The Octachem model is an educational physical model designed to guide students in the identification, classification, and naming of the chemical structures of organic compounds. The Octachem model has been used for individual or cooperative groups in class or for after-class work. The model offers an amusing tool to facilitate the learning and teaching processes for high school and first-year undergraduate organic chemistry students. In this article the basic concepts of Octachem model are presented, and the physical model and contents are described. Several ways of playing with Octachem are presented, as well as the opinions of some of the participating students.
The "Chemistry Teacher Connection" (CTC) is especially for high school chemistry teachers. For only $40/year, it offers an online-only subscription to CLIC along with membership in the Division of Chemical Education, normally $65/year. CTC subscribers receive access to all articles and supplements from 1996 through the current issue.
Through special arrangement with the ACS, JCE High School CLIC is now able to provide subscribers with online access to Chemical & Engineering News articles that have been selected specifically for secondary science instructors and their students.
Occasionally, collections of JCE back issues become available for donation to individual teachers, schools, or libraries. JCE matches collections with interested recipients. Recipients pay shipping costs or pick up the collection.