Most chemistry students struggle with interpreting and understanding NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) spectra and the general concepts of NMR spectroscopy. NMR spectroscopy seems to be difficult to both teach and learn. Therefore, the corresponding courses should be investigated in more detail. We conducted a survey with N = 39 German university…

Using multiple representations and argumentation are two fundamental processes in science. With the advancements of information communication technologies, these two processes are blended more so than ever before. However, little is known about how these two processes interact with each other in student learning. Hence, we conducted a design-based…

Nuclear science has uses and applications that are relevant and crucial for world peace and sustainable development, so knowledge of its basic concepts and topics should constitute an integral part of civic scientific literacy. We have used two newspaper articles that deal with uses of nuclear science that are directly relevant to life, society,…

A third-semester physics course that covers the topics of atomic physics, the theory of relativity, and nuclear energy is described. Activities that include the phenomenon of radioactivity, field trips to a nuclear power plant, a simulation of a chain reaction, and comparing the size of atomic particles are presented. (KR)

Presents results of a survey of the teaching about nuclear history at U.S. colleges and universities. Reports the existence of a well-established and extensive literature, a focus on nuclear weapons or warfare, and a concentration on nuclear citizenship, therapy, or eschatology for courses outside of history departments. Discusses individual…

Describes a chemistry course titled Energy and the Planet Earth especially created for art and communication students. The course is built around student projects and reports and media analysis and creation. Lists commercial videotapes used and topics of student-produced videotapes. (JM)