Volunteer non-major chemistry students taking an introductory university chemistry course (n = 17) were interviewed about their understanding of a variety of chemical diagrams. All the students' interviewed appreciated that diagrams of laboratory equipment were useful to show how to set up laboratory equipment. However students' ability to explain…

Introductory statistical mechanics is studied for a simple two-state system using an inexpensive and easily built apparatus. A large variety of demonstrations, suitable for students in high school and introductory university chemistry courses, are possible. This article details demonstrations for exothermic and endothermic reactions, the dynamic…

The "Under the Mistletoe" project was developed to capitalize on student curiosity about the American Christmas Mistletoe plant and draw learners into an engaging, inquiry-based exercise that incorporates numerous life science standards and collaborative research. By collecting data on host and nonhost tree size, location, and number of mistletoe…

We analyse the stability of the spring inverted pendulum with the vertical oscillations of the suspension point. An important factor in the stability analysis is the interaction between radial and oscillating modes. In addition to the small oscillations near the upper position, the nonlinearity of the problem leads to the appearance of limit-cycle…

A magnetically controlled pendulum is used for observing free and forced oscillations, including nonlinear oscillations and chaotic motion. A data-acquisition system stores the data and displays time series of the oscillations and related phase plane plots, Poincare maps, Fourier spectra and histograms. The decay constant of the pendulum can be…

Various water-alcohol and alcohol-alcohol based experiments are used to demonstrate how the quartz-crystal microbalance (QCM) technique is used for measuring the viscosity of a system. The technique is very advantageous, as it is inexpensive and provides digital output.

Technical education is, by definition, a field that requires hands-on practice and experience by the student. When it comes to distant learning, technical education suffers from lack of such practical study, given the fact that e-learning is based on theoretical material being provided remotely to the student. This article presents the idea of…

Understanding electricity is never easy, especially in introductory courses. Students cannot observe the underlying physical processes and are often, at the same time, being introduced to the use of new measuring instruments. The use of a simple ammeter, either analogue or digital, requires students to break the circuit whenever a change in…

For proper use of multiple-channel dictation equipment, consideration should be given to seating arrangement, observation techniques, "reading back procedures, practice speeds, transition from textbook copying, and classroom management procedures which facilitate learning. (CH)

Describes the construction of a low-cost handmade apparatus for the electrolysis of water that is durable enough to endure rough treatment. (JRH)