The importance of understanding factors that contribute to surface wettability is highlighted in this new organic chemistry laboratory experiment, which aims to introduce the application of organic chemistry at the interface of polymer chemistry and material science. Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), a hydrophobic silicon-based rubber, is polymerized…

Teaching has become a challenge mission among generations as direct instructions are not effective anymore and; therefore, students need to be convinced for sharing and fulfilling their responsibilities. In this study, students are perceived to act as role models in managing the laboratory classes of general biology. Four groups were classified as…

We propose to reconsider the well-known experiment about the interference of white light from a thin soap film by adopting as an illuminating source the RGB triad produced by a LED projector. The interference pattern shows up in a particularly fascinating way and it contains direct, essential information about both the wave nature of light and of…

There has been an increase in the use of virtual reality (VR) technology in the education community since VR is emerging as a potent educational tool that offers students with a rich source of educational material and makes learning exciting and interactive. With a rise of popularity and market expansion in VR technology in the past few years, a…

U.S. higher education attracts many international graduate students--particularly those from China today where many of them become international teaching assistants (ITAs) in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields, which not only benefits the students, but also our country as a whole. However, unfortunately, the issue of the…

Background: We have developed several interactive virtual laboratories (IVLs) based on a sequence of agent-based molecular simulations designed to target specific threshold concepts to help students learn thermodynamics. We previously analyzed learning in the IVLs from a cognitive perspective, seeking to repair students' misconceptions; however,…

Glyphosate (N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine) is the most widely used herbicide on earth. A simple assay to quantify glyphosate concentrations in environmental samples was developed as part of an interdisciplinary effort linking introductory laboratory courses in chemistry, biology, and microbiology. In this 3 h laboratory experiment, students used…

Students collect magnetic susceptibility data to verify that Hund's rule correctly predicts electronic configurations. Systems examined include three commercially available lanthanide(III)-containing complexes of the form M(acac)[subscript 3](H[subscript 2]O)[subscript 2] (where M = La(III), Nd(III), and Gd(III), and acac denotes the [CH[subscript…

Proficiency with instrumental analysis via GC-MS is an important skill for chemistry students. The application of analytical techniques and fundamental theoretical principles to real-world problems can be valuable learning exercises for undergraduates which can also improve their analytical thinking skills. Xylitol is generally considered safe for…

To improve the quality of education, it is important for teachers to have an understanding of action research. Action research is 'learning by doing', which involves identifying a problem, looking for a plan to resolve it, observing how successful it is and, if not satisfied, trying again. Action research helps educators to be more effective in…

An undergraduate organic chemistry laboratory experiment that provides an introduction to the concepts and practices of photoredox catalysis is reported. While undergraduate-level photochemistry experiments typically place emphasis on analytical properties of catalysts rather than synthetic applications, this experiment showcases the power and…

A novel laboratory curriculum is presented, developed around some common tasks of a laboratory researcher in chemistry: purification, synthesis, and measurement. The capstone of the sequence is an integrated laboratory, leading to a more independent research experience. Students who have completed this laboratory curriculum appear to perform…

Polymer chemistry is an integral part of art conservation graduate training programs. The list of materials used by artists and artisans and by conservators is vast, with the majority being polymeric in nature. Conservators use an array of polymers as coatings, adhesives, fills, supports, and structures. Aside from the chemistry of these…

An interdisciplinary laboratory experiment was designed and carried out on the basis of the photo/electrochromism of N,N'-bis(cysteine)pyromellitic diimide (BCPD), suitable for organic chemistry laboratory I and physical chemistry laboratory II students. In the organic chemistry laboratory, students synthesized BCPD and studied its…

An integrated pair of experiments has been developed to introduce undergraduate students to the ways in which electrochemistry can complement conventional synthetic chemistry involving redox reactions. Students first use cyclic voltammetry and linear scan voltammetry to characterize and quantify the products of the reaction between…