One of the most important aspects associated with the modern production of chemicals is sustainability. To teach students and young scientists to design their research in the spirit of "sustainable development," students should be made accustomed to seeking solutions that are not only efficient and cost-effective but also safe and…

Essential oils serve as a valuable, inexpensive natural supply of useful organic compounds that possess various biological activities, including antimicrobial properties, and most oils emit pleasant and familiar odors. They are an excellent source of analytes for introductory organic laboratory experiments. We report an experiment in which…

Undergraduate research is an important experience that increases retention, ownership, and learning. Integrating research experiences into the classroom is the focus of course-based undergraduate research education (CUREs) and has become an important tool in curricula of many universities. This article will serve as a guide for those interested in…

In this work, we have developed a versatile three-in-one single beam visible colorimeter for undergraduate laboratory courses. The battery and mains electricity supply (utility power), wired and wireless data logging, and 3D-printed components are three important highlights of the developed visible colorimeter. The system is based on a low-cost…

This study investigated the strategies students in general chemistry and analytical chemistry courses used before and after instruction to solve a volumetric analysis problem in which the molar ratio was not 1:1. Questions like this have historically been very challenging for high school and undergraduate students. Student writing on open-response…

The "Golden Penny" demonstration is a popular experiment that involves treating copper coins with chemical reagents to form brass, an alloy of copper and zinc that has a golden color. Reported here is a very simple modification for forming golden color on copper coins that does not require the use of chemical reagents. Instead, golden…

The concept of "like dissolves like" is explored using a solvent extraction demonstration appropriate for first-year chemistry students. Equal volumes of aqueous methyl red and blue copper(II) sulfate form a purple solution. 1-Pentanol is added and floats on top as a clear layer due to its lower density and low water solubility. Vigorous…

Chemistry is a difficult subject for many students. The content is challenging, and students often enter chemistry classes with preconceived ideas about chemical phenomena which may or may not align with scientific ideas (Gabel, 1999; Johnstone, 1991, 1993; Nakhleh, 1992). The purpose of this study was to understand high school students'…

A simple method to determine Lewis electron dot structures and formal charges without a need to sum all of the valence electrons, reorganize electron pairs, draw and pair up individual electrons, or remember a formal charge formula is described. The formal charge is determined by the group number (number of valence electrons) and the number of…

General chemistry is often the first course taken by students interested in careers in STEM and health fields, and therefore, is considered an essential course for the success and retention of students in these fields. Prior studies have shown study habits and skills to be related to student performance in college-level courses, including STEM…

Climate change is a pressing global challenge for humanity, which should be adequately represented in the educational system. However, teachers face a significant challenge due to the vast amount of data and information about climate change available in the media. We aimed to identify aspects that affect teachers' acceptance of technology in…

Chemistry education in Rwandan secondary schools faces challenges, especially after the adoption of a competence-based curriculum that prioritizes student-centered learning. Traditional teacher-centered approaches often result in poor student performance. This study investigates the impact of structured group discussions on chemistry achievement…

Asking questions in front of a large classroom of one's peers is so intimidating that a majority of students will not participate in class in this way, hence missing out on a crucial part of the educational experience. A very easy option that has been implemented in our large enrollment classrooms, with a great effect, is outlined herein: an…

A collaborative effort by policymakers and researchers designed an experiential learning program to empower preuniversity chemistry teachers to integrate Sustainability and Green Chemistry principles into their curricula using case-based learning (CBL) strategies. Eighteen teachers from 17 schools participated in a workshop and a site visit to…

Improving student achievement is one of the most important components of learning, and it is influenced by several variables, including academic resilience, self-regulation, and students' perceptions. This study examined how high school academic resilience, self-regulation, and students' perceptions affect their academic achievement in chemistry…