Promoting Engagement in Critical Thinking
The December 2018 issue of the Journal of Chemical Education is now available online to subscribers. Topics featured in this issue include: wetting modification by photocatalysis, innovative approaches to promote student engagement, connecting concepts with real-world applications, examining outreach and peer-led team learning, exploring polymer chemistry, understanding kinetics, computer-based learning tools, cost-effective equipment, exploring the archives: carbohydrates.
Editorial
Norbert J. Pienta highlights Journal of Chemical Education content in 2018 and acknowledges contributors to the Journal in Volume 95 in Review.
Cover: Wetting Modification by Photocatalysis
Photoactive semiconductor oxides, such as titanium dioxide, display intriguing wetting properties: their surface can be modified by functionalization with organic moieties to prepare superhydrorepellent materials, whereas, upon light irradiation, these materials become superhydrophilic through photocatalysis. In Wetting Modification by Photocatalysis: A Hands-on Activity To Demonstrate Photoactivated Reactions at Semiconductor Surfaces, Luca Rimoldi, Tommaso Taroni, and Daniela Meroni present a laboratory activity aimed at providing students with basic knowledge about photocatalysis and surface science. The cover shows the process of photocatalytic lithography, in which patterned surfaces are prepared with superhydrophilic/superhydrophobic contrast. Upon irradiation through a paper photomask, the irradiated areas become superhydrophilic, while the covered areas retain their superhydrophobicity. These contrasting properties are revealed by pouring an aqueous dye solution on the film.
For another article on surface chemistry and wetting in this issue, see: Simple Experiment to Determine Surfactant Critical Micelle Concentrations Using Contact-Angle Measurements ~ Mahmoud Y. Alkawareek, Boshra M. Akkelah, Sara M. Mansour, Hamza M. Amro, Samer R. Abulateefeh, and Alaaldin M. Alkilany
Innovative Approaches To Promote Student Engagement
A Nonlinear, “Sticky” Web of Study for Chemistry: A Graphical Curricular Tool for Teaching and Learning Chemistry Built upon the Interconnection of Core Chemical Principles ~ James D. Martin and Katherine A. Nock
Using Text Messages To Encourage Meaningful Self-Assessment Outside of the Classroom ~ Deborah G. Herrington and Ryan D. Sweeder
Modifying Laboratory Experiments To Promote Engagement in Critical Thinking by Reframing Prelab and Postlab Questions ~ Jon-Marc G. Rodriguez and Marcy H. Towns
Strategies for Training Undergraduate Teaching Assistants To Facilitate Large Active-Learning Classrooms ~ Suzanne M. Ruder and Courtney Stanford
Connecting Concepts with Real-World Applications
The Chemistry Connections Challenge: Encouraging Students To Connect Course Concepts with Real-World Applications ~ Barbora Morra
Using Classical EDTA Titrations To Measure Calcium and Magnesium in Intravenous Fluid Bags ~ Irene W. Kimaru, Anthony T. Corigliano, and Fang Zhao
Adsorption of Common Laboratory Dyes Using Natural Fibers from Luffa cylindrica ~ Obradith Caicedo, Jency Devia-Ramirez, and Andrés Malagón
Challenges of Globalization and Successful Adaptation Strategies in Implementing a “Scientific Writing and Authoring” Course in China ~ Kaidi Yang, Cun-Yue Guo, and Rainer E. Glaser
Connecting Key Concepts with Student Experience: Introducing Small-Molecule Crystallography to Chemistry Undergraduates Using a Flexible Laboratory Module ~ Shao-Liang Zheng and Michael G. Campbell
Examining Outreach and Peer-Led Team Learning
College Students Teaching Chemistry through Outreach: Conceptual Understanding of the Elephant Toothpaste Reaction and Making Liquid Nitrogen Ice Cream ~ Justin M. Pratt and Ellen J. Yezierski
Peer-Led Team Learning in General Chemistry I: Interactions with Identity, Academic Preparation, and a Course-Based Intervention ~ Regina F. Frey, Angela Fink, Michael J. Cahill, Mark A. McDaniel, and Erin D. Solomon
Exploring Polymer Chemistry
Demonstration of Polymer Photodegradation Using a Simple Apparatus ~ Thiago A. Cacuro, Amanda S. M. Freitas, and Walter R. Waldman
Increasing Chemistry Content Engagement by Implementing Polymer Infusion into Gatekeeper Chemistry Courses ~ Cherie M. Avent, Ayesha S. Boyce, Richard LaBennett, and Darlene K. Taylor
Using Potentiometric Electrodes Based on Nonselective Polymeric Membranes as Potential Universal Detectors for Ion Chromatography: Investigating an Original Research Problem from an Inquiry-Based-Learning Perspective ~ María Cuartero and Gastón A. Crespo
Understanding Kinetics
Using Symbolic and Graphical Forms To Analyze Students’ Mathematical Reasoning in Chemical Kinetics ~ Jon-Marc G. Rodriguez, Stephanie Santos-Diaz, Kinsey Bain, and Marcy H. Towns
Rhodium-Catalyzed C–H Amination: A Case Study of Selectivity in C–H Functionalization Reactions ~ James B. C. Mack, T. Aaron Bedell, Ryan J. DeLuca, Graham A. B. Hone, Jennifer L. Roizen, Charles T. Cox, Erik J. Sorensen, and J. Du Bois
An Open-Source, Cross-Platform Resource for Nonlinear Least-Squares Curve Fitting ~ Andreas Möglich
Computer-Based Learning Tools
Using Software Tools To Provide Students in Large Classes with Individualized Formative Feedback ~ Sebastian Hedtrich and Nicole Graulich
A Toolkit to Quantify Target Compounds in Thin-Layer-Chromatography Experiments ~ Niamh Mac Fhionnlaoich, Stuart Ibsen, Luis A. Serrano, Alaric Taylor, Runzhang Qi, and Stefan Guldin (available to non-subscribers as part of ACS AuthorChoice program)
Biomolecules Come Alive: A Computer-Based Laboratory Experiment for Chemistry Students ~ Naomi L. Haworth and Lisandra L. Martin
Cation−Π Interactions in Biochemistry: A Primer ~ Miguel O. Mitchell and John Means
3-D Topo Surface Visualization of Metal Ion Anti-buffering: An Unexpected Behavior in Metal–Ligand Complexation Systems ~ Garon C. Smith, Md Mainul Hossain, and Daniel D. Barry
Constructing the Phase Diagram of a Single-Component System Using Fundamental Principles of Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics: A Spreadsheet-Based Learning Experience for Students ~ Arthur M. Halpern and Charles J. Marzzacco
Using the Principles of Classical and Statistical Thermodynamics To Calculate the Melting and Boiling Points, Enthalpies and Entropies of Fusion and Vaporization of Water, and the Freezing Point Depression and Boiling Point Elevation of Ideal and Nonideal Aqueous Solutions ~ Arthur M. Halpern and Charles J. Marzzacco
Cost-Effective Equipment
Combining the Maker Movement with Accessibility Needs in an Undergraduate Laboratory: A Cost-Effective Text-to-Speech Multipurpose, Universal Chemistry Sensor Hub (MUCSH) for Students with Disabilities ~ Ronald Soong, Kyle Agmata, Tina Doyle, Amy Jenne, Tony Adamo, and Andre Simpson
Low-Cost Equipment for Photochemical Reactions ~ Heiko Hoffmann and Michael W. Tausch
Simple Acid Vapor Method for Production of HCl and DCl Gas for IR Spectroscopy ~ Han Jung Park, Neethu M. Kurien, and Thomas R. Rybolt
A Simplified Technique for the Collection of an HCl/DCl Gas Mixture ~ Nicholas Bigham, Michael Denchy, and Jeb Kegerreis
Exploring the Archives: Carbohydrates
The December issue includes Protein N-Glycans: Incorporating Glycochemistry into the Undergraduate Laboratory Curriculum by Victoria R. Kohout, Zachary J. Wooke, Andrew G. McKee, Megan C. Thielges, Jill K. Robinson, and Nicola L. B. Pohl, a laboratory involving cutting-edge methods and techniques related to carbohydrates. In a recent review article in Chemical Reviews on Incorporating Carbohydrates into Laboratory Curricula, Jennifer Koviach-Côté and Alyssa L. Pirinelli noted that “it is increasingly important that carbohydrates are brought into undergraduate and earlier education to bring more exposure and understanding to the field.” Content in past issues of JCE that involve carbohydrates include:
Activities and Demonstrations
JCE Classroom Activity: Calories - Who's Counting? ~ JCE staff
JCE Classroom Activity: Popcorn—What’s in the Bag? ~ Marissa B. Sherman and Thomas A. Evans
JCE Classroom Activity: Cabbage Patch Chemistry ~ JCE staff
Sugar Wordsearch ~ Terry L. Helser
CARBOHYDECK: a Card Game to Teach the Stereochemistry of Carbohydrates ~ Manuel João Costa
Variations on the “Blue-Bottle” Demonstration Using Food Items That Contain FD&C Blue #1 ~ Felicia A. Staiger, Joshua P. Peterson, and Dean J. Campbell
Carbohydrate Dehydration Demonstrations ~ David A. Dolson, Rubin Battino, Trevor M. Letcher, K. H. Pegel, and N. Revaprasadu
Sugar Dehydration without Sulfuric Acid: No More Choking Fumes in the Classroom! ~ Todd P. Silverstein and Yi Zhang; Sugar Dehydration without Sulfuric Acid ~ Todd P. Silverstein
Investigating the Hydrolysis of Starch Using α-Amylase Contained in Dishwashing Detergent and Human Saliva ~ Toratane Munegumi, Masato Inutsuka, and Yukitaka Hayafuji
Food Science and Nutrition
Science of Food and Cooking: a Non-Science Majors Course ~ Deon T. Miles and Jennifer K. Bachman
Design of a Food Chemistry-Themed Course for Nonscience Majors ~ Patrice Bell
Chemistry and Flatulence: An Introductory Enzyme Experiment ~ John R. Hardee, Tina M. Montgomery, and Wray H. Jones
Measuring Yeast Fermentation Kinetics with a Homemade Water Displacement Volumetric Gasometer ~ Richard B. Weinberg
Computational Chemistry Laboratory: Calculating the Energy Content of Food Applied to a Real-Life Problem ~ Dora Barbiric, Lorena Tribe, and Rosario Soriano
Carbohydrate Analysis: Can We Control the Ripening of Bananas? ~ S. Todd Deal, Catherine E. Farmer, and Paul F. Cerpovicz
An Alternative Procedure for Carbohydrate Analysis of Bananas: Cheaper and Easier ~ C. Michele Davis-McGibony, Randall R. Bennett, Arthur D. Bossart II, and S. Todd Deal
Blood Tests and Type
The A1c Blood Test: an Illustration of Principles From General and Organic Chemistry ~ Robert C. Kerber
Glycosyltransferases A and B: Four Critical Amino Acids Determine Blood Type ~ Natisha L. Rose, Monica M. Palcic, and Stephen V. Evans
Structures for the ABO(H) Blood Group: Which Textbook Is Correct? ~ John M. Risley
Engage the Resources of the Journal of Chemical Education
This issue of the Journal of Chemical Education marks 95 rich years of providing useful materials for chemical educators. As we look to 2019, we wish you a happy new year filled with many opportunities to enjoy chemistry, with JCE as one of your trusted resources. The 95 volumes of the JCE provide lots of chemistry to experience, including the articles mentioned above, and many more, in the Journal of Chemical Education. Articles that are edited and published online ahead of print (ASAP—As Soon As Publishable) are also available.