Play-Doh Molecular Orbitals

Submitted by Sheri Lense / University of Wisconsin Oshkosh on Mon, 02/02/2015 - 13:56
Description

This is a simple activity designed to help students visualize the interaction of atomic orbitals to form molecular orbitals.  Students construct atomic orbitals out of Play-Doh and determine whether overlap of a given pairs of atomic orbitals along the specified axis can result in a σ, π, or δ interaction or no net interaction.  I do this activity following a reading assignment and lecture on the formation of molecular orbitals from atomic orbitals that cover the various types of interactions.  Students then work in groups of 3-4 to complete the instructions described on the attached worksh

Zeolite Synthesis

Submitted by EGunn / Simmons College on Tue, 01/06/2015 - 16:39
Description

This lab was part of the materials science portion of my second-year inorganic chemistry course. Students synthesize a zeolite structure and grow a chemical garden as examples of silicate chemistry.

Visualization of Zeolite Structure

Submitted by EGunn / Simmons College on Tue, 01/06/2015 - 15:56
Description

Students use a Java-based website to explore the faujasite zeolite structure. The activity questions guide them through identifying different atomic positions within the structure, and orienting the zeolite pores and "cages" relative to the crystal axes. 

Preparation of a Ferrofluid

Submitted by EGunn / Simmons College on Tue, 01/06/2015 - 14:12
Description

This lab handout and supplementary materials were developed based on a publication in the Journal of Chemical Education:

Berger, P.; Adelman, N.; Beckman, K.; Campbell, D.; Ellis, A.; Lisensky, G. Preparation and Properties of an Aqueous Ferrofluid. J. Chem. Educ. 1999, 76 (7), 943-48

Luminescence

Submitted by Vivian / Clemson University, Department of Chemistry on Thu, 08/14/2014 - 22:53
Description

This is a 5-slides on luminescence. It contains introductory and basic description of different examples of luminscence. Since, this is a community of inorganic chemists, only inorganic compounds are discussed as examples.

The Chemistry of Cooley's Anemia: A Case Study

Submitted by Chris Bailey / Wells College on Wed, 08/06/2014 - 11:36
Description

In this case study, information is presented to students in the form of a dialog between a physician and two parents who have just learned that their child has thalassemia (Cooley’s Anemia). The treatment for this disorder requires a lifetime commitment to whole blood transfusion and chelation therapy (both administered on a daily to weekly basis); the biggest obstacle to long term survival is patient non-compliance.

Isn't It Ionic (with apologies to Alanis Morissette)

Submitted by Craig M. Davis / Xavier University on Sun, 08/03/2014 - 16:58
Description

This spoof of the song "Isn't It Ironic" (by Alanis Morissette) summarizes the properties of ionic compounds in verse. Suitable for General Chemistry classes as well as Inorganic Chemistry, although a reference is made to the Born-Meyer equation.

C&E News as a Starting Point for Bioinorganic Literature Discussions

Submitted by Chris Bailey / Wells College on Mon, 07/28/2014 - 15:37
Description

This learning object consists of a bibliography of materials concerning bioinorganic chemistry which have appeared in C&E News over approximately the past 15 years (1999-2014). Many come from the Science and Technology Concentrates, some from News of the Week, others are full articles, and a few are letters to the editor. They cover a wide variety of bioinorganic topics. Also included are citations for the articles from the primary literature paper referred to in the respective C&E News articles.

The Structure and Function of Transferrin

Submitted by Chris Bailey / Wells College on Tue, 07/22/2014 - 14:51
Description

These Five Slides About examine the structure and function of the iron binding and transport protein transferrin. Students learn that transferrin also acts as an iron buffer and as a potential antimicrobial agent. The structure of the protein is explored in detail; it consists of a single polypeptide (80kDa) folded into two lobes, each of which can bind a single iron in a high affinity region. Changes in the protein as a result of iron uptake is discussed. The iron binding region and the requirement of a bidentate synergistic anion (carbonate) are examined.

An Accounting Ledger Method for Determining Lewis Dot Structures

Submitted by Chris Bailey / Wells College on Sat, 07/19/2014 - 19:45
Description

Over several decades of teaching General Chemistry I have utilized various methods to get students to draw appropriate Lewis Dot Structures. About 10 years ago I learned about a process which I call the "Account Ledger Method". In this method all valence electrons are assumed to initially belong to the molecule (and placed in a ledger) and not to specific individual atoms. As the molecule is put together those electrons are distributed systematically and removed from the ledger.