As one high school teacher found, allowing students to use preferred learning modalities can increase their enthusiasm, raise their achievement levels, and foster growth in other intelligences. This article shows how two students demonstrated their mastery of nuclear and organic chemistry by using kinesthetic and spatial problem-solving…

Many students of chemistry demonstrate alternative conceptions about some fundamental aspects of chemistry. Suggests that research evidence provides strong support for this view. Contains 45 references. (DDR)

Reports the findings of a study that suggest that alternative ideas can form part of a progression toward a scientifically acceptable model. Argues that teaching may be inadvertently promoting alternative ideas as endpoints. Contains 38 references. (DDR)

Focuses on the kidnapping of a child whose fingerprints were not found inside the crime vehicle. Discusses the investigation that followed and led to knowledge of the differences between the fingerprints of children and adults. (DDR)

Presents results of a study on the speech act of definition in chemistry texts within two genres investigating whether or not it can serve as a criterion to differentiate the two genres. A random sample of 60 texts written by different writers served as the corpus of the study. Results suggest that definitions often cluster together in textbooks,…

Reports the results of a study that compared two concept-mapping techniques, one high-directed, "fill-in-the-map" and one low-directed, "construct-a-map-from-scratch". Examines whether: (1) skeleton map scores were sensitive to the sample; (2) the two types of skeleton maps were equivalent; and (3) the two mapping techniques provided similar…

Discusses using time effectively in chemistry instruction, planning instruction to compete for students' time, and whether the time needed for expertise will increase or decrease over the next few years. (Contains 13 references.) (ASK)

Reaction stoichiometry calculations have always been difficult for students. Offers the use of a mole ratio flow chart (MRFC) as a logistical sequence of steps that incorporates molar proportions as alternative problem solving techniques to improve student understanding. Indicates that MRFC users performed as well on exam problems covering…

Describes the characteristics and values of hypermedia for learning chemistry. Reports on how a hypermedia environment was used to explore a group of 11th grade chemistry students' conceptions of table salt dissolving in water. Indicates that a hypermedia environment can be used to explore, negotiate, and assess students' conceptions of…

Reports on a study, Project REMODEL, that implemented and evaluated innovations in lecture, laboratory, and assessment for students in the introductory sequence for undergraduate chemistry. Results indicate that special sessions and conceptual exam questions can improve students' abilities to work successfully with both concepts and algorithms.…

Describes the "One-Minute Paper," a teaching strategy used to encourage active learning by students and provide feedback to teachers. Enables the professor to establish a rapport with a large class of students and provides the professor with an insight into student difficulties and perceptions of the lecture material. (JRH)

Discusses two students' discovery that both of their answers to a computation for E in a chemical reaction in electrochemistry were correct, that there was not a unique answer, and that the textbook had presented only one of the possible answers to the problem. (MKR)

Investigates the effect of Pen-Point and Powerbook computers on solving a multiple-step chemistry problem among white, Afro-American, and Hispanic students. Results suggest that the Pen-Point computer has a more positive effect on the problem- solving performance and attitude of students towards computers than the Powerbook computer. Contains 14…

States that the shift in meaning of the Periodic Table to represent regularities in the electron distribution in the shells of atoms can result in confusion between elements and atoms. (DDR)

Reviews the interests and inventions of Robert Bunsen. Describes the constant water level bath, suction pump, absorptiometer, and diffusiometer. Contains 16 references. (DDR)