Describes a course for non-chemistry majors that uses a distance-education format. Utilizes lectures on videotape, electronic communication, thematic research assignments, and take-home lab projects. (DDR)

Reports on a study that explores student perspectives on the transfer to A-level chemistry from GCSE chemistry. Explores the attitudes of groups of new A-level chemistry students at a sixth-form college. (DDR)

Describes a way to teach chemistry students about research by studying the primary literature. This technique is an alternative to the classical approach and it came together in response to low student participation. (DDR)

Describes a chemistry information course developed at Oberlin College (Ohio) including team teaching by chemistry faculty and the science librarian, changes in course content, and guidelines set by the American Chemical Society. Course syllabus and sample assignments are appended. (LRW)

Discussion of cooperative learning focuses on how it can be used with course assignments that require students to use the chemical literature, based on experiences with undergraduate chemistry students at Earlham College (Indiana). Suggests factors to consider when developing cooperative learning exercises, including group dynamics and an emphasis…

Discussion of electronic journals focuses on the development of TESS (The Electronic Seminar System) at the Yale University chemistry library. TESS was envisioned as a way for graduate students and faculty to virtually interact with articles digitized from print literature, enhanced with hypertext links. Responses to a survey evaluation are…

Offers suggestions for incorporating topics that relate to the Apollo 13 space mission into a chemistry course. Discusses connections between the study of chemistry and space exploration, including fuels and oxidants used, reasons for an oxygen tank rupture, and lithium hydroxide-containing carbon dioxide filters. Contains 11 references. (WRM)

Explains instructions for creating an oil-spill simulation activity in which students are challenged to clean up the spill. (WRM)

Demonstrates how socioscientific material is marginalized through the structures and language of syllabus texts and through classroom practices using the example of Salters' Advanced Chemistry from the United Kingdom. Concludes that socioscientific content is gendered through association with social concerns and epistemological uncertainty, and…

Describes a study of Web access for a university chemistry course that investigated how students used Web material for course support after being lectured on the topic. Discusses study strategies, time management, and implications for further research and course design. (Contains 7 references.) (LRW)

Reports on a study designed to determine whether the historical approach to chemistry teaching will promote the conceptual problem-solving ability of eighth-grade students and identify whether high or low achievers profit more from this teaching approach. (DDR)

Describes a course in which societal themes of risk/reward analysis and public policy are supplemented with concepts of scientific journalism, public opinion, and law. Topic areas include environmental chemicals and their impact, basic introduction to organic chemistry, and consumer chemicals. Contains 20 references. (DDR)

Uses a true-to-life story of accusations made against a college football team to illustrate ideal gas laws. Students are asked to decide whether helium-filled footballs would increase punt distances and how to determine whether a football contained air or helium. (WRM)

Describes an outreach program in which high school students visit elementary schools to promote chemistry and science. (WRM)

Focuses on collaboration for authentic learning. Describes an assignment that was collaboratively planned, constructed and implemented by one high school's teacher-librarian and chemistry teacher. Discusses outcomes of the assignment; assessing authenticity; higher-order thinking; depth of knowledge; and connectedness to the world beyond the…