Design, Implementation, and Evaluation of Novel Discussion Exercises for First-Year Chemistry Students

In the Fall of 1999, Illinois State University (ISU) piloted a new General Chemistry I course. This course now includes cooperative learning exercises that were developed and implemented in biweekly discussion sections over the past four semesters. We now have discussion exercises all taught by six different tenured and tenure-track faculty members. This study focuses on the effect on student behaviors and learning in General Chemistry I. Data were obtained from student surveys, student interviews, instructor feedback, and examination results. The results obtained in this study show that student interest in chemistry can be maintained or increased by the incorporation of cooperative learning into the general chemistry curriculum. In addition, this cooperative learning approach promoted attendance, was enjoyable for many students, and seemed to have some positive effect on achievement.     

Ultrasound‐assisted emulsification microextraction coupled with high‐performance liquid chromatography for the simultaneous determination of fragrance allergens in cosmetics and water

A simple, inexpensive, and environmentally friendly method based on ultrasound‐assisted emulsification microextraction followed by solidification of floating organic drop and high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled to diode array detection was developed for the simultaneous determination of 18 potentially allergenic fragrance substances. Several parameters affecting the microextraction process were investigated in detail by the “one‐variable‐at‐a‐time” approach. Optimal conditions were the following: 50 μL of 2‐dodecanol as extraction solvent, 10 mL of sample containing 150 g/L of salt, and 5 min of sonication at 35°C. Under the optimized conditions, method showed good linearity in the selected ranges, with squared correlation coefficients ranging from 0.948 to 0.999. Limits of detection ranged from 0.001 to 0.154 μg/mL and enrichment factors from 9 to 237. Precision of the method, expressed as relative standard deviation, was checked at two levels obtaining good results (3.3–14.4%). Recovery studies were made in baby bath water and in eau de cologne showing acceptable accuracy. Finally, the developed method was successfully applied to different commercial cosmetic and water samples. The most commonly found analyte was linalool followed by cinnamal and lilial. Most of the analyzed samples contained at least one of the target compounds.     

Two different products from the reaction of 1‐aryl‐5‐chloro‐3‐methyl‐1H‐pyrazole‐4‐carbaldehyde with cyclohexylamine when the aryl substituent is phenyl or pyridin‐2‐yl: hydrogen‐bonded sheets versus dimers

Cyclohexylamine reacts with 5‐chloro‐3‐methyl‐1‐(pyridin‐2‐yl)‐1H‐pyrazole‐4‐carbaldehyde to give 5‐cyclohexylamino‐3‐methyl‐1‐(pyridin‐2‐yl)‐1H‐pyrazole‐4‐carbaldehyde, C₁₆H₂₀N₄O, (I), formed by nucleophilic substitution, but with 5‐chloro‐3‐methyl‐1‐phenyl‐1H‐pyrazole‐4‐carbaldehyde the product is (Z)‐4‐[(cyclohexylamino)methylidene]‐3‐methyl‐1‐phenyl‐1H‐pyrazol‐5(4H)‐one, C₁₇H₂₁N₃O, (II), formed by condensation followed by hydrolysis. Compound (II) crystallizes with Z′ = 2, and in one of the two independent molecular types the cyclohexylamine unit is disordered over two sets of atomic sites having occupancies of 0.65 (3) and 0.35 (3). The vinylogous amide portion in each compound shows evidence of electronic polarization, such that in each the O atom carries a partial negative charge and the N atom of the cyclohexylamine portion carries a partial positive charge. The molecules of (I) contain an intramolecular N—H...N hydrogen bond, and they are linked by C—H...O hydrogen bonds to form sheets. Each of the two independent molecules of (II) contains an intramolecular N—H...O hydrogen bond and each molecular type forms a centrosymmetric dimer containing one R₂²(4) ring and two inversion‐related S(6) rings.     

[12] ane N_3-based BODIPY as a selective and sensitive off–on sensor for the sequential recognition of Cu~(2+) ions and ADP

A novel [12]aneN3-based BODIPY sensor 1 can be applied in the sequential recognition of Cu2 and ADP in aqueous solution and living cells with high selectivity and sensitivity     

Elements of Design‐Based Science Activities That Affect Students' Motivation

The primary purpose of this study was to examine the ways in which a 12‐week afterschool science and engineering program affected middle school students' motivation to engage in science and engineering activities. We used current motivation research and theory as a conceptual framework to assess 14 students' motivation through questionnaires, structured interviews, and observations. Students reported that during the activities they perceived that they were empowered to make choices in how to complete things, the activities were useful to them, they could succeed in the activities, they enjoyed and were interested in the hands‐on activities and some presentations, they felt cared for by the facilitators and received help when they were stuck or confused, and they put forth effort. Based on our examination of data across our three data sources, we identified motivating opportunities that were provided to students during the activities. These motivating opportunities can serve as examples to help both formal and informal science educators better connect motivation theory to practice so that they can create motivating opportunities for students. Furthermore, this study provides a methodological example of how students' motivation can be examined during the context of authentic science and engineering instruction.