Enrico Fermi is remembered for his many contributions to theoretical and experimental physics, but from an educational point of view he also popularized the use of the kind of questions we now call "Fermi problems" (or "Fermi questions"). Fermi problems (FPs) are back-of-envelope problems that arose from the need to make order…

Teaching symmetry point groups to introductory inorganic chemistry students is often complicated by the difficulties students face with mental manipulation of complex molecules. Additionally, most textbooks provide practice in the form of random two-dimensional molecules or figures of little significance. As an alternative, an assignment is…

This edited volume brings together innovative research in the field of Science Education, fostering scientific citizenship in an uncertain world. The nineteen chapters presented in this book address diverse topics, and research approaches carried out in various contexts and settings worldwide, contributing to improving and updating knowledge on…

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of web-based biology learning environment in improving academic performance via a meta-analysis. In looking for the studies on web-based biology learning environment, several keyword patterns from the abstracts (e.g., Pattern 1: web-based learning and biology education) were recruited…

It has been shown that many people do not understand how scientific knowledge is built and accepted, even after scientific education. One way to deal with this problem is through teaching about the Nature of Science (NOS). NOS can be understood as a pedagogical construct aiming to foster the understanding of the main characteristics of scientific…

Most textbooks and lecturers present Michaelis-Menten kinetics using the equation v = V[subscript max][S]/(K[subscript m] + [S]). There are advantages to presenting this relationship in a slightly different form, namely v = V[subscript max]/{1 + (K[subscript m]/[S])}. We articulate advantages for single-substrate reactions and extend the formalism…

Experiments involving RC circuits are an integral part of introductory physics courses. Previous articles using RC circuits describe determining the charge on a Van de Graaff generator, measuring currents and voltages in a charging RC circuit using a multimeter or an Arduino, measuring the decay constants of complex RC circuits, and using the…

Acceleration of moving objects is usually measured by photoelectric gates. In this paper, a method of acceleration measurement is proposed by pasting white card stock and black tape on a pulley and then using an Arduino to time the motion. This method only needs one photoelectric sensor to measure the acceleration. In contrast, using photoelectric…

A smartphone is a powerful learning aid in the hands of a large section of students around the world. The camera of the phone can be used for several learning purposes apart from its obvious purpose of photographing. If the focal length of the lens of the camera can be determined, several experiments in optics can be performed with it. In some…

Inspired by a commercially produced scattering experiment that was popular beginning in the 1960s, we have developed a Nerf-projectile-based educational activity to demonstrate the basics of particle scattering experiments.

In this article, we share the inspiring story of 9-year-old Tallulah, who is passionate about creating homes for wildlife. We include information to help you and your students carry out a biodiversity audit. As an extension activity, students can implement a plan to improve the habitat for wildlife in their area. While students will be learning…

In this article we find the thermodynamics of some large N particles systems and some small N particles classical systems using micro canonical ensemble. Small N particle systems are seldom done in textbooks, since statistical mechanics(SM) systems work for large N systems. We show that small N systems will help the students to get an insight…

Many aspects of electrochemical education, such as electroanalysis demonstrations, require three-electrode-cell experimental setups. Many researchers and educators use screen-printed electrochemical electrodes, which are miniature and disposable but are relatively expensive and use proprietary fabrication components. The present article describes…

The artificial intelligence chatbot ChatGPT was used to answer questions from final exams administered in two general chemistry courses, including questions with closed-response format and with open-response format. For closed-response questions, ChatGPT was very capable at identifying the concept even when the question included a great deal of…

Valence shell electron pair repulsion theory (VSEPR) as explained in most textbooks predicts that substituents bonded to a central atom in AX[subscript n]E[subscript z][superscript c] species (A = main-group central atom, X = substituent, E = lone pair on central atom, c = charge) will change their X-A-X angles to bend away from the lone pairs.…