Network analysis has become a well-recognized methodology in physics education research (PER), with study topics including student performance and persistence, faculty change, and the structure of conceptual networks. The social network analysis side of this work has focused on quantitative analysis of whole-network cases, such as the structure of…

The area of application of electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), usually coupled with liquid chromatography, seems to be much larger than those of any other ionization method. It gives rise to the demand for new teaching methods that would effectively help students to master the principles of working with and making full use of the…

Experiments that explore quantum principles while utilizing and reinforcing previous synthesis skills are excellent for engaging students and promoting the interconnected nature of chemistry. This experiment utilizes sophomore-level organic synthesis techniques to have students produce their own "meso" substituted porphyrins. The UV-vis…

Synthesis of (Z)-alkenes is challenging because the (E) stereoisomers are usually more stable. Energy transfer photocatalysis has emerged as an efficient strategy for (E) [right arrow] (Z) alkene isomerization. We report the development of an advanced undergraduate laboratory experiment that introduces students to contemporary organic…

An integrated laboratory experience in X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) is designed for undergraduate and graduate students in chemistry, materials science, and other related fields. Focusing on ubiquitous Si, Cu, and their common oxides, students are guided to characterize a series of standard materials by XPS to understand the fundamentals…

In 2002, the Swedish National Food Agency and researchers from Stockholm University made an announcement regarding the presence of acrylamide in carbohydrate-rich foods that are exposed to high temperatures, with cereals, potatoes, and coffee possibly being the most significant sources of ingestion. Although limited data are available on assessing…

We use a tensile testing machine to create stress-strain plots and determine Young's modulus for some ductile and plastic materials. Supplementary videos are also provided.

We describe a simple, intuitively appealing interpretation of the observed ellipsoidal shape of the rotating Earth: it is that surface everywhere perpendicular to the net force upon it.

Rock and mineral labs are fundamental in traditional introductory geology courses. Successful implementation of these lab activities provides students opportunities to apply content knowledge. Inquiry-based instruction may be one way to increase student success. Prior examination of published STEM labs indicates that geology labs, particularly…

This research paper aims to propose a novel didactic sequence inspired by an historical/epistemological study of the evolution of spectroscopy and in particular of colorimetry. The working principles of the historical color comparators and the visual color matching method, first proposed by Duboscq, stimulated us in the development of a five-step…

Understanding ATP formation is essential for learning metabolism and is central to grasping metabolic processes as a whole. However, due to the high level of abstraction, the number of intermediate substrates, the connections, and integrated regulation, its comprehension often poses a challenge. This and the fact that traditional teaching methods…

This study investigates the predictive relationship between academic resilience and cognitive flexibility among students in biology lessons enhanced by design thinking. Using an embedded quasi-experimental design, we compared the effects of design thinking-enhanced lessons with conventional engage, explore, explain, elaborate, evaluate (5E)-based…

Introductory physics is a gateway course that is required for many science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) majors. In introductory physics courses, women and racially minoritized students often have lower grades and higher attrition than white men. Inclusive teaching is widely recommended to ensure that all students have the…

A flipped classroom is an instructional method whereby students learn course content prior to attending class through various instructional resources. Class time is focused on problem-solving and active learning activities. Flipping the classroom allows instructors to utilize active learning strategies during class time to improve student…

In the ever-evolving landscape of education, the integration of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has emerged as a transformative force, reshaping the way we teach and learn across various disciplines. Among these disciplines, physics stands as a particularly fertile ground for harnessing the power of ICT to enhance teaching…