Search

This book presents science activities investigating the chemical changes and reactions with powders that are used in baking. Activities include: (1) Mystery Powders; (2) Find the Fizz: Discover the Secret of Baking Powder; and (3) A Feast for Yeast and Cheese: Behold the Power of Chemistry. (YDS)

This teaching unit is designed to help students in grades 4-8 explore the concepts of algebra in the context of exploring the universe. The units in this series have been developed to enhance and enrich mathematics, science, and technology education and to accommodate different teaching and learning styles. Each unit consists of a storyline presenting the context for the problems to be solved, lists of the mathematics and science concepts addressed, background notes for the teacher, a list of teacher resources, and an activity complete with blackline masters. Also included are suggestions for extensions to the problems and their relationship to national mathematics standards. The story line for this unit is students learning how algebra is used to explore the universe. (MM)

The designing of multimedia chemistry courseware is a complex and challenging task for many instructional developers and writers especially in the initial stage of the prototype to be developed. As such, this paper provides insights gained into some practical design considerations in developing a multimedia courseware in chemical education at secondary school level. It concentrates on the early stage of the development process and specific design tips or guidelines based on practical pedagogical experiences in courseware design and storyboard. Among the seven major chemistry topics covered by the courseware as modules, two important modules, namely organic chemistry and experimental techniques are selected to illustrate some salient design issues that are related to certain important learning principles. The three understanding levels (macro, micro, and symbolic) related to learners' difficulties in learning chemistry will also be addressed in the development of the courseware. Implications for designing chemistry courseware, which emerge as a result of the design issues considered will also be discussed in the context of both the multimedia producer and writer. (Contains 21 references and 4 figures.) (Author/SAH)

This guide presents learning activities and lesson plans that integrate science with technical and vocational areas. Activities and plans are organized under broad headings such as Environmental Science and Acid Rain Research; Criminal Justice, Chemistry, and Narcotics; Children's Education and Services; Cosmetology; and Health Professions. Students are able to explore the collection and testing of rainwater, use narcotic testing modalities, develop a science activity appropriate for elementary-aged children, investigate the general characteristics of their own hair, and test several brands of antacid tablets for their ability to neutralize excess stomach acid. All activities include procedures, materials lists, graph grids, and data sheets. (DDR)

This publication issues a challenge to students to collect data in a nationwide analysis of water hardness. Background information on the chemistry of hard water is presented using a cartoon format, and each of the four activities contains an explanation about the chemistry illustrated in the activity. The effect of hard water on soap, the effect of calcium ions in water, the chemistry of a test strip, and the creation of a supersaturated solution are among the topics of the experiments. The publication also includes details about participation in the nationwide study and National Chemistry Week. (DDR)

This curriculum unit on the ozone is intended for high school students and contains sections on environmental science and chemistry. It has been structured according to a learning cycle model and contains numerous activities, some of which are in a cooperative learning format. Skills emphasized include laboratory procedures, experimental design, data analysis, accessing information, critical thinking, systems modeling, and communicating results. The environmental science unit contains the following topics: location of ozone in the atmosphere; sources of ozone; effects of ozone pollution; and helping to reduce ozone pollution. The chemistry unit includes the following topics: chemical reactions that lead to ozone pollution and smog; identifying solutes and solvents in a homogeneous mixture; measurements of concentrations of very dilute solutions; absorption of ultraviolet light by stratospheric ozone; chemical reactions that lead to ozone depletion; and ways that reaction rates are influenced. The units also contain multiple choice tests, attitude surveys, and essay questions. (JRH)

This guide is designed to provide adult learners with hands-on activities and demonstrations to develop skills in physical science. The guide consists of four units on the following topics: introduction to chemistry, introduction to atomic structure, chemical formulas and equations, and common chemicals. Each unit contains some or all of the following: behavioral objectives, list of supplies needed for the unit, definitions of vocabulary, concepts covered in the unit, background information needed for the activities, activity sheets, and answer keys. Each activity sheet includes a list of materials needed for the activity, a detailed procedure, question(s) pertaining to the activity, and explanation/discussion of the reaction occurring during the activity. The activities presented in the curriculum may be incorporated into any science program with only slight modifications, and most activities require only common items that are readily available in kitchens and/or grocery stores. Concluding the guide are a pretest/posttest and answer key, and report describing the curriculum development project. Contains 15 references. (MN)

This combined student workbook and instructor's guide contains nine units for inplant classes on basic chemistry for employees in the cement industry. The nine units cover the following topics: chemical basics; measurement; history of cement; atoms; bonding and chemical formulas; solids, liquids, and gases; chemistry of Portland cement manufacture; control, analysis, and testing; and organic chemistry and fuels. Unit objectives, tests, and answer keys are included in the book. (KC)

This lesson plan is intended for use in conducting classes on the effect of pH on plant growth. Presented first are an attention step/problem statement and a series of questions and answers designed to convey general information about soil pH and its effect on plants. The following topics are among those discussed: acidity and alkalinity; the meaning of the numbers on the pH scale, the major components of soils, factors affecting soil pH, the effect of geographic area on pH, the effect of pH on plant growth, sources of plant nutrients, the relationship between soil pH and nutrient availability, the relationship between pH level and bacteria in soil, and methods of increasing and decreasing soil pH. Also provided are the following: a glossary of pertinent scientific terms, 4 worksheets, answers to the worksheets, 2 quizzes, answers to the quizzes, 12 overhead transparency masters, and a lesson plan for teaching students to test the pH of soils. Included in the lesson plan are an objective, list of equipment needed, detailed steps for completing the activity, and student activity record sheet. (MN)

A series of science experiments and activities designed for secondary school students taking biology, chemistry, physics, physical science or marine science courses are outlined. Each of the three major sections--chemistry, biology, and physics--addresses concepts that are generally covered in those courses but incorporates aspects of marine science. Within each section, major concepts such as density, pH, photosynthesis, respiration and sound are supported by student activities. Each activity contains background reading materials, a materials list, procedures for completing the activity, and extension ideas. At the end of each concept division, references, resources, and education competencies are listed. The chemistry section includes activities on chemical reactions in the marine environment; density dynamics and estuaries; pH, equilibrium and ocean buffering; and behavior of gases in the marine environment. The biology section includes activities on new discoveries; biochemistry; animal adaptations; geologic history and the oceans; seashells and scientific names; behavior of ocean creatures; and man and the ocean. The physics section includes activities on the motion of the ocean, sound, and light in the sea. (KR)

This book has been written to help teachers learn with their students and discover the advantages of using their own school ground for field trips. Since every school ground is different and since all field trips should be a part of classroom experiences, this book can only suggest possibilities that the teacher can select and adapt as a starting point. Each subject is introduced with a page or two of background information on the general topic. Next, some related classroom activities are suggested as a reminder that field trips need an introduction and and a follow-up in the classroom. There is also a section on teacher preparation. A cross-referenced listing of field trips for hard-topped school grounds is given at the back of the book. There is also a listing of trips that can be taken on completely hard-topped school grounds with plantings only in concrete cracks and broken concrete areas. An annotated list of supplementary materials includes books, recordings, project materials, guides, and sources of supplies. Reading levels, as well as the subjects for which each material can be used, are also indicated. Topics include trees, leaf coloration, buds, seeds, grasses, dandelions, vertebrate animals, birds, animal tracks, insects and other arthropods, earthworms, characteristics of living things, requirements for life, microhabitats, population explosion, succession, physical and chemical change, sound, heat and light, geology, weather and climate, solar system, and ecology. (KR)

Describes a project involving the development, application, and evaluation of a virtual chemistry laboratory (VCL) that involves basic step-by-step laboratory procedures and simulates real laboratory activities. Presents the program in terms of tutorial, VCL, and evaluation, and a section that allows instructors to create their own tests. (KHR)

Compares the revised Blue Bottle formulation to the classical Blue Bottle. Indicates that the revised formulation gives a somewhat bluer solution, but initially slower reduction when compared to the classical formulation. (Author/KHR)

Reports the discovery of an efficient base composition for making bengal lights that is obtained with potassium chlorate and thiourea. Combining this mixture with appropriate flame coloring can produce several impressive bengal lights. (DDR)

Compares phase diagrams relating to the solubilities and melting points of various substances in textbooks with those generated by a spreadsheet using data from the literature. Argues that differences between the diagrams give rise to new chemical insights. (Author/MM)

Presents laboratory experiments to demonstrate the pH properties of different buffer solutions. (YDS)

Describes some inquiry-based labs in which students identify starch in popped popcorn, then determine whether starch is present in the kernels prior to them being cooked. Students distinguish monocot and dicot stems as well as determining whether boiling kills tissues in seeds that have been soaked in water. (DDR)

Provides activities that explore the concept of solubility using correction fluid. Topics include oil versus water solubility and whole milk versus fat-free milk. (DDR)

Describes a module that combines a traditional hex nut activity with a sugar cookie activity to provide students with an in-depth understanding of balancing chemical equations. (DDR)

Presents a student laboratory investigation that tests hypotheses about the uptake of phosphate ions by carrots and yeast. (ASK)

Uses an inquiry-based, instructor guided teaching approach and presents the activity "Selectivity/Reactivity Principle in Terms of Hammond's Postulate". Includes 17 references. (YDS)

Illustrates how a novel problem of chemical equilibrium based on a closely related sequence of items can facilitate students' conceptual understanding. Students were presented with a chemical reaction in equilibrium to which a reactant was added as an external effect. Three studies were conducted to assess alternative conceptions. (Author/SAH)

Presents a multidisciplinary activity for reviewing general chemistry concepts in which students make their own tie-dye cloth. Explores the traditional cultures and customs of Nigeria. (ASK)

Presents a chemistry activity that introduces students to one type of chemical bond by developing the integer operation concept of zero pairs. Leads to an activity of combining drops of 0.3 molar solutions to form six different colored precipitates from five solutions. (ASK)

Uses alkaline phosphate to remove the phosphate group from phenolphthalein diphosphate. Discusses problems which include the interference of ambient light and temperature variation. Provides detailed information about the apparatus and the experimental procedure. (ASK)

Describes a science festival on human body systems and physical sciences for middle school students. Introduces the exhibits and the procedures. (YDS)

Presents a science experiment in which students test the buffering capacity of household products such as shampoo, hand lotion, fizzies candy, and cola. Lists the standards addressed in this experiment and gives an example of a student lab write-up. (YDS)

Presents a homemade, safe, effective, and inexpensive reactor vessel for ultrasonic horns with applications in microscale experiments in teaching and research laboratories. The reactor vessel is designed for an ultrasonic probe that allows reactions to be run at the microscale level at a wide range of temperatures and under inert atmosphere. (Contains 21 references.) (WRM)

Describes a constructivist chemistry laboratory approach based on students' personal experiences where students had the opportunity to develop their own experimental processes. Points out both the fruitfulness and difficulties of using a graduate student as a teaching assistant. (YDS)