May 2008
Full issue available online.
Column
Are STEM subjects really difficult?
Two independent studies investigate whether some school subjects, notably science and maths, are more difficult than others
National Science Learning Centre to expand
Definitive collection of teaching resources coming to the national Science Learning Centre (SLC) in York
MPs face young scientists
In March, young scientists quiz politicians on UK science at the Royal Society of Chemistry's (RSC) Voice of the future event
Research fund 2009
The Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) is inviting members (and non-member school teachers) to apply to its Research Fund for grants
Sheffield chemistry - provides exclusive lab for schools
A dedicated schools' chemistry lab in the department of chemistry at the University of Sheffield provides school students with a front row view of HE chemistry
RSC INSET summer programme
During June and July, the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) will be hosting INSET events for chemistry teachers
Workshop on science careers
Opportunity for science teachers and career advisers to update their knowledge of university science courses and careers for science graduates
International advisory board for Education in Chemistry
Education in Chemistry invites practising chemistry teachers in the secondary and tertiary sectors from around the world to join its International Advisory Board
In brief
Items: Various short items
Netgains
News on websites of interest to chemistry teachers and their students. In this issue: Spectraschool and Xperimania
Chemistry trails
Peter Borrows takes us on another excursion into local chemistry. In this issue: calcium and its carbonate
Soundbite molecules
Simon Cotton, teacher at Uppingham School, takes a look at those compounds that find themselves in the news or relate to our everyday lives. In this issue: antifreeze
Medicinal compounds
John Mann, Queen's University Belfast, takes a look at drugs on the market. In this issue: an old drug for a new problem
Web watch
Tony Tooth, chemistry teacher at The King's School in Ely, takes a look at some websites that may be of interest to chemistry teachers.
Letters
Letters
Education in Chemistry Letters, May 2008
Exhibition Chemistry
Exhibition chemistry
Demonstrations designed to capture the student's imagination, by Adrian Guy of Blundell's School. In this issue: the real reactivity of aluminium
The Elements
The Elements
John Emsley, University of Cambridge, takes you on a tour of the periodic table. In this issue: Once so essential, now mired in controversy is bromine
Features
From waxes to riches
Supercritical carbon dioxide can be used to remove valuable chemicals, including waxes, from plants, the most widely available and cheap source of biomass in the world
Fighting cancer - the early years
Research and development of nitrogen mustards 60 years ago sets the scene for new era in the treatment of cancer
Photochromism in view
A context-based chemistry practical highlighting the importance of chemical kinetics and spectroscopy in commercial photochromic dyes
Maths for Chemists
Maths for chemists - what every chemistry student needs to know
Tips for teaching maths skills to our future chemists, by Paul Yates of Keele University In this issue: understanding algebra
Distillates
The Chemedian
Researchers from the University of the West of England have come up with a novel way of engaging pupils in scientific discussion
Challenging science
The value of introducing challenging practical and interactive science lessons for 11-year olds
What is a chemical?
We take it for granted that those who teach chemistry know what chemicals are but this is not always the case
Reviews
Molecules and medicine
E. J. Corey, B. Czakó and L. Kürti
Developing scientific literacy: using news media in the classroom
Ruth Jarman and Billy McClune
IB diploma programme course companion: chemistry
Geoffrey Neuss
Endpoint
Infochem
