A laboratory experiment is described in which a simple characterization of a historical lime mortar is made by the determination of its approximate composition by a gravimetric method. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD) are also used for the qualitative characterization of the lime mortar components. These…

A Project Based Learning (PBL) methodology was used in the practical laboratories of the Advanced Physical Chemistry department. The project type proposed simulates "real research" focusing on sol-gel synthesis and the application of the obtained sol as a stone consolidant. Students were divided into small groups (2 to 3 students) to…

We present an adaptation to an experiment previously published in this "Journal". The experiment was designed to determine the heat capacity ratios of gases by measuring the speed of sound using a modified Kundt's tube. The experiment yielded excellent results for all of the gases and gas mixtures measured. Although elegant in its simplicity, it…

The construction of a diode laser polarimeter apparatus by undergraduate students is described. The construction of the modular apparatus by undergraduate students gives them an insight into how it works and how the measurement of a physical or chemical property is conducted. The students use the polarimeter to obtain rotation angle values for the…

A basic and affordable experimental apparatus is described that measures the static contact angle of a liquid drop in contact with a solid. The image of the drop is made with a simple digital camera by taking a picture that is magnified by an optical lens. The profile of the drop is then processed with ImageJ free software. The ImageJ contact…

Describes a sequence of experiments developed at Texas A&M University for use in one-semester and two-semester (nonmajors) organic chemistry courses to teach a maximum number of separation and purification techniques such as distillations, recrystallization, liquid-liquid extraction, and chromatography. (SK)

Describes a chemistry program in which experiments are performed for students in grades one to three. The experiments use only materials and apparatus found in the average home so they can be reported by teachers or parents. Students become involved in the program by asking questions and making predictions. (JN)

FEMME (Females in Engineering, Methods, Motivation, Experience) is a pre-college summer program for 25 bright and gifted ninth-grade females who like mathematics and science. This program, now in its fourth year, is described, providing information about program goals, operation, trips, student laboratory experiments, and topics discussed by guest…

Fourteen papers presented at the Seventh Biennial Conference on Chemical Education (Stillwater, Oklahoma 1982) are summarized. Papers focused on secondary/college chemistry courses, programs, instructional strategies, and projects emphasizing the relationship of chemistry to "real world" problems and issues. (JN)