Chemistry

Pedagogy combines activities and thought-provoking questions to promote active small-group and whole-class participation.  Each topic is accompanied by one or more of the following pedagogical tools:
• "Investigate This" involves students in short experiments that illustrate major chemical concepts
• "Consider This" may precede an "Investigate This, "asking students to develop hypotheses that will be tested, or may follow an "Investigate This", requiring students to think about the consequences of what they have observed
• "Check This" tests students’ understanding by asking them to apply what they have just learned
• "Worked Examples" guides students through the reasoning involved in tackling a problem, emphasizing the strategies of problem-solving techniques
 
Concepts and principles are taught through demonstrations.  This technique actively involves students in the process of learning chemistry by doing chemistry improves students’ critical thinking skills. This unique spiral approach enhances student understanding by presenting concepts within a context and reintroducing concepts when needed.
 
An emphasis on understanding principles in the context of important molecules, beginning with water.
 
Biochemistry, organic chemistry and environmental chemistry are introduced early and integrated throughout the text, allowing students to see the relevance of what they’re learning to the world around them.
 
Proven effective in classrooms of all sizes through successful class-testing (Fall, 2001-Spring, 2004)