The UV--vis absorption of cyanine dyes is a common experiment in many physical chemistry teaching laboratories. As part of the analysis, students are often asked to hypothesize why the predicted absorption differs from the measured values and why dyes which are predicted to have the same absorption have measured values which differ from each…

In school chemistry, the oxyhydrogen or "Knallgas" reaction is used to provide evidence of hydrogen gas in the squeaky pop test. However, the test actually indicates the presence of an explosive gas mixture of hydrogen and oxygen (oxyhydrogen gas) rather than pure hydrogen. The sheer observations of an explosive reaction and the…

This research is a systematic literature review study that aims to explore the evidence in publications that report on the types of misconceptions experienced by students in learning chemistry by providing types of students' chemical misconceptions based on levels and obtaining the correct formulation of misconceptions so that they can be used as…

Despite the efforts from the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) and from chemistry educators, misconceptions in the classroom and among professionals arise from the inherent complexity of chemical language and the remaining traces of the historical development of chemistry as a science. In order to improve the learning and…

Keto-enol tautomerization is paramount to understanding the mechanisms involved in many organic reactions and biochemical transformations. Isomerization of an enol to a carbonyl compound is typically introduced during the discussion of the acid-catalyzed electrophilic addition of water to alkynes. The tautomerization of carbonyl compounds to enol…

A simple, safe, and easy demonstration of the reaction of sodium peroxide with water is presented. The reaction is performed in a plastic bottle by adding water to sodium peroxide supported in a rubber "thimble"; oxygen is detected by the reignition of a glowing splint, while the generation of sodium hydroxide is indicated by…

The emerging field of genomic medicine offers an opportunity for biology and anatomy teachers to bring the topics of DNA, genetics, molecular processes, and evolution together into one experience. Through the genomic medicine paradigm, students see the unbroken connection between small biological topics such as mutations and their potential…

Interest in the gender gap in the physical sciences has been ongoing for a number of years. This study aimed to explore differences in gender based on self-perception. The use of a post-examination survey was used to examine the role of gender in grade perception in chemistry courses over a several-year period. This included courses for…

Entropy and the second law of thermodynamics have long been identified as difficult concepts to teach in the physical chemistry curriculum. Their highly abstract nature, mathematical complexity and emergent nature underscore the necessity to better link classical thermodynamics and statistical thermodynamics. The objectives of this systematic…

Design activities are increasingly used in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education. Guiding students during these activities can be challenging for STEM teachers, who may be inexperienced in the field of design. In this study, we focused on a case of three chemistry teachers who implemented design projects in their…

Genetics is a fundamental topic in Biology, yet its abstract nature presents challenges in the learning process. Effective teaching of genetics concepts requires appropriate instructional approaches to facilitate student understanding. The success of learning outcomes depends on various components, including teachers, students, learning…

To effectively demonstrate the transformation of ethanol into acetaldehyde, a simple, low-cost, and eco-friendly reaction demonstration was designed, in which a Y-shaped tube served as the reactor, condenser, and detector with the help of specific reagents. The ethanol was added via a transparent elephant nose spray bottle fixed to the top of the…

Undergraduate learning assistant (ULA) programs are widely recognized for their positive impact on student engagement, academic performance, and classroom inclusion in large-enrollment STEM courses. However, far less attention has been given to the professional development of the ULAs themselves. This perspective paper accompanies the article…

In the Next Generation Science Standards, energy is considered a "crosscutting concept" that bridges disciplinary boundaries and unites scientific disciplines. I examine how energy is represented in physics, biology, and chemistry contexts, using the reaction of molecular oxygen with sugar as an exemplar, and argue that disciplines…

To science instructors, it may seem obvious that understanding cell theory is essential for understanding how some diseases spread and can be treated. For students, these connections are often unclear at best. For some students, this knowledge might help propel their interest in life science and keep them motivated to engage and persist even when…