Astronomy and astronomy-related topics have sufficient appeal and depth that they can be used to motivate students, illustrate important chemical concepts, and demonstrate that chemistry and chemists are concerned with all parts of nature. In this article some recent developments in astrochemistry are suggested as examples for the teaching of…

Quantum fields are introduced in order to give students an accurate qualitative understanding of the origin of Feynman diagrams as representations of particle interactions. Elementary diagrams are combined to produce diagrams representing the main features of the Standard Model.

One of the simulation engines of an open-source program called the Molecular Workbench, which can simulate thermodynamics of chemical reactions, is described. This type of real-time, interactive simulation and visualization of chemical reactions at the atomic scale could help students understand the connections between chemical reaction equations…

Describes how to construct a model of a DNA molecule with inexpensive materials. (BR)

Discusses various interpretations of the concept of chemical valence and describes a method for correlating bond length with valence. (MLH)

Describes ways that students can construct molecular models from fishing-tackle materials. (MLH)

Describes an inexpensive, easily constructed model of the right-handed alpha-helix, consisting of cardboard, plastic tubing and a wooden support. (MLH)

Describes an inexpensive double-beam laser photometry experiment to determine the molar heat of sublimation of I-2. The experiment employs common laboratory materials and components and gives results with a two percent to three percent accuracy. (Author/GA)

Describes how the color of an object is related to its chemical structure. (CP)

Describes the bonding tendencies of the borabenzene anion and its transition metal complexes. (CP)

Provides an empirical analysis of the specificity and efficiency of reactions based on the Hard and Soft Acids and Bases (HSAB) principle. (Author/CP)

Discusses the relation between amino acids and ribonucleic acid (RNA) in a copolymer. (HM)