models was developed in line with faculty-developed pedagogical goals and a collaborative learning framework. The activity took place in a 3-h laboratory portion of an upper-division inorganic chemistry course. It required students to identify symmetry elements for seven molecules using common 2D…

Cyclopropane can be hydrogenated to produce propane under moderately high temperatures ([tilde]175 [degrees]C). Using a nanoparticle palladium catalyst, undergraduate students can explore the reaction and draw conclusions regarding the conditions for reaction. When deuterium is used, conclusions pertaining to the reaction mechanism are possible.…

Three computer-based activities focusing on fundamentals of binding interactions are described that are powered by Desmos, freely available web-based software. The software allows the instructor to monitor the progress of each student completing the activity by privately viewing their answers in real time, to enforce class pacing by modulating…

Climate change is a critical scientific and social issue of our time, yet the topic is not frequently discussed by the general public. Additionally, misconceptions about the topic persist. One important aspect of climate change is the greenhouse effect. This activity adds a greenhouse gas discussion to an existing module about molecular shape and…

In this activity, students observe chemical and physical properties of elements using an online periodic table, where these properties were shown numerically and by colors. Then the elements were divided into metals, nonmetals, and metalloids, and their periodic properties were visualized using statistical concepts such as normality, kurtosis,…

The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the influence of science volunteering initiatives on the experiences of women and their subsequent inclination to continue volunteering. The research sought to examine the impact of particular social cognitive variables on their eagerness to partake in events and organizations. The study…

This research reports on implementing the integrated laboratory work to achieve effective learning in the biochemistry course. The integrated laboratory work includes three stages: pre-laboratory, lab work, and post-laboratory. In other words, the three stages include planning, implementing, and evaluating investigation activities in the…