How to Read a Journal Article: Analyzing Author Roles and Article Components

Submitted by Catherine McCusker / East Tennessee State University on Wed, 01/08/2020 - 21:09
Description

This literature discussion uses a recently published article on solvatochromic Mo complexes to introduce students to the different components of a research article. The activity is divied into to two parts. Before class students read the paper and focus on defining terms, investigating the "meta" data of the paper, and the different sections iof the paper. In class the students work in groups to investigate the scientific content of the paper

Visualization of Solid State Structures using CrystalMaker and Physical Models

Submitted by Hilary Eppley / DePauw University on Wed, 01/08/2020 - 14:17
Description

This first-year laboratory is designed to give students an introduction to basic solid-state structures using both CrystalMaker files and physical models. I think this would work in a foundations level inorganic course as well. It could be used alternatively as an in-class activity or take-home problem set depending on the instructor. It was adapted by me and later, David Harvey, from an original activity that was posted as an educational resource on the CrystalMaker website in the mid 2000s.  

Porphyrin UV-Vis

Submitted by Matthew Riehl / Minnesota State University, Mankato on Mon, 11/18/2019 - 16:30
Description

The UV-vis spectra of porphyrins are among the most recognizable spectra in the chemical literature, but the electronic transitions that lead to the observed specta are not as well known.  This presentation provides an introduction to the structure and numbering of porphyrins and the origin of the bands observed in the near UV and visible region, based on the work done by Martin Gouterman beginning in the late 1950's.    

2019 Nobel Prize - Li-ion battery LOs

Submitted by Barbara Reisner / James Madison University on Wed, 10/09/2019 - 20:28

Congratulations to the 2019 recipients of the Nobel Prize - John B. Goodenough, M. Stan Whittingham and Akira Yoshino. It's a well deserved honor!

There are several LOs on VIPEr that talk about lithium ion batteries and related systems. The 2019 Nobel is a great opportunity to include something about these batteries in your class.

I hope to see more LOs in the coming weeks so we can bring this chemistry into our classrooms!

Constructing a Class Acid-Base Titration Curve

Submitted by Nicole Crowder / University of Mary Washington on Tue, 07/09/2019 - 17:15
Description

In this in-class activity, each student calculates the inital pH, equivalence volume, and pH at the equivalence point for both a strong acid-strong base and a weak acid-strong base titration.

In addition, each student is assigned a unique volume before the equivalence point and a unique volume after the equivalence point for each titration curve.

The data from the class is then assembled in Excel to construct the two titration curves.

Porphyrin-Based Metal-Organic Frameworks

Submitted by Amanda Bowman / Colorado College on Thu, 06/27/2019 - 15:29
Description

This literature discussion explores the physical structures, electronic structures, and spectroscopic characterization of several porphyrin-based metal-organic frameworks through discussion of “Iron and Porphyrin Metal−Organic Frameworks: Insight into Structural Diversity, Stability, and Porosity,” Fateeva et al. Cryst. Growth Des. 2015, 15, 1819-1826, http://dx.doi.org/doi:10.1021/cg501855k.

Comprehensive literature reading assignment on platinum-based anticancer agents

Submitted by Todsapon T. / University of Evansville on Sun, 06/09/2019 - 16:40
Description

Students read two review articles and one research article on platinum-based cancer therapeutic agents.  These articles compresentively discuss various aspects of these drug agents such as discovery, synthesis, mode of function.  Students read the articles and use the knowledge on coordination chemistry (structure, reactivity, bonding, etc.) to explain the information included in the articles. 

 

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