The identification of molecular structure remains central to the study of chemistry
and the search for new and useful materials. The classical methods of qualitative
organic analysis provide opportunities to illustrate the fascinating world
of science to a broad audience of students at different levels of study. Specific
examples of the use of this subject matter with high school students, organic
chemistry students, and nonscience students are given. The problems represented
by a course without a laboratory are addressed. Specific suggestions are supplemented
with ideas for expansion and amplification of the method. Ties are provided
to the modern world of instrumental methods and indications are made for other
means of broadening the direction and scope of suggested approaches. Finally,
a preliminary approach is made to the history of chemistry and the greater
world of literature and philosophy. While not addressed specifically, the material
and its applications lend themselves to an approach to the current concerns
about scientific literacy.
Our Secondary School editors work hard to distill all the JCE materials to produce a fraction of particular interest to high school teachers. We call it CLIC.
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