Citizen science is an expanding field in public education and learning and can bridge the gap between science and society. This benefits not only just citizen learning and scientific research, but also earlier learning in formal science education. Citizen science can foster an understanding of engagement with science as well as the perception of…

Content of seven high school chemistry textbooks were examined for curriculum balance and emphasis on aspects of scientific literacy: science as a body of knowledge; science as a way of investigating; science as a way of thinking; and interaction among science, technology, and society. Quantity of written material and textbook aids in chapters…

Seeks to give teachers useful information on the extent of the problem of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, mechanisms bacteria use to resist antibiotics, the causes of the emergence of antibiotic-resistant organisms, and practices that can prevent or reverse this trend. Contains 19 references. (DDR)

Reports on a study designed to: (a) show how the importance of the history of chemistry has been recognized in the classroom; (b) demonstrate how criteria based on history and philosophy of science can be used to evaluate the presentation of atomic structure in general chemistry textbooks; and (c) compare new (1970-1992) and old textbooks…

Illustrates the basis of carbonless paper using sketches and examines the components of this kind of paper in detail. Discusses important chemical considerations and focuses on microencapsulation of the dye precursor and the reagent layer. (DDR)

Focuses on the kidnapping of a child whose fingerprints were not found inside the crime vehicle. Discusses the investigation that followed and led to knowledge of the differences between the fingerprints of children and adults. (DDR)

Reports on what appears to be a promising approach to the treatment and spread of cancer. Utilizes a mutant of the common cold virus that appears to kill many kinds of cancer cells but not normal cells. (DDR)

Describes various aspects of the composition, production, historical, and current use of glass in human society. Gives print and Internet references for further information. (WRM)

This opinion paper discusses several issues surrounding questions of ChemCom and STS courses taken by science majors. Explores the basis for a potential mismatch students having an STS-based course may experience. Discusses objectivism and constructivism. (MKR)

Describes an inquiry investigation to enable students to understand water cohesion, surface tension, and heating curves for water. The investigation includes several activities organized in a three-phase learning cycle: (1) exploration; (2) concept invention; and (3) concept application. (DDR)

Describes an activity in which students try to assess the problematics of modifying brackish saline water to grow high-quality crops. Students grow seedlings in solution culture over a two-week period to learn about the effects of salts, ions, and essential plant nutrients. (WRM)

Argues that reduction in the use of antibiotics would enable antibiotic-sensitive bacteria to flourish. Presents an activity designed to show students how a small, seemingly unimportant difference in doubling time can, over a period of time, make an enormous difference in population size. (DDR)

Recent research indicated that teachers conceive and orient their teaching depending (among others things) on their conceptions about both the nature of science and the construction of the scientific knowledge. This is an important educational issue because the image generally held by students sees science simply as a rhetoric of conclusions.…

Provides an application of quantitative chemistry concepts in the context of motor vehicle emissions. Shows how carbon dioxide emissions from cars may be reduced by up to 25% by reducing motorway speeds from 70-75 mph to 60 mph. (Author/MM)

Describes an open-ended, inquiry-based chemistry lab in which students design and construct snow globes. Encourages the development of problem solving skills. (DDR)