Mentoring the Next Generation
The November 2019 issue of the Journal of Chemical Education is now available online(link is external) to subscribers. Topics featured in this issue include: biochemistry and visualizations; fostering effective explanations and instructions; learning through games and contests; green chemistry; investigations involving light; discovery-based laboratories; innovations in teaching; chemistry teacher experiences; foundations of chemistry; from the archive: infrared imaging.
Cover: Biochemistry Visualizations through Virtual Reality
Virtual reality (VR) is an affordable, high-quality commodity hardware that can offer new ways to teach, communicate, and engage with complex molecular topics while enabling students to become comfortable with emerging simulation and visualization approaches. In Teaching Enzyme Catalysis Using Interactive Molecular Dynamics in Virtual Reality(link is external), Simon J. Bennie, Kara E. Ranaghan, Helen Deeks, Heather E. Goldsmith, Michael B. O’Connor, Adrian J. Mulholland, and David R. Glowacki describe a traditional computational chemistry class complemented by an additional component using real-time interactive molecular dynamics simulations in VR (iMD-VR) and show that iMD-VR is an effective and practical tool for demonstrating biochemical processes to undergraduate students.
Additional articles on visualizations and structures:
Enhancing Understanding in Biochemistry Using 3D Printing and Cheminformatics Technologies: A Student Perspective(link is external) ~ Anna E. Lohning, Susan Hall, and Shailandra Dukie
PyMOL as an Instructional Tool To Represent and Manipulate the Myoglobin/Hemoglobin Protein System(link is external) ~ Jennifer E. Lineback and Ariane L. Jansma
Incorporating Chemical Structure Drawing Software throughout the Organic Laboratory Curriculum(link is external) ~ Noel M. Paul, Ryan J. Yoder, and Christopher S. Callam
“Sugar Mapping”, an Easy-To-Use Visual Tool To Help the Synthetic Chemist Identify Carbohydrate Stereochemical Relationships(link is external) ~ Marie-Charlotte Belhomme, Stéphanie Castex, and Arnaud Haudrechy
Additional biochemistry-focused content:
Identification of Proteins Using Four Methods of Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry(link is external) ~ Kestutis G. Bendinskas, Ashley J. Canning, and Ashlee E. Smith
Implementing a Hybrid Expression Method That Allows Upper-Division Biochemistry Lab Students To Engage in a Full Protein Production Experience While Allowing Ample Time for Characterization Experiments(link is external) ~ Josiah W. Johnson, Christian D. Mitchell, Anna M. Deloach, Hannah E. Simpson, and Tori B. Dunlap
Predicting and Visualizing 5S rRNA Structures Using Bioinformatics Tools To Help Students Learn RNA Structure and Function While Gaining Computer Research Skills(link is external) ~ Ji-Zheng Sun, Yu-Jing Tang, Rong-Bo Sa, and Yan-Xia Gao
Editorial
Thomas Holme, Editor-in-Chief Designee, discusses Reproducibility, Replication, and Generalization in Research about Teaching Innovation(link is external).
Fostering Effective Explanations and Instructions
EXPlainistry: Creating Documentation, Explanations, and Animated Visualizations of Chemistry Experiments Supported by Information and Communication Technology To Help School Students Understand Molecular-Level Interactions(link is external) ~ Johann Seibert, Christopher W. M. Kay, and Johannes Huwer
Design and Evaluation of Integrated Instructions in Secondary-Level Chemistry Practical Work(link is external) ~ David J. Paterson
Teaching Laboratories at a Slower Pace: Introduction of Photocomics as Easy-to-Use Laboratory Instructions(link is external) ~ Michaela Zeiner, Petra Viehauser, and Christina Steiner-Friedmann
Case Studies for General Chemistry: Teaching with a Newsworthy Story(link is external) ~ Lisa Hibbard
Connecting Organic Chemistry Concepts with Real-World Contexts by Creating Infographics(link is external) ~ Devki Kothari, Ariana O. Hall, Carol Ann Castañeda, and Anne J. McNeil
Maximizing Student Engagement Outside the Classroom with Organic Synthesis Videos(link is external) ~ John Rose, Richard Pennington, Derek Behmke, David Kerven, Robert Lutz, and Julia E. Barker Paredes
A Simple and Practical Method for Incorporating Augmented Reality into the Classroom and Laboratory(link is external) ~ Kyle N. Plunkett
Learning through Games and Contests
Ion Hunters: Playing a Game To Practice Identifying Anions and Cations and Writing Their Names and Formulas(link is external) ~ Nisa Yenikalaycı, Dilek Çelikler, and Zeynep Aksan
CHEMCompete-II: An Organic Chemistry Card Game To Differentiate between Substitution and Elimination Reactions of Alcohols(link is external) ~ Maria Camarca, William Heuett, and Deana Jaber
Celebrating 27 Years of a Chemistry Contest for High School Students at a University in Poland That Promotes Chemistry for Future Study and Career Choices(link is external) ~ Mariusz Zalewski and Tomasz Krawczyk
Green Chemistry
Developing a Green Chemistry Focused General Chemistry Laboratory Curriculum: What Do Students Understand and Value about Green Chemistry?(link is external) ~ Laura B. Armstrong, Mariana C. Rivas, Zeyi Zhou, Lauren M. Irie, Geri A. Kerstiens, MaryAnn T. Robak, Michelle C. Douskey, and Anne M. Baranger
Student-Designed Green Chemistry Experiment for a Large-Enrollment, Introductory Organic Laboratory Course(link is external) ~ Nancy Wu, Tomohiro Kubo, Kikelomo N. Sekoni, Ariana O. Hall, Sameer Phadke, Danielle M. Zurcher, Rachel L. Wallace, Devki B. Kothari, and Anne J. McNeil
Going Green in Process Chemistry: Optimizing an Asymmetric Oxidation Reaction To Synthesize the Antiulcer Drug Esomeprazole(link is external) ~ Graeme D. McAllister and Andrew F. Parsons (available to non-subscribers as part of ACS AuthorChoice program)
New, Milder Hypervalent Iodine Oxidizing Agent: Using μ-Oxodi(phenyliodanyl) Diacetate, a (Diacetoxyiodo)benzene Derivative, in the Synthesis of Quinones(link is external) ~ Hao-Che Peng, Jessica Bryan, William Henson, Viktor V. Zhdankin, Kushal Gandhi, and Samuel David
Investigations Involving Light
Using Polymers and Pigments to Produce Laser Interference Rings(link is external) ~ Kayla A. Lippincott, Emily A. Rosengarten, Arijit Sengupta, and Dean J. Campbell
Plasmonic Evolution and Arrested Development for Silver Nanoscale Colloids: A Classroom Demonstration(link is external) ~ Jason A. Thon, Nathaniel E. Larm, Yahor Vazmitsel, and Gary A. Baker
Dyeing to Degrade: A Bioplastics Experiment for College and High School Classrooms(link is external) ~ Cassandra M. Knutson, Abby P. Hilker, Zachary P. Tolstyka, Constance B. Anderson, Perry A. Wilbon, Robert T. Mathers, Michael T. Wentzel, Angela L. Perkins, and Jane E. Wissinger
Investigating the Influence of Light Source and Natural Antioxidants on Food Dye Degradation Rate by Fenton Reaction(link is external) ~ Bárbara Rezende Gonçalves and Priscila Pereira Silva-Caldeira
Vitamin C as a Model for a Novel and Approachable Experimental Framework for Investigating Spectrophotometry(link is external) ~ Paula A. Angarita-Rivera, Devan B. Gabbard, Kegan A. Main, Katherine M. Timmermann, Karla B. Kinkade, Kristy J. Wilson, and Colleen L. Doçi
Investigating the Shape and Size-Dependent Optical Properties of Silver Nanostructures Using UV–vis Spectroscopy(link is external) ~ Amirmostafa Amirjani, Niloofar Namazi Koochak, and Davoud Fatmehsari Haghshenas
Comparing Spectroscopic Techniques, Instruments, and Sample Analysis in a Guided Inquiry Lab to Promote Students’ Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Abilities(link is external) ~ Daniel Scott and Cole Hilt
Matrix Effect Corrections in X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometry(link is external) ~ Chris Bowers
Low-Cost Turbidimeter, Colorimeter, and Nephelometer for the Student Laboratory(link is external) ~ Marin Kovačić and Danijela Ašperger
Discovery-Based Laboratories
Mass-Based Approach to the Determination of the Henry’s Law Constant for CO2(g) Using a Diet Carbonated Beverage(link is external) ~ Frazier Nyasulu, Rebecca Barlag, Lauren McMills, and Phyllis Arthasery
Microwave-Assisted Isolation of Eugenol from Cloves(link is external) ~ Kenneth R. Overly
Discovery-Based SNAr Experiment in Water Using Micellar Catalysis(link is external) ~ Evan B. Landstrom, Meghan Nichol, Bruce H. Lipshutz, and Morgan J. Gainer
Experimenting with a Suzuki–Miyaura Cross-Coupling Reaction That Demonstrates Tolerance toward Aldehyde Groups To Teach Undergraduate Students the Fundamentals of Transition-Metal-Catalyzed Reactions(link is external) ~ Jie Dai, Dadong Lu, Tao Ye, Shouyun Yu, and Xu Cheng
Innovations in Teaching
Integrating Scale-Themed Instruction across the General Chemistry Curriculum(link is external) ~ Jaclyn M. Trate, Peter Geissinger, Anja Blecking, and Kristen L. Murphy
Activating Students’ Prior Knowledge Using a Bridge Activity as an Initial Interactive Discussion in a Flipped Organic Chemistry Course(link is external) ~ Jaclyn J. Stewart and Gregory R. Dake
Crossing Floors: Developing an Interdisciplinary CURE between an Environmental Toxicology Course and an Analytical Chemistry Course(link is external) ~ Jamie K. Lau, Madison Paterniti, and Kristina R. Stefaniak
Facilitating an International Research Experience Focused on Applied Nanotechnology and Surface Chemistry for American Undergraduate Students Collaborating with Mentors at a German Educational and Research Institution(link is external) ~ Christina Wilson, Michael Hirtz, Pavel A. Levkin, Arin L. Sutlief, and Andrea E. Holmes
Can We Compare Attitude Scores among Diverse Populations? An Exploration of Measurement Invariance Testing to Support Valid Comparisons between Black Female Students and Their Peers in an Organic Chemistry Course(link is external) ~ Guizella A. Rocabado, Nancy A. Kilpatrick, Suazette R. Mooring, and Jennifer E. Lewis
Chemistry Teacher Experiences
Chemistry Teacher Isolation, Contextual Characteristics, and Student Performance(link is external) ~ Linda Padwa, Angela M. Kelly, and Keith Sheppard
Exploratory Study of the Impact of a Teaching Methods Course for International Teaching Assistants in an Inquiry-Based General Chemistry Laboratory(link is external) ~ Lindsay Wheeler, Hannah Sturtevant, and Frackson Mumba
AcademiNext: Mentoring the Next Generation of Chemistry Faculty(link is external) ~ Rebecca M. Broyer and Jessica Parr
Foundations of Chemistry
Introduction to Electron Transfer: Theoretical Foundations and Pedagogical Examples(link is external) ~ Eric J. Piechota and Gerald J. Meyer
Representation of Three-Center–Two-Electron Bonds in Covalent Molecules with Bridging Hydrogen Atoms(link is external) ~ Gerard Parkin
Effects of Macromolecular Crowding on Biochemical Systems(link is external) ~ Todd P. Silverstein and Kristin Slade
From the Archive: Infrared Imaging
This issue includes an activity on Smartphone Visualization of Thermal Phenomena with Thermal Imaging Accessories(link is external) by Xinhua Xu, Meifen Wu, and Xiaogang Wang.Other interesting explorations of infrared and near-infrared imaging in past issues include:
Visualizing Chemistry with Infrared Imaging(link is external) ~ Charles Xie
Exploring Thermal Effects and Behaviors of Chemical Substances Using an Infrared Camera(link is external) ~ Choun Pei Wong and R. Subramaniam
Improvements to the Whoosh Bottle Rocket Car Demonstration(link is external) ~ Dean J. Campbell, Felicia A. Staiger, and Chaitanya N. Jujjavarapu
Adapted-Consumer-Technology Approach to Making Near-Infrared-Reflectography Visualization of Paintings and Murals Accessible to a Wider Audience(link is external) ~ Alexa Torres and McKenzie A. Floyd
Inexpensive, Near-Infrared Imaging of Artwork Using a Night-Vision Webcam for Chemistry-of-Art Courses(link is external) ~ Gregory D. Smith, Elizabeth Nunan, Claire Walker, and Dan Kushel
On ChemEdX: AACT Science Coaches ~ Lauren Stewart
Let JCE Be Your Mentor
Explore ideas for teaching and learning of chemistry in the 96 volumes of the Journal of Chemical Education(link is external) —including the articles mentioned above(link is external). Articles that are edited and published online ahead of print (ASAP—As Soon As Publishable)(link is external) are also available. (For more information on how to access the articles cited above, see Deanna Cullen’s post on Accessing Cited Articles.)
Do you have something to share? Write it up for the Journal! For example, consider submitting a contribution to the Special Issue on Chemical Safety Education: Methods, Culture, and Green Chemistry(link is external) (submission deadline: February 3, 2020). Erica Jacobsen’s Commentary(link is external) provides excellent advice about becoming an author. In addition, numerous author resources are available on JCE’s ACS Web site(link is external), including Author Guidelines(link is external) and Document Templates(link is external). In addition, the ACS Publishing Center(link is external), has resources for preparing and reviewing manuscripts for ACS journals.