In an effort to increase student comprehension and retention of basic chemistry concepts within a college level general chemistry course, a series of activities were created. These activities are referred to here as integrated problems. They were developed to help students by continuously reviewing key concepts and incorporating new material into…

Open-ended, inquiry-based multiweek laboratory exercises are the key elements to increasing students' understanding and retention of the major biological concepts. Including original research into undergraduate teaching laboratories has also been shown to motivate students and improve their learning. Here, we present a series of original…

Presents six problems from an alternative approach to homework traditionally given to follow-up lectures. Stresses the advantage of longer term exercises which allow for creativity and independence on the part of the student. Problems include: "System Model,""Open-Loop Simulation,""PID Control,""Dahlin…

Presents a problem related to mass balances for checking the consistency of measured data from a process. Provides the solution to the problem with diagrams and calculation tables. (YP)

An approach to the teaching of steady-state recycle calculations is presented. Included are the solutions to two sample problems. (BB)

This heat transfer problem requires students to analyze the feasibility of moving icebergs from the Antarctic to Saudi Arabia to provide fresh water. (BB)

This problem requires the student to calculate the volume of air breathed by a bicyclist every hour in Denver, Colorado, and New York City. (BB)

Discussed is the performance of college students on the task of solving chemistry problems involving Lewis structures. Difficulty of the task and of individual problems is described. A taxonomy of skills associated with Lewis structures is presented. (CW)

Outlines various misconceptions about problem-solving (PS) and several strategies to improve intellectual skills and strategies. Also describes the Covington Productive Thinking Program (designed to help develop PS skills) and several lesson problem sets from this series of 15 books. (JN)

Describes the problem-solving behaviors of experts and novices engaged in solving seven chemical equilibrium problems. Lists 27 behavioral tendencies of successful and unsuccessful problem solvers. Discusses several implications for a problem solving theory, think-aloud techniques, adequacy of the chemistry domain, and chemistry instruction.…

Reports on the use of videotape recordings illustrating experienced problem solvers working out solutions to typical introductory physics problems. Includes brief summaries of student response to the recordings. (SK)

It is suggested that short quizzes be given during the last ten minutes of lecture periods. Examples of the type of material that is recommended are presented. (BB)

Discusses the difference between a generic chemistry problem (one which can be solved using an algorithm) and a harder chemistry problem (one for which there is no algorithm). Encourages teachers to help students recognize these categories of problems so they will be better able to find solutions. (TW)

Presented are three physics problems from the New Zealand Entrance Scholarship examinations which are generally attempted by more able students. Problem situations, illustrations, and solutions are detailed. (CW)

Presents 15 energy-related physics problems, including a brief indication of the essential features for solving each problem. Problems reflect various energy-related situations and involve different areas of physics. (SK)