Describes a convenient method of preparing chlorine water by mixing hydrochloric acid with sodium hypochlorite. (DKM)

Describes an approach for making chemistry relevant to everyday life. Involves the study of kinetics using the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide by vegetable juices. Allows students to design and carry out experiments and then draw conclusions from their results. (JRH)

Describes a study of freshman science majors (n=50) that explores the role of higher-order cognitive skills examinations in identifying misconceptions in chemistry. Discusses the use of such examinations in remediation via appropriate modification of teaching strategies. Contains 37 references. (DDR)

Presents experiments with polarized light for grades 8-12 which can produce colorful effects with a minimum of equipment and can illustrate many principles of physics, chemistry, and geology. (MKR)

Discusses some of the conceptual difficulties encountered by undergraduate students in learning certain aspects of chemical equilibrium and thermodynamics. Discusses teaching strategies for dealing with these difficulties. (JRH)

Describes the technique of exploding an oxygen-hydrogen balloon using two balloons and having students observe the formation of water droplets. Suggests that the Socratic Method can be used to start discussions related to stochiometry, states of matter, and gas laws. (DDR)

Describes an experiment designed to measure absolute zero using Charles' Law without the use of mercury. Provides the procedure and details of the apparatus and includes experimental results obtained using the apparatus. (DDR)

Provides examples and a summary of the results of a survey completed by nonscience majors (n=57). Students provided information about the importance of chemistry to their majors and argued their point of view in a paper. (DDR)

Describes a student research project that determined concentrations of lead in water drawn from selected drinking fountains and in selected soil samples on the campus of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. (18 references) (DDR)

Presents a project-based interdisciplinary unit involving chemistry, physics, English, and geometry in which students are charged with the task of building a boat that will carry one student across the school's pool and back. (JRH)

Discusses chemistry in the National Science Education Standards with regard to chemistry teaching, content, student achievement, educational standards, curriculum, interdisciplinary approach, and inquiry. Presents a model as an attempt to understand the level of chemistry in the standards. (JRH)

Presents a 4-week set of activities to engage 5th grade students in real-life applications of chemistry. Students solve a crime of theft through the use of mystery powders, chromatography, scientific analysis of cloth, and fingerprinting. (NB)

Helps middle school students understand the concept of solubility through hands-on experience with a variety of liquids and solids. As they explore factors that affect solubility and saturation, students gain content mastery and an understanding of the inquiry process. Also enables teachers to authentically assess student performance on several…

Presents an experiment that is quick and easy to prepare, visually striking, and amusing to students. Relates to several key chemical concepts including polarity, intermolecular forces, solubility, and spectrophotometry. (Author/NB)

Describes the design of an exercise to foster critical thinking skills in a freshman chemistry course. Emphasizes practical issues involved in the use and implementation of the rubric to promote critical thinking. The intellectual standards that define critical thinking skills are embedded in the rubric. (Author/NB)