Approximate mathematical treatments are commonly taught in undergraduate chemistry, but the validity ranges of these approximations have rarely been properly defined. We present error contour plots of commonly used quadratic approximations for calculating equilibrium proton concentrations of monoprotic acids. Students and instructors can easily…

We have investigated whether and how a categorization of responses to questions on linear distance-time graphs, based on a study of Irish students enrolled in an algebra-based course, could be adopted and adapted to responses from students enrolled in calculus-based physics courses at universities in Flanders, Belgium (KU Leuven) and the Basque…

Problem solving in the field of quantitative composition of solutions (QCS), expressed as mass share and molar concentration, is essential for chemistry students. Since successful chemistry education is based on different mathematical contents, it is important to be proficient in both mathematical and chemistry concepts as well as interconnections…

Students in undergraduate chemistry courses find, as a rule, topics with a strong mathematical basis difficult to master. In this study we investigate whether such mathematically related problems are due to deficiencies in their mathematics foundation or due to the complexity introduced by transfer of mathematics to a new scientific domain. In the…

Explores whether the differences in use of terminology were related to respective fields or to idiosyncratic characteristics of experience and education. Reports differences among college teachers, high school teachers, and college students from a 16-item survey on algebraic and graphing terminology used in mathematics and science. (YP)

This study guide is part of an interdisciplinary course entitled the Science and Engineering Technician (SET) Curriculum. The course integrates elements from the disciplines of chemistry, physics, mathematics, mechanical technology, and electronic technology, with the objective of training technicians in the use of electronic instruments and their…

This project used an "intrinsic models" approach to develop a sample of microcomputer materials on graphing linear and quadratic equations and on recognition of general functional relationships. The "intrinsic models" approach uses motivating activities which are direct expressions of the underlying mathematics. The area of…