Journal of Chemical Education May 2021 Issue
The May 2021 issue of the Journal of Chemical Education is now available online to subscribers. Topics featured in this issue include: teaching biochemistry, assessment, learning to think like a scientist, environmental chemistry, forensic chemistry, surface chemistry, solution mixing, organic chemistry laboratory experiments and activities, computer-based experiences, research on promoting student success, from the archives: systems thinking.
Cover: Teaching Biochemistry
Metabolism, including cellular respiration, encompasses a significant portion of the topics taught in foundational biochemistry and life science undergraduate courses. In Metabolism in Motion: Engaging Biochemistry Students with Animation (available open access without a subscription), Shirley Long, Stavroula Andreopoulos, Sian Patterson, Jodie Jenkinson, and Derek P. Ng describe the creation and use with students of a 3D animation that introduces students to the fundamental concepts of glucose and fat metabolism, energy production by the citric acid cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation. Major points of regulation that highlight the integration and flux of these metabolic pathways are also emphasized. The cover image is a scene from the animation depicting the molecular environment of the cellular cytoplasm.
Additional biochemistry content in this issue:
Developing and Using BioSIMAR, an Augmented Reality Program to Visualize and Learn about Chemical Structures in a Virtual Environment on Any Internet-Connected Device ~ Henrique S. Fernandes, Nuno M. F. S. A. Cerqueira, and Sérgio F. Sousa (Available open access without a subscription.)
Developing and Implementing Cloud-Based Tutorials That Combine Bioinformatics Software, Interactive Coding, and Visualization Exercises for Distance Learning on Structural Bioinformatics ~ Felipe Engelberger, Pablo Galaz-Davison, Graciela Bravo, Maira Rivera, and César A. Ramírez-Sarmiento (Available open access without a subscription.)
A Mobile Device Application as a Tool That Promotes the Understanding of Protein Structure and Function Relationship ~ María A. Toscanini, Álvaro A. Recoulat Angelini, María F. Troncoso, and Lucrecia M. Curto
Inhibition of Lipase by Orlistat: Kinetics Combined with In Silico Approaches to Visualize Interactions ~ María Fernanda Candela, Nelson E. Arenas, Obradith Caicedo, and Andrés Malagón
Modernizing the Analytical Chemistry Laboratory: The Design and Implementation of a Modular Protein-Centered Course ~ Amanda L. Smythers, Megan M. Ford, Dakota G. Hawkins, Megan C. Connor, Kylie C. Lawrence, Caroline R. Stanton, Alton C. Gayton, and Leslie M. Hicks
Editorial
In Framing Student and Faculty Stress in Education: A Proposed Science Analogy, Tom Holme argues that shared chemistry knowledge can be used as the analog to consider nonchemistry experiences associated with teaching the subject. In order to frame an understanding of the role of stress in teaching and learning chemistry in the present time, he defines a quantum of stress as an “innixiton”.
Assessment
Out-of-Class Assessment Activities for Feedback in a General, Organic, and Biochemistry Course ~ Nicola Y. Edwards
Praxis of Writing-to-Learn: A Model for the Design and Propagation of Writing-to-Learn in STEM ~ Solaire A. Finkenstaedt-Quinn, Michael Petterson, Anne Gere, and Ginger Shultz
Teach What You Know Day: An Assignment to Bring Peer Learning into Upper Division Chemistry Courses ~ Amy M. Danowitz
Using Classical Test Theory and Rasch Modeling to Improve General Chemistry Exams on a Per Instructor Basis ~ Benjamin Sorenson and Kenneth Hanson
Alternative Assessment to Lab Reports: A Phenomenology Study of Undergraduate Biochemistry Students’ Perceptions of Interview Assessment ~ Nikita L. Burrows, Jonathan Ouellet, Jaimy Joji, and Jillian Man
Learning to Think Like a Scientist
Recipe Modification as a Means of Learning and Applying the Scientific Method ~ Jennifer A. Dabrowski and Mary E. Manson McManamy
Rigorous Evidence and Reasoning or Not? A Demonstration of Iron Corrosion to Induce Students’ Critical Thinking ~ Chun Wang, Pengwen Chen, Jingying Wang, and Yizhou Ling
Using Classic Movie Chemistry Scenes to Introduce Classroom Activities ~ Nicholas C. Thomas
Imparting Scientific Literacy through an Online Materials Chemistry General Education Course ~ Roshini Ramachandran, Nicholas A. Bernier, Christine M. Mavilian, Tina Izad, Leah Thomas, and Alexander M. Spokoyny
Use of Control Charts and Scientific Critical Thinking in Experimental Laboratory Courses: How They Help Students to Detect and Solve Systematic Errors ~ Juan M. Sanchez
Environmental Chemistry
Catalytic Removal of Bromates from Water: A Hands-On Laboratory Experiment to Solve a Water Pollution Problem through Catalysis ~ Jose L. Cerrillo, Irene López-Hernández, and A. Eduardo Palomares
Methodological Process to Select, Develop, and Execute a Chemical Experiment for an Innovative Extension Project: Connecting Technological Research to Basic Education ~ Janaína P. Silva, Karen M. Nunes, Wladmir T. Silva, Thales do V. Moreira, Igor H. V. Silveira, and Rita C. O. Sebastião
Learning Reaction Kinetics through Sustainable Chemistry of Herbicides: A Case Study of Preservice Chemistry Teachers’ Perceptions of Problem-Based Technology Enhanced Learning ~ Lizethly Cáceres-Jensen, Jorge Rodríguez-Becerra, Bárbara Jorquera-Moreno, Mauricio Escudey, Sofía Druker-Ibañez, José Hernández-Ramos, Tatiana Díaz-Arce, Johannes Pernaa, and Maija Aksela
Forensic Chemistry
“Ethics against Chemistry”: Solving a Crime Using Chemistry Concepts and Storytelling in a History of Science-Based Interactive Game for Middle School Students ~ Dora Dias, José Ferraz-Caetano, and João Paiva
Dissertation Project for the Forensic Science Laboratory: Birch Reduction of Ephedrine and Analysis of Byproducts of Forensic Science Interest ~ Kayleigh M. Herrmann, Robert Murnane, and Federico Brucoli
Surface Chemistry
Formation of a Water Ball in a Water Bottle to Learn the Chemistry of Surfactants ~ Daisuke Kajiya
Investigating the Relationship between Adhesion Forces and Surface Functionalization Using Atomic Force Microscopy ~ Mikhail Trought and Kathryn A. Perrine
Solution Mixing
Solution Mixing Calculations as a Geometry, Linear Algebra, and Convex Analysis Problem ~ Joshua Schrier
Solution Mixing Calculations for Saturated AC–BC Solutions: A General Analytical Analysis ~ Lionel M. Raff
Organic Chemistry Laboratory Experiments and Activities
Sample Plan for Easy, Inexpensive, Safe, and Relevant Hands-On, At-Home Wet Organic Chemistry Laboratory Activities ~ Elizabeth W. Kelley
Fuming Chemicals Inc.—An Entrepreneurial Activity in Organic Chemistry ~ Kenneth Drake and Steven Rooney
Aldol Condensation Reaction Rate Demonstrates Steric and Electronic Substituent Effects in the Organic Chemistry Lab ~ Matthew D. Berardi, Filippo Gentile, Isabelle Kozik, and Timothy M. Gregg
Using Donor–Acceptor Stenhouse Adducts to Teach Photochromism in the Undergraduate Laboratory ~ Charis A. Roberts, Seth Allen, and Sameh Helmy
Ethynylated Acene Synthesis and Photophysics for an Organic Chemistry Laboratory Course ~ Anthony J. Petty II and Susan A. Odom
Biginelli Reaction and β-Secretase Inhibition: A Multicomponent Reaction as a Friendly Educational Approach to Bioactive Compounds ~ Maria Funicello, Iole Cerminara, Lucia Chiummiento, Paolo Lupattelli, Fulvia Felluga, and Federico Berti
Chemical Engineering Laboratory Projects in Student Teams in Real Life and Transformed Online: Viscose Fiber Spinning and Characterization ~ Michael Weißl, Gregor Kraft, Josef Innerlohinger, Tiina Nypelö, and Stefan Spirk (Available open access without a subscription.)
Computer-Based Experiences
Determining the Activity Series with the Fewest Experiments Using Sorting Algorithms ~ Joshua Schrier, Michael F. Tynes, and Lillian Cain
Developing and Evaluating an Inquiry-Based Online Course with a Simulation Program of Complexometric Titration ~ Li Liu, Yizhou Ling, Jing Yu, and Qiang Fu
Simulation-Based Guided Inquiry Activity for Deriving the Beer–Lambert Law ~ Natalia Spitha, Pamela S. Doolittle, Amanda R. Buchberger, and Samuel Pazicni
Illustrating Elementary NMR Concepts through Simple Interactive Python Programs ~ Ishita Sengupta
Stereoisomers, Not Stereo Enigmas: A Stereochemistry Escape Activity Incorporating Augmented and Immersive Virtual Reality ~ Daniel Elford, Simon J. Lancaster, and Garth A. Jones
Developing a Simple and Cost-Effective Markerless Augmented Reality Tool for Chemistry Education ~ Maryam Abdinejad, Celia Ferrag, Hossain. S. Qorbani, and Shadi Dalili (Available open access without a subscription.)
Multitouch Experiment Instructions to Promote Self-Regulation in Inquiry-Based Learning in School Laboratories ~ Johann Seibert, Katrin Heuser, Vanessa Lang, Franziska Perels, Johannes Huwer, and Christopher W. M. Kay
Chemical Education Research on Promoting Student Success
Prompts to Promote Success: Evaluating Utility Value and Growth Mindset Interventions on General Chemistry Students’ Attitude and Academic Performance ~ Ying Wang, Guizella A. Rocabado, Jennifer E. Lewis, and Scott E. Lewis
Multi-institutional Study of Self-Efficacy within Flipped Chemistry Courses ~ Nicole Naibert, Kerry D. Duck, Michael M. Phillips, and Jack Barbera
Combining Jigsaws, Rule-Based Learning, and Retrieval Practice Improves IUPAC Nomenclature Competence ~ Justin Fendos
From the Archives: Systems Thinking
In the May issue, Manoj Ravi, Allen Puente-Urbina, and Jeroen A. van Bokhoven discuss Identifying Opportunities to Promote Systems Thinking in Catalysis Education. Systems thinking was the topic of an entire issue published in December 2019 on Reimagining Chemistry Education: Systems Thinking, and Green and Sustainable Chemistry (also highlighted at ChemEdX).
Two articles in that issue provide an introduction to systems thinking and are available open access without a subscription:
Introduction to Systems Thinking for the Chemistry Education Community ~ MaryKay Orgill, Sarah York, and Jennifer MacKellar
Integrating the Molecular Basis of Sustainability into General Chemistry through Systems Thinking ~ Peter G. Mahaffy, Stephen A. Matlin, J. Marc Whalen, and Thomas A. Holme
JCE Is Foundational
Even in these times of disruption, there are always ideas for teaching and learning chemistry available in the Journal of Chemical Education—including the May 2021 issue described above. Articles that are edited and published online ahead of print (ASAP—As Soon As Publishable) are also available. (For more information on how to access the articles cited above, see Deanna Cullen’s post on Accessing Cited Articles.)
Erica Jacobsen’s Commentary continues to provide excellent advice about becoming an author. In addition, numerous author resources are available on JCE’s ACS website, including the Author Guidelines and Document Templates. The ACS Publishing Center also has resources for preparing and reviewing manuscripts for ACS journals.