Authors:Victoria Andre, Victoria Andre, Hiba Ahmad, Khalique Ahmed Pages: 6 - 14 Abstract: In almost all undergraduate organic chemistry laboratory curricula, students are taught the concepts of organic extraction and infrared spectroscopy through some appropriate experiments. In the case of organic extraction, a typical experiment, found in most organic chemistry laboratory manuals, involves the extraction of caffeine from tea. Furthermore, it is common for students to perform infrared spectroscopy in a separate experiment, allowing the student to gain a better understanding of the unique vibrations of distinct functional groups. In this short communication, we report the integration of these laboratory activities into a single activity, which teaches the concepts of green chemistry, organic extraction, and analytical infrared spectroscopy. PubDate: 2023-02-01 Issue No:Vol. 13, No. 1 (2023)
Authors:John Bradley, Peter Moodie Pages: 15 - 28 Abstract: In this paper we discuss the meaning and language associated with use of the symbols + and - with particular reference to electrochemical cells and circuits. We propose that the undifferentiated use of plus and minus signs in that context creates possibilities for students to form misconceptions, and in this way the plus and minus signs are also “hidden persuaders”. We consider in turn the charges of ions, the meaning of oxidation numbers, the role and character of electrodes, and the nature of standard electrode potentials. PubDate: 2023-02-01 Issue No:Vol. 13, No. 1 (2023)
Authors:Derejaw Yesgat, Belete Asefa Pages: 29 - 55 Abstract: This research paper aimed to assess the practice, facilities, and effectiveness of practical work in Damot secondary school. The research was designed to narrate laboratory facilities (equipment and chemicals) and laboratory practice of Damot secondary schools and effectiveness of laboratory activities incorporated in grade twelve chemistry textbooks. Qualitative research method with thematic narration design were used to assess laboratory equipment availability and laboratory practice in Damot secondary schools and effectiveness of laboratory tasks incorporated in grade twelve chemistry textbook. In this study qualitative research approach was used to collect the relevant data. Qualitative data was collected through deep interpretive analysis of observed data, data from document analysis and data from the focus group discussion and data from the check list also used to examine meanings, themes and patterns of the laboratory task incorporated in the textbook during content analysis. Damot secondary school was moderately equipped in physical facilities, chemicals, equipment and other inputs. But the teachers who taught there have poor performance in implementing experimental works in laboratory. The assessment method, absence of specified laboratory technician, time allotment etc. make teachers, students, and administrators to highly focused in the theoretical aspect of the subject not on the practical aspect of the subject. Due to time allotment, class size and absence of laboratory technician teachers were forced to show laboratory activities in the form of demonstration instead of students practice on the task. Teachers lack commitment/interest and even skill to conduct laboratory activities in the laboratory. In addition, school administrator never supervises, organizes, and facilitates teachers and students to conduct experimental works there. PubDate: 2023-02-01 Issue No:Vol. 13, No. 1 (2023)
Authors:Bogdan Doboszewskia, Edmilson Clarindo de Siqueira Pages: 56 - 77 Abstract: A simple quantitative evaluation of the positions of equilibria for the acid-base reactions is presented with emphasis on the organic chemistry. The method is applied for deprotonation of Bronsted C-H, N-H and O-H acids PubDate: 2023-02-01 Issue No:Vol. 13, No. 1 (2023)
Authors:Ruijia Lan, Li Cheng, Wenbin Su, Lin Qian Pages: 78 - 90 Abstract: According to the teaching experience, for the important and difficult knowledge "calculation of conditional potential" and "calculation of precipitation solubility" in analytical chemistry, a threestep method is summarized to solve the above problems. It aims to help students master the problemsolving method so as to solve all the similar problems and improve their scientific thinking ability. PubDate: 2023-02-01 Issue No:Vol. 13, No. 1 (2023)
Authors:Samson Oluwasegun Aruna Pages: 91 - 111 Abstract: Palm oil is one of the major fats and oils produced in Nigeria. It forms an important ingredient in the diet of many people in Ijebu-ode Ogun State, Nigeria. The quality of palm oil is mostly determined by the following parameters: Free Fatty Acid (FFA) content, Iodine Value (IV), Peroxide Value (PV), Moisture Content, Saponification Value (SV) and Impurity Content. This study attempts to investigate the chemical composition analysis of palm oil. sold in major markets in ljebu-Ode, Ogun State, Nigeria. Twenty branded and unbranded palm oil samples were collected from three markets in Ijebu-Ode. They were analyzed for saponification value. Acid value and peroxide value using [1][2]. The results obtained showed that the Saponification value (SV) ranges from 183.03±0.15-220.89±0.05mgKOH/g. Acid value (AV) from 8.64±0.10-12.96±0.05mgKOH/g and Peroxide value (PV) from 7.50±0.10-15.00±0.15meq/kg. All the parameters investigated had values within the [3]/[4] standards. It can thus be concluded that palm oil from Ijebu-ode has a good shelf-1ife, is suitable for both domestic and industrial applications and there is no evidence of adulteration notable from their chemical compositional analysis. PubDate: 2023-02-01 Issue No:Vol. 13, No. 1 (2023)
Authors:Eshetu Desalegn Alemneh, Solomon Melesse Mengistie Pages: 112 - 143 Abstract: The purpose of this study was to check the alignment between the new grade seven general science textbook prepared by the Amhara National Regional State Education Bureau (ANRSEB) and the respective national syllabus. To this end, purposive sampling and quantitative research approaches were used to see the alignments of students learning outcomes (SLOs), contents, and levels of cognitive development between the syllabus and the textbook. In addition, the distribution of the level of cognitive development was also checked. Checklists and rubrics were used as data collecting tools. The findings revealed that 79.22% of the SLOs were perfectly aligned, 3.9% were partially aligned and 16.88% were not aligned. In terms of content alignments, 88.46% were aligned, 7.69% were partially aligned and 3.82% were not aligned. In relation to levels of cognitive development, the overall alignment index (P) was 0.914. Results related to the distribution of level of cognitive development indicated that 89.47% were entertaining lower-order thinking and 10.53% were higher-order thinking. So, it is possible to conclude that the textbook has acceptable alignment with the respective syllabus, but it lacks perfect alignment. On this background, it is recommended that the textbook should be revised to make it perfectly aligned with the syllabus as well as to entertain higher-order thinking skills so that its users could satisfy the 21st c. skills. PubDate: 2023-02-01 Issue No:Vol. 13, No. 1 (2023)
Authors:Alhagie Drammeh, Momodou K.A Sowe, Anthony Adjivon, Momodou Salieu Sowe Pages: 144 - 161 Abstract: Traditional medicine has played a crucial role in the treatment and management of different human diseases since centuries ago in many African communities and traditions. Plants are a potent source of food and medicine in African communities. Malaria, diabetes, and parasitic diseases are common in Africa and cases can reach alarming levels occasionally. In this research, we studied the phytochemical constituents of popular plants in traditional medicine in The Gambia. The leaves of Cassia tora (Fabaceae), Azadirachta indica (Meliaceae) and Vernonia amygdalina (Asteraceae), the bark of Khaya senegalensis (Meliaceae), and roots of Cassia sieberiana (Fabaceae) respectively, were extracted by maceration in ethanol (90%). The samples (crude ethanol extract, n-hexane, and DCM fractions) were screened for phytochemical profile. The ethanol extract, n-hexane, and DCM fractions revealed Alkaloids, Saponins, Tannins, Phenol, Steroids, Flavonoids, Terpenoids, and Quinones. These phytochemicals are suggested to contribute to the efficacy of the plants in traditional medicinal application in The Gambia. It is hoped that the findings in this research will contribute to chemistry education through research on African medicinal plants and their healing properties. PubDate: 2023-02-01 Issue No:Vol. 13, No. 1 (2023)
Authors:Rasmus Persson Pages: 162 - 177 Abstract: We introduce and discuss a pedagogical approach to molecular orbital theory which, devoid of any mathematics beyond simple arithmetic on experimental data, is suitable as an introduction to chemical bonding concepts as a complement to Lewis theory in high-school chemistry. Examples are discussed that highlight the reasoning that could be imparted to students. This exercise may also give rise to discussions about scientific theories and “truth.” Notably, within the realm of our qualitative theory, we conclude that HF is a double-bonded diatomic. PubDate: 2023-02-01 Issue No:Vol. 13, No. 1 (2023)
Authors:Asefa Belete, Teshome Mulugeta, Mulugeta Teshome Gebreyes, Asefa Belete Pages: 178 - 220 Abstract: This study intends to assess the availability of Chemistry laboratories in schools, extent of applying laboratory and its resources in teaching chemistry subject, and the problems confronted in using chemistry laboratories in the teaching and learning process of the subject chemistry in ‘Adet’ and ‘Debremewii’ secondary school, Amhara region, Ethiopia. The study also examines the practices of organizing and utilizing chemistry laboratory in the schools. A mixed method research approach was used. The study was targeted two government higher secondary schools (‘Adet’ and ‘Debremewii’ secondary school). The respondents were all chemistry teachers, one department heads, one chemistry laboratory technicians, and 20 students from each school of grades 9 and 10. Questionnaire, Rating scales, interview and observation checklist were used to collect data for the study. The data collected was analyzed for Percentages and frequencies using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23. The study’s findings confirmed that in both schools; there were isolated science laboratory rooms, available laboratory apparatus and chemicals are stored in an unorganized way, there are no chemistry laboratory resources available adequately, chemistry teachers and students from grade 9 and 10 hardly use chemistry laboratories, demonstration method of experimentation is the most commonly used method and students laboratory performance assessment is based on the paper and pencil methods of assessment. It was also revealed that several teachers confronted problems when performing chemistry laboratory experiments due to inadequate availability of chemistry laboratory facilities, absence of well-trained laboratory assistant, lack of appropriate skills and training of chemistry teachers, and lack of important facilities including electricity and water to the laboratory rooms were some among the others. The study recommended that different stakeholders in education sector and other concerned bodies should support secondary schools in organizing and utilizing chemistry laboratory practical activities in both schools for the effective teaching and learning of the subject. PubDate: 2023-02-01 Issue No:Vol. 13, No. 1 (2023)
Authors:K. Sivakumar Pages: 221 - 239 Abstract: Complete and partial restriction in the access to the laboratories in many countries has imposed a long-term lockdown to safeguard the citizens from the corona virus/omicron pandemic. Hence, e-teaching is in force effectively to teach theoretical as well as experimental courses. Unfortunately, undergraduate and postgraduate students of doing chemical sciences are missing their one-time opportunity for doing project during their course work. In this report, we discuss the feasibility of doing final year projects in chemical sciences at home. We suggest some themes, and concepts on which the students can take-up and carryout with the supervision of their professors. The resources and tools that is available online for executing the final year project is identified and explained. The practical approaches, directions for fruitful outcomes are discussed with the understanding on the limitations of such projects. This report would serve the chemical science students and teachers as one point reference material to identify a suitable theme for completing the final year project. PubDate: 2023-02-01 Issue No:Vol. 13, No. 1 (2023)
Authors:B.H.S. Thimmappa Pages: 240 - 292 Abstract: The advances in the study of adverse effects of particular chemicals on living systems allowed the prediction of the risks associated with it. The geographical environment involving industrialization, urbanization, and globalization has created an altered ecology that severely affected organisms. Toxic chemicals are also finding their way into our food chain, and the people develop bronchial problems and breathing difficulties. An understanding of the polluted environment helps the governments to determine, regulate and enforce environmental pollution control measures, such as legislation, governing the massive use of pesticides, or large-scale discharging of highly toxic industrial effluents that are central to conservation. If the human impact continues to transform the ecosystems because of the growing population and waste disposal, nature cannot bear the damage. The knowledge about environmental toxicology informs us about the risks, to promote higher levels of human intellect and attitudinal development, which will help ensure the future survival of the planet. Environmental education, adoption of the standardized environmental management systems, production of less toxic materials, sustainable management of resources, environmental auditing, and developing an eco-friendly technological innovation goes a long way in environmental protection. Novel waste treatment methods must be devised, and non-conventional power sources such as solar, wind, and biogas plants must be developed on a large scale to control the pollution and make the earth more habitable, peaceful, and safe for all creatures to live and thrive on. PubDate: 2023-02-01 Issue No:Vol. 13, No. 1 (2023)
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