James P. Birk

Development, testing, and application of a chemistry concept inventory

A chemistry concept inventory (CCI) has been created that provides linkages to misconceptions observed in chemistry and subsequent introductory materials engineering courses as revealed by a materials concept inventory (MCI). The CCI topics included were bonding, intermolecular forces, electrochemistry, equilibrium, thermochemistry and acids and bases. Numerous students were interviewed in development of questions in order to ascertain that the questions and responses were interpreted as intended. Questioning students on topics of molecular shape gave helpful insight into how students solve problems. For example, a question might be written to test one aspect of the topic, but students might solve it differently. They might use different reasoning that would lead to a correct answer. The item is therefore testing something other than the intended topic. Interviews led to some unique findings in spatial understanding and misconceptions held by these students. Multiple rounds of testing were then used in ascertaining development of a valid chemistry concept inventory.

Measurements of equilibrium constants of acid-base indicators with a blocktronic colorimeter

A computer-interfaced measurement of equilibrium constants of acid-base indicators (methyl orange, methyl red, and phenolphthalein).

A model to illustrate the brittleness of ionic and metallic crystals

Uses magnetic strips to explain the difference in brittleness between ionic and metallic solids.

Spot plate chemistry. General chemistry experiments in a depression

Examples of spot plate chemistry involving the chemical composition of insoluble salts, colorimetric analysis, and kinetics.