Improving chemistry instruction

Abstract

Scope and Method of Study: Reading research in the university library was done to try to determine the role and importance of chemistry in the high school curriculum. Laboratory research was employed to learn how standard chemistry demonstrations and experiments can be conducted successfully and effectively. Analytical procedures as given in high school laboratory manuals were surveyed and tested in the laboratory.

Findings and Conclusions: The high school chemistry course is accepted as a necessary part of the curriculum in all schools except very small ones where lack of personnel and equipment prevent its inclusion. Seemingly minor changes in procedures and techniques can produce noticeable improvement in an experiment. Suggested changes are included in the conclusions following the various experiments. Analytical procedures are an important part of the high school laboratory work in chemistry. A recommended minimum amount and variety of such procedures is made by the writer.