A multipart laboratory activity introducing microbeads was created to meet engineering and engineering design practices consistent with new Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Microbeads are a current topic of concern as they have been found to cause adverse impacts in both marine and freshwater systems resulting in multiple states proposing…

Examines the thermal decomposition of sodium bicarbonate to sodium carbonate. Encourages students to predict the end products and to use the stoichiometric results to determine if their predictions are correct. (MVL)

Proposes that the psychological problem of students expecting a particular result in an organic chemistry laboratory and, therefore, working in an unthinking manner be attacked by assigning experiments that give students unexpected results. Gives four examples of such experiments with strategies for teaching them. (CW)

Describes an experiment that is to be performed midway in the first semester of an undergraduate organic chemistry laboratory coinciding with the students' introduction to cis-trans isomerism in the study of alkenes. Discusses the apparatus, materials, experimental procedure, historical significance, and results. (CW)

Explores the selection, source, funding, time constraints, and community support involved in developing carefully planned and executed science projects. Lists 21 kinetics experiments noting the instrumentation needed and the original references. (MVL)

Discusses the development of concentration and organizational skills, patience, self-discipline, attention to detail, and appreciation for error analysis through an expanded titration project. Describes the various activities in the extended project and the materials and instructional support needed. Stresses the advantage to students in their…