Use of Toulmin’s Argumentation Scheme in Explaining Inorganic Chemistry:

Submitted by Kate Plass / Franklin & Marshall College on Mon, 06/29/2015 - 14:26
Description

This is a presentation to introduce students to Toulmin’s Argumentation Scheme in the context of providing explanations in Inorganic Chemistry. It was inspired by discussions with Rick Moog at Franklin & Marshall College regarding how to encourage students to fully explain the “why” behind chemical behavior, rather than simply cite trends or equations. These slides were used to prompt a discussion about what a complete, logical explanation should include. They also served as a means of defining what is expected on quizzes and exams in response to various prompts.

Bi-weekly literature discussion with ASAP alerts

Submitted by Dave / Saint Michael's College on Mon, 06/29/2015 - 14:23
Description

This assignment introduces students to the various sub-disciplines of Inorganic chemistry and requires them to examine the current literature throughout the semester.  The assignment is introduced the first day of class as part of a discussion on the breadth of inorganic chemistry. I review the journals published by the American Chemical Society and discuss which contain papers related to inorganic chemistry.

Materials Project

Submitted by Barbara Reisner / James Madison University on Fri, 06/12/2015 - 16:58
Description

The Materials Project is part of the Materials Genome Initiative that uses high-througput computing to uncover the properties of inorganic materials.

It's possible to search for materials and their properties

It employs high-throughput computation approaches and IT to create a system that can be used to predict properties and construct phase diagrams andPourbaix diagrams.

Sheila's Safety Net

Submitted by Sheila Smith / University of Michigan- Dearborn on Wed, 06/10/2015 - 12:43

Collection of Safety LOs from VIPEr

NIST Standard Reference Databases

Submitted by Barbara Reisner / James Madison University on Wed, 06/10/2015 - 11:31
Description

The NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) Standard Reference Databases provides valuable resources. Two resources were specifically mentioned by respondents to the 2013 Inorganic Curriculum Survey: the webbook and the stability constants of metal complexes. Some of the data in the Chemistry WebBook include

Web Resources from the 2013 Inorganic Curriculum Survey

Submitted by Barbara Reisner / James Madison University on Wed, 06/10/2015 - 10:49

 

In the 2013 Inorganic Curriculum Survey, respondents were asked about the resources they used when they teach inorganic chemistry. About 20% of respondents selected "other" and provided information about these resources. A number of people mentioned specific websites. This collection consists of the websites submitted in the survey.

Developing effective student learning groups

Submitted by Joanne Stewart / Hope College on Thu, 05/21/2015 - 14:44
Description

Asking students to work in groups and developing group projects is always challenging. This 5-slides about describes approaches for increasing the effectiveness and success of student groups. It also contains some helpful links to resources on how to form groups and help students develop group skills.

What Can Go Wrong: A Research Lab Safety Activity

Submitted by Karen McFarlane Holman / Willamette University on Tue, 10/07/2014 - 03:15
Description

Late in their junior year and into the first two months of their senior year, chemistry majors at Willamette write and submit a research proposal.  Shortly before entering the lab for their thesis work, I lead this activity that takes place in our Senior Projects seminar class.  The class meets one hour per week and we cover topics such as how to write an effective grant proposal, ethics in science, presenting data, etc., as well as this safety activity.

Learning from UCLA

Submitted by Sheri Lense / University of Wisconsin Oshkosh on Sat, 09/20/2014 - 19:47
Description

This learning object is designed to spark discussion and educate students taking an inorganic chemistry course about laboratory safety.  It uses the article "Learning from UCLA" by Jyllian N. Kemsley (Chemical & Engineering News (2009), Vol. 87 Issue 31, pp.

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