Chemistry Disciplines Research Articles

Work-Integrated Learning: A Game-Based Learning Activity That Enhances Student Employability

Enhancing student employability is a key aspect of any chemistry-based degree; however, embedding such activities in the curriculum is often challenging. Placements (internships in the USA) or experiential visits are the most widely used approach, but these are not always inclusive. Work-integrated learning (WIL), the practice of combining traditional academic study or formal learning with student exposure to the world-of-work, is widely seen as an alternative approach to provide key employability skills. Our study utilizes a game-based learning activity based on the TV show The Apprentice to conduct WIL. Working in teams, students evaluated the performance of two different chromatography analytical columns and are asked to generate various marketing materials to highlight the performance of one column over the other. This included creating an infomercial and marketing flyer before finally pitching their findings to an expert panel. This activity provided a creative platform for students to showcase a range of employability skills, which they reflected upon immediately afterward and a year after graduating. Students indicated that the real-life work-based content of this specific activity significantly enhanced their employability and helped them secure a job. This educational WIL can be modified for any discipline of chemistry, providing a unique and inclusive way to provide a vast array of skills to enhance employability.

ÓLEOS ESSENCIAIS E VEGETAIS: MATÉRIAS-PRIMAS PARA FABRICAÇÃO DE BIOPRODUTOS NAS AULAS DE QUÍMICA ORGÂNICA EXPERIMENTAL

ESSENTIAL AND VEGETABLE OILS: RAW MATERIALS FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF BIOPRODUCTS IN CLASSES IN EXPERIMENTAL ORGANIC CHEMISTRY. A schedule was prepared for three undergraduate classes for the discipline of experimental organic chemistry for obtaining bioproducts. As natural raw materials, lavender flowers and cinnamon peels were used to obtain hydrolates and essential oils (Class 1), coconut and avocado pulp to obtain vegetable oils and annatto seeds to obtain a natural dye (Class 2 ). Cosmetic bioproducts (Class 3), body emulsions similar to those found on the market, were obtained from the mixture of essential and vegetable oils and the addition of natural dye. The raw materials obtained can also be used in other classes of the discipline, complying with the principles of Green Chemistry. Essential oils, for example, can be used as samples for Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) classes and vegetable oils for the production of biodiesel.

Experimentação no ensino de Química: Relatos do programa residência pedagógica

Experimental activities can be considered didactic tools to strengthen science teaching. Therefore, this teaching research carried out in the education laboratory of the Escola Estadual Senador Rui Palmeira - PREMEM, shows that in order to achieve the main objectives of science education, it is necessary that this practice be redefined or repositioned. The aim of this work was to analyze the level of understanding of chemistry content through applied practice with contextualization in everyday life, conceptualizing the importance of practical classes for teaching chemistry. It is a research through the execution and application of experimental classes, during the year 2018 to 2020 in the elective discipline of Experimental Chemistry for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd year grades of PREMEM high School. The relationship between achievement and learning by the student was evaluated and the challenges related to experimentation classes in the teaching of chemistry were analyzed. It was observed a good use and learning on the part of the stressing that the experimentation is a very important tool to improve the rates of achievement and learning. In addition, it is necessary for the teacher to plan in advance his practical class so that the objectives proposed by him, are achieved, so that students acquire knowledge.

Этапы формирования исследовательских навыков и умений у студентов медицинского вуза

The article presents the results of the formation of medical students ' skills and abilities of research activities in laboratory and practical classes in chemistry. The goals, specific features and tasks of the discipline of chemistry are justified. Examples of individual and collective chemical experiments are presented. It is noted that the applied methods gradually form students ' skills of observation, mathematical calculations, the ability to correctly formulate conclusions and draw up a research protocol.

Building Knowledge: Giving a New Meaning to the Teaching of Chemistry in Everyday School Life

This work was developed from an Extension Project developed in the 1st year of High School, in Public Schools located in the municipality of Passos, Minas Gerais. The project aimed to assist teachers and students of the 1st year of high school in learning the discipline of Chemistry and show that the performance of experimental and playful activities help to bring the chemistry seen in the classroom to the students’ daily lives, thus making more dynamic classes. For this, the project proposed a participatory teaching methodology, through pedagogical workshops on the theoretical contents, taught in the classroom, that is, a creative and constructive teaching practice of Chemistry, different from the traditional pedagogy that values verbalization and transmission of theoretical content, decontextualized knowledge and memorization of formulas. After the practices, a questionnaire with closed questions was used to evaluate the workshops developed. The project was carried out in three public schools, focusing on acid and base themes and chemical reactions. The workshops were held between August and October 2019, four workshops were held in each school, totaling 114 students. From the activities carried out, it was possible to conclude that, the students are able to identify and assimilate the chemical contents in a playful and participatory way, arousing the curiosity for the Teaching of Chemistry.

ПРИМЕНЕНИЕ ТЕОРИИ ДЕЯТЕЛЬНОСТИ А.Н. ЛЕОНТЬЕВА В ОПРЕДЕЛЕНИИ И СТРУКТУРИРОВАНИИ ЭКСПЕРИМЕНТАЛЬНОЙ ДЕЯТЕЛЬНОСТИ ПО РЕШЕНИЮ ЗАДАЧ В ПРЕПОДАВАНИИ ХИМИИ

Background. Traditional ways of developing practical work in chemistry classes mainly focus on providing narrow relations between theory and practice, following scripts without refl ections on meanings for proposed actions, among other features. To improve chemistry learning, we propose a new model based on Activity Th eory (AT), considering a Scheme for a Complete Orienting Basis of an Action (SCOBA) to guide experimental activities towards developing the students’ chemical thinking and creativity. Aims. To propose a model based on the Activity Th eory proposed by A.N. Leontiev to guide experimental activities directed to problem-solving situations and promote structured and creative learning in chemistry teaching and learning. Methods. A formative experiment involved 23 fi rst-year undergraduates (median age 19 years) in a General Chemistry discipline of a mechanical engineering course at a Cuban university. Th e formative experiment consisted of an initial diagnosis to guide the elaboration of models (SCOBA) to develop fi ve experimental activities during the classes. Data were collected from classroom observations focused on using the proposed model by the undergraduates and written text elaborated by them as they were executing actions in the experimental activities. Data analysis considered three levels of performance by the undergraduates, which suggested the quality of learning for them: correctly (I), partially (II), and incorrectly (III) supported by SCOBA. Results. We found an increasing percentage of undergraduates who correctly perform the experimental activity (EA) based on the established model for the activity (SCOBA), from EA2 to EA6. Considering that the SCOBA is elaborated to facilitate learning from the integral actions, this result suggests most undergraduates gradually reached a good appropriation of the chemistry contents related to the experimental activities (86.9% in Level I at EA6). Progressively, the undergraduates showed greater awareness, motivation, and independence for the experimental activities, improving productive social interactions, between pairs and with the instructor, during the classes. Conclusions. Th e fi ndings showed the potential of the organization of experimental activities based on the Activity Th eory as an innovative proposal for more effi cient teaching in professional training. Bringing together the problem-solving strategy as an experimental activity, developed under a basis of orientation for action, the students are given the possibility to engage consciously and creatively of solving problems, exploring, and deciding, being motivated protagonists of their learning.

CARBONATO DE CÁLCIO OU CÁLCIO QUELADO? ELUCIDANDO ESSA DÚVIDA POR MEIO DE ESTUDO DE CASO

CALCIUM CARBONATE OR CALCIUM CHELATE? ELUCIDATING THIS QUESTION USING A CASE STUDY. Analytical Chemistry disciplines are present in the curriculum of several undergraduate courses. However, based on our experience, students not always are able to realize the association of the scientific concepts included in these disciplines with the social context and, specially, with their future field of work. In the present report, we used a case study about calcium supplementation by calcium carbonate and calcium chelate that included a science outreach activity, which was applied to students enrolled in three undergraduate courses: Pharmacy, Biomedicine, and Chemistry. We noticed that students not only got actively involved with the case, but also highlighted the importance of this activity, took the case beyond the classroom, and requested the inclusion of other similar activities in the discipline. Although different answers were presented for the case, the results obtained bring a positive impact on the instructors’ teaching practice and on the courses as a whole.

Metodología para contribuir a la formación experimental en los estudiantes de la carrera de Ingeniería Mecánica.

La formación experimental ocupa un lugar destacado en el modelo de formación para la carrera Ingeniería Mecánica; sin embargo, no se utilizan en su totalidad las potencialidades de la disciplina Química General para lograr que este profesional adquiriera las habilidades prácticas necesarias que le permitan resolver problemas profesionales. Para la solución de esta problemática, se diseñó una metodología para la elaboración y utilización de actividades experimentales profesionalizadas. La metodología propuesta consta de cuatro etapas, cada una de ellas contiene acciones y recomendaciones para su concreción en la práctica. Su aplicación mediante un experimento pedagógico evidenció la factibilidad de su utilización para resolver la problemática abordada.

Organization of distance education in chemistry in higher education

The study focuses on the problems of distance learning in higher natural science education (using the example of chemical education). The issues of history of development of means and methods of e-learning using remote educational technologies are discussed. The study focuses on the activities of the Department of Analytical and Physical Chemistry of Astrakhan State University in the field of organizing and conducting classes in specialized chemical disciplines with students during the period of self-isolation. Attention is paid to the organization and conduct of distance learning during the period of self-isolation, through the Moodle virtual educational environment. Advantages and disadvantages of distance learning, difficulties of conducting classes in a distance form in the discipline of “chemistry,” as well as factors ensuring obtaining quality education are considered.

The development of students' self-organization in the study of chemical disciplines

The development of students' self-organization in the study of chemical disciplines

Use of Modern Technology When Teaching Chemistry Disciplines to Pharmaceutical Students

Abstract. The introduction of computer technologies into the educational process creates a special information environment that motivates students to learn chemistry disciplines. This facilitates understanding and solving many intelligent tasks, contributes to better understanding and illustrating chemical laws and phenomena. The use of modern information technologies takes students’ independent work to a new level, where both network resources of the university and publicly available Internet resources play a significant role. Responsible use of gadgets transforms them from cheating tools into the powerful source of obtaining necessary information to solve the tasks.

THE EFFECTIVENESS OF USING VIRTUAL LABORATORY WORKSHOPS IN ONLINE EDUCATION OF STUDENTS STUDYING THE DISCIPLINE “INORGANIC CHEMISTRY”

Distance learning has already become a part of the educational process. In this regard, questions appear concerning its organization and the solution of specific problems. They include laboratory workshops, which is an integral part of the educational process in higher education since laboratory works allow students to gain knowledge and acquire skills, which is a prerequisite for the formation of their specialist competence. The problems of obtaining educational information during distance learning can be quite successfully solved. However, the acquisition of experimental skills remains an educational, scientific, and methodological problem that requires a solution. The article defines the peculiarities of using virtual laboratory workshops in the online education of students studying the discipline “Inorganic Chemistry”. The theoretic analysis of the main statements of the research problem was presented in the article. The results of the experimental study have proved that the use of computer modeling and the tools of a virtual laboratory when studying chemistry disciplines increases the educational achievements of the students, regardless of the initial level of knowledge. A prerequisite for the effective acquisition of skills by students is the systematic use of virtual laboratory tools. With the occasional use of virtual laboratory instruments, the skills obtained during the experiment were not learned or were not learned for a long time. The use of virtual laboratories provides independent training for students, increases motivation to master new material. Students focus on the experimental process, not on equipment and tools, as it happens in a real laboratory, which can become both a positive and a negative aspect of acquiring practical skills of future engineers, doctors, and pharmacists.

DEVELOPMENT OF SPECIAL CHEMISTRY SKILLS IN THE UNIVERSITY VOCATIONAL TRAINING SYSTEM OF THE STUDENTS

Preparing students for work in the field of education contributes to the development of school education. The basis for teaching students is made up of techniques, methods, and forms of learning by practical activity and the implementation of professional actions. The use of information and communication technology (ICT) in higher education contributes to the disclosure, preservation, and development of individual interests; the motivation; the desire for self-improvement and self-realization of students; ensuring the complexity of studying the phenomena of reality, the inextricability of the relationship between science, technology, the humanities, and art; a constant dynamic update of the content, means, forms, and methods of training and education. This study aimed to identify the level of future chemistry teachers through ICT competence development. A survey was conducted among 24 teachers of general professional and subject-vocational training, who taught “Chemical Technology” to their students. The questionnaire was targeted; the questionnaires were used both in electronic format (Google form) and in print. The article shows how information competence for future chemistry teachers is developed. The practical significance of the study is determined by the need to match the level of school education with modern technological trends. It is shown that there is a necessity for the motivation of students in scientific activity. It was established that the acquisition of competencies and the experience in open training systems, according to all respondents, is a prerequisite for the implementation of further effective educational, cognitive, and professional activities. The ascertaining stage of the pedagogical experiment established the need to choose and introduce the disciplines of mobile, computer, and cloud technologies into the curriculum for solving professionally-oriented problems. The novelty of the study is determined by the necessity to increase the competence of the pedagogical university students in training how to teach chemical disciplines.

Evaluation processes in the school context: Production of collective knowledge

School evaluative processes are motivators for several discussions in pedagogical environments, so that, if evaluations are poorly constructed and decontextualized, they imply learning processes and school permanence. In this sense, the present study aims to relate the performance obtained by high school students, during the four academic terms of the year 2014, with the contents taught during each of these two months, in order to promote useful discussions to the pedagogical environment. We present a reflection on the structural mechanisms of exclusion and dropout, and also on the evaluation processes in the discipline of chemistry, in high school classes. We emphasize that it is necessary to employ pedagogical practices aimed at the plurality and democratization of knowledge, with classes that include qualitative methods of assessment, and linked to the context of students, based on training for the promotion of autonomy.

Analysis of Natural Materials’ Adsorption Efficiency Relating Co(II) Using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy: Laboratory Experiment

Analysis of Natural Materials’ Adsorption Efficiency Relating Co(II) Using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy: Laboratory Experiment

Sustainable Chemistry – An Interdisciplinary Matrix Approach

Within the framework of green chemistry, the continuous development of new and advanced tools for sustainable synthesis is essential. For this, multi-facetted underlying demands pose inherent challenges to individual chemical disciplines. As a solution, both interdisciplinary technology screening and research can enhance the possibility for groundbreaking innovation. To illustrate the stages from discovery to the implementing of combined technologies, a SusChem matrix model is proposed inspired by natural product biosynthesis. The model describes a multi-dimensional and dynamic exploratory space where necessary interaction is exclusively provided and guided by sustainable themes.

O uso de haicais no ensino de química: interdisciplinaridade e ludicidade na articulação entre ciências e literatura

A dificuldade com a leitura dos alunos preocupa professores de todas as disciplinas e de todos os níveis do Ensino Básico, e não passa despercebida pelos professores de Química, pois tal inconveniente afeta diretamente na compreensão dos alunos tanto para os conteúdos químicos, quanto para formação de cidadãos que visa a transformação social. O Haicai na disciplina de Química se apresenta como possibilidade de articular disciplinas tidas como dissociadas, buscando trabalhar a síntese de conteúdos na visão dos alunos, promovendo a escrita de maneira leve, porém, carregada de significados que foram analisados neste trabalho. Existem diferentes maneiras de promover leitura e escrita dentro de uma sala de aula, e com esse trabalho é possível observar que essas duas ferramentas são fundamentais para o processo de ensino/aprendizagem, partindo de uma aula contextualizada de Química e atingindo poemas que falam sobre Química e conscientização.

MediaLab: video as a multi-valent tool for science teaching and learning

ABSTRACT In this article we examine the utility of video storytelling in the discipline of food chemistry in the development of media literacy for science graduates and as a radical approach to science teaching and learning where the production of a video is both a process and a product. The pedagogical programme aimed to integrate food chemistry and digital video technology using an iPhone. Students, in groups of four, prepared a four-minute video that demonstrated their knowledge of food chemistry either by preparation of a food item, or by visiting a local industry body and were charged with describing and videoing the food chemistry process they observed. As part of this programme students were taught videography skills by filmmakers and mentored by chemistry educators to ensure that the food chemistry described was comprehensive and accurate. This programme facilitated a learning environment in which students could construct, develop, learn, and consider their understanding through multiple sensory inputs. The programme fostered connections between research and education, allowed more personalised learning to develop, and permitted alternate assessment strategies.

Site-Selective and Chemoselective C–H Functionalization for the Synthesis of Spiroaminals via a Silver-Catalyzed Nitrene Transfer Reaction

Although intense research over the last 2 decades revealed a diverse proficiency of nitrene species in chemistry disciplines, control of the selectivity in the reaction manifold has remained a chal...

Industry Development of Derivative Functionalized Gold Nanomaterials and Their Application in Chemiluminescence Bioanalysis: Based on the Industrial Practice of China's Central Yunnan Urban Agglomeration

Electrochemiluminescence biosensor is an analytical method combining electrochemiluminescence technology with biosensor. Using nanomaterials as electrochemical luminescence sensor platform can not only immobilize a large number of biomolecules but also improve the performance of the sensor to realize the supersensitive detection of biomacromolecules. Although these methods have high sensitivity for bioanalysis, there are still some shortcomings which limit the practical application. Therefore, this paper discusses the development of functional gold nanomaterials industry and its application in chemiluminescence bioanalysis. In this paper, two methods of synthesizing luminescent functional gold nanomaterials at room temperature were studied by using chemiluminescent reagents as reducing agent and protective agent. Based on luminescent functionalized gold nanoparticles, immunoassay and DNA bioanalysis probes were constructed, and their applications in chemiluminescence and electrochemiluminescence bioanalysis were discussed. Finally, the simulation results show that the relative deviation between the experimental results and the existing clinical methods is less than 17%. The sensor has good stability and selectivity and can be used for the determination of CEA in human serum. The gold nanomaterials synthesized by further research have excellent chemiluminescence activity and can be used to label biomolecules and prepare biological probes. This article aims to explore the application of chemical methods in the transformation of new industries, to achieve breakthroughs in new products in industrial innovation, and to achieve the cross-fusion of management science and engineering disciplines and chemical disciplines. The industrial development of derivative functionalized gold nanomaterials has broad application prospects in biological analysis.