Uses a two-tier, multiple-choice diagnostic instrument to determine (n=915) grade 10 students' understanding of the acid, base, and salt reactions involved in basic qualitative analysis. Reports that many students did not understand the formation of precipitates and the complex salts, acid/salt-base reactions, and thermal decomposition involved in…

Investigates whether introductory college chemistry students today differ from those a generation ago in terms of Piagetian cognitive functioning, aptitude, and achievement, and whether the gender differences in Piagetian cognitive development functioning found in 1981 are still evident today. Suggests that today's students are different in a…

Discusses the use of models as an instructional method in science classrooms and makes suggestions on how to use models more effectively. (Contains 28 references.) (Author/YDS)

Explores secondary school, undergraduate, and graduate level learners' mental models of bonding with ionic substances through an interview protocol involving the use of physical substances and a focus card containing depictions of ionic bonding and structure. Suggests that teachers and university faculty need to provide stronger links between the…

Provides an overview of this section of the journal devoted to Perspectives on Chemistry Journals, based on papers presented at the Tri-Society Symposium on Chemical Information (Los Angeles, CA, June 9, 2002). Focuses on the impact of electronic journals on chemistry libraries, from publishers' and librarians' points of view. (LRW)

Describes research techniques in chemistry education that are based on listening to learners. Gives a brief history of think-aloud techniques and works through an example study to show considerations that must be made when doing this kind of research. Issues raised include conceptualization of research studies, preparation for their…

Describes a method of incorporating a suggestion box into freshmen chemistry lectures that has been successful in bringing the subject matter closer to the students' real-life experiences by inspiring them to look around and realize how chemistry affects their lives. Provides the instructor with fast lecture feedback and new curriculum ideas. (JRH)

Presents a list of six concepts that form the basis of modern chemistry and that should be included in introductory chemistry courses. Discusses atoms, molecules, and ions; the chemical bond; molecular shape and geometry; kinetic theory; the chemical reaction; and energy and entropy. (JRH)

Presents an engineering design problem that can be solved with the application of relatively simple mathematical concepts. The problem involves the design of a bulk liquid chemical storage facility. Students are told to store a given volume of liquid while considering wall height, thickness, and maintenance access. (DDR)

Describes two variations of an air sampler and analyzer that are inexpensive to construct, easy to operate, and designed to be used in an educational program. Variations use vacuum cleaners and aquarium pumps, and white facial tissues serve as filters. Samples of air pollution obtained by this method may be used from early grade school to advanced…

Studies the effect of gender on a computer-based approach to solving stoichiometric chemical equations. Implies that the feedback provided by the software might have had an effect on reducing the gender gap. However, upon closer examination, the results showed that the correctness means for males were higher than that for females, and the rate of…

Investigates the effectiveness of Student-Team Achievement Division (STAD) for teaching chemistry in randomly selected high school classes in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Also examines the differences among groups with regard to gender, geographic area, and ability. Findings indicate that STAD is a more effective teaching method than…

Focuses on practices related to the use of a microcomputer-based laboratory (MBL) in a high school chemistry course in which students studied gases and kinetic theory. Reports that little or no higher order thinking was employed as students engaged in using the MBL and that some alternative conceptions were still evident. (Contains 42 references.)…

Describes educational changes targeting the science curriculum in Africa in response to dissatisfaction with the educational system. Attempts to qualitatively analyze and reflect on the newly introduced chemistry curriculum for beginners at grade 7 (age 13) in Ethiopian primary schools. (Contains 40 references.) (Author/YDS)

Reports on a study designed to: (a) show how the importance of the history of chemistry has been recognized in the classroom; (b) demonstrate how criteria based on history and philosophy of science can be used to evaluate the presentation of atomic structure in general chemistry textbooks; and (c) compare new (1970-1992) and old textbooks…