Describes the chemical reactions and compounds involved in making a cake. A protein coagulation and gas expansion laboratory activity is included in which the students bake a cake and eat it. (DS)

Reviews chemistry taught at Westminster High School, Denver, Colorado, and theoretical aspects of hydrolysis. (SL)

Suggesting that descriptive chemistry is basic to basic chemical literacy, offers examples of descriptive chemistry problems (with answers) based on inexpensive, short, safe, striking, and simple lecture experiments. Issues related to the teaching of descriptive chemistry are also addressed. (JN)

Describes a year long laboratory program for third, fourth, and fifth graders. States the goal of the program is to demonstrate what chemistry is, how it is done, and why it is fun and interesting. Provides a syllabus of the experiments and lists educational objectives. (MVL)

Describes a dramatic chemical demonstration in which chemicals that are black and white combine to produce a colorless liquid. Reactants include tincture of iodine, bleach, white vinegar, Epsom salt, vitamin C tablets, and liquid laundry starch. (DDR)

Presents examples of combination, decomposition, replacement metathesis, and neutralization chemical reactions. Suggests that students will gain knowledge of some general trends in the chemical properties of the main group and transition elements by examining reaction types. (JN)

Describes a laboratory course taught at the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology (United Kingdom) which focuses on the preparation, properties, and applications of end-use products of the chemical industry. Outlines laboratory experiments on dyes, fibers, herbicides, performance testing, antioxidants, and surface active…

Describes two approaches for teaching inorganic reactions and syntheses without having students memorize specific reactions. Briefly indicates topics which should be covered in a junior-senior level course but not at the expense of eliminating teaching students how to make basic inorganic compounds. (Author/JN)

Argues that the field of inorganic chemistry is facing an identity crisis. Proposes that the current call for curriculum reform in inorganic chemistry is an opportunity to return to a stronger discipline. Presents a history of freshman chemical education and recommends a new program for inorganic chemistry. (TW)

To assist in designing/implementing qualitative analysis courses, examines reliability/accuracy of several published separation schemes, notes methods where particular difficulties arise (focusing on Groups II/III), and presents alternative schemes for the separation of these groups. Only cation analyses are reviewed. Figures are presented in…

Presents viewpoints of two teachers about the importance of kinetics and how it contributes to students' understanding of chemistry. Discusses reaction rates, concentration effects, and temperature effects related to an understanding of dynamic equilibrium, molecular structure, and control of reacting systems. (JM)

Focusing on research is suggested as an approach for teaching organic chemistry for nonmajors. Topics of saturated hydrocarbons and unsaturated hydrocarbons are used as examples to illustrate the approach. (SK)

Industrial chemistry in general and catalysis in particular should be included as part of college chemistry curricula. (JN)

This article, intended for college organic chemistry students, discusses how chiral pheromones are synthesized from glumatic acid. (HM)

Suggested guidelines and representative experiments for a one-semester introductory polymer chemistry laboratory course are provided. Experiments, which provide students with both synthetic and characterization experiences, require a minimum of special equipment and student skills. Includes list of 83 experiments, demonstrations, and reference…