Describes a course, "Great Ideas in Science," for undergraduate nonscience major students. The course emphasizes a few key overarching concepts in physics, chemistry, geology, and biology to introduce students to the essential aspects of science without getting involved in the complex vocabulary or rigorous mathematical derivations. (PR)

The principles of magma addition and liquid layering in magma chambers can be demonstrated by dissolving colored crystals. The concepts of density stratification and apparent lack of mixing of miscible liquids is convincingly illustrated with hydrous solutions at room temperature. The behavior of interstitial liquids in "cumulus" piles…

Demonstrations to help students change their misconceptions about chemical bond breaking are presented. Students' misconceptions about chemical bonds in both biological and chemical systems are discussed. A calculation for the release of energy from respiration is presented. (KR)

Hands-on activities that use water, candles, powders found in the kitchen, and bubbles to provide a lesson on chemical change are presented. Directions for conducting the activities and a list of needed supplies are provided. (KR)

Explored are ways in which spreadsheets can be used in the teaching of chemistry. Some of the limitations of using algebraic modelling tools are highlighted. Several example applications are provided. (CW)

Determined was the effect that cooperative groups heterogeneously based on proportional reasoning ability have on problem solving in regular and honors high school chemistry. Characteristics of successful and unsuccessful problem solvers individually and in groups are discussed. (KR)

Discussed are expert systems development and teaching, the representation and processing of knowledge, knowledge representation in chemical engineering, and expert systems in chemical engineering. The seven phases of expert system development are illustrated. (CW)

Discusses searching from remote workstations by novice undergraduate users based on experiences at Furman University (South Carolina). Highlights include CD-ROM databases versus online searching, including costs; electronic resources at Furman University, including a special lab for biology and chemistry majors; front-end search aids; and software…

Discusses some of the definitions of successful instruction stated or implied by researchers in science education and examines reasons for the diversity of definitions. Describes how a high school chemistry teacher decides whether his or her instruction is successful and how these assessments influence instructional practices. (PR)

Explains how a useful stereo image for overhead projection can be easily produced using technology available to most teachers. Red and green transparency films and red/green glasses are used to produce the three-dimensional view. (PR)

Provides a student worksheet and set-up instructions for a science experiment to demonstrate the concept of density. Students are asked to explain the phenomenon in which a liquid of lower density placed in the bottom of two vertical flasks flows up to replace the liquid of higher density in the upper flask. (MDH)

Presents an activity that demonstrates the physical and chemical changes that occur during the operation of a wet cell battery as it produces an electrical current. Provides instructions for the lesson. (MDH)

This study investigated sex differences in chemical problem solving among Nigerian secondary school chemistry students (100 males and 100 females). Male students excelled over the female students in the following problem-solving processes: (1) problem understanding; (2) construction and execution of solution plans; (3) exhibition of structural…

Argues that consideration should be given to whether teaching solubility product calculations is at all useful. Claims that experienced teachers seriously misunderstand and misuse solubility product calculations. (DDR)

Explores the changing nature of upper secondary school science subject enrollments over two decades. Discusses the fact that enrollments in chemistry, physics, and biology increased up until 1991 and declined from 1992-1995. (DDR)