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        <title>Chemistry-Didactics-Ecology-Metrology Feed</title>
        <link>https://sciendo.com/journal/CDEM</link>
        <description>Sciendo RSS Feed for Chemistry-Didactics-Ecology-Metrology</description>
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            <title>Chemistry-Didactics-Ecology-Metrology Feed</title>
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            <link>https://sciendo.com/journal/CDEM</link>
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        <copyright>All rights reserved 2026, Society of Ecological Chemistry and Engineering</copyright>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[What is the Main Mechanism of Earth’s Temperature Changes?]]></title>
            <link>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/cdem-2025-0001</link>
            <guid>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/cdem-2025-0001</guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[

The prevailing consensus among most of the society is that the observed increase in global temperature is primarily attributed to greenhouse gas emissions, particularly CO2 resulting from the combustion of fossil fuels. The forthcoming analysis will demonstrate that the primary factors responsible for the Earth’s temperature are changes in the heat flux from the Sun and the heat generated within the Earth. These factors subsequently impact the composition of the Earth’s atmosphere. While human-generated greenhouse gases do contribute to this process, their influence is relatively minor. The results obtained should be crucial in shaping global policies related to industry and the environment.
]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Seeing the Bigger Picture: Pilot Study on Graph and Table Interpretation of Pre-Service Chemistry Teachers]]></title>
            <link>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/cdem-2025-0002</link>
            <guid>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/cdem-2025-0002</guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[

This study focused on pre-service chemistry teachers’ ability to interpret graphical and tabular data - a critical, yet underexplored component of scientific literacy in chemistry education. A newly developed multi-tier diagnostic test was piloted with 21 university students to assess their accuracy, reasoning, and confidence when engaging with visual representations embedded in chemistry learning materials. The results showed that students performed better on graph-based tasks than on those involving tabular data, particularly when higher-order reasoning was required. While confidence judgments generally aligned with performance, metacognitive accuracy decreased for more complex tasks. Psychometric analysis confirmed the test’s high internal consistency and acceptable item discrimination. Based on pilot data and student feedback, the instrument was revised into a four-tier format with enhanced item clarity and cognitive balance. The refined tool will be used in a follow-up study incorporating eye-tracking to further explore students’ interaction with visual data. This research thus contributes to improving diagnostic assessment and instruction in chemistry teacher education.
]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Catalytic Activity of Burkina Phosphates for Chalcone Synthesis in Green Solvent]]></title>
            <link>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/cdem-2025-0003</link>
            <guid>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/cdem-2025-0003</guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[

The Claisen-Schmidt condensation is a key catalytic reaction used in chemical synthesis, developed during the 20th century. This condensation can be performed with or without toxic solvents in the presence of a catalyst. This study focused on using a green solvent - water - for the Claisen-Schmidt condensation reaction, enhanced by catalysts derived from simple natural phosphate (NPc), potassium-impregnated natural phosphate (K-NP), and zinc-impregnated natural phosphate (Zn-NP). The research highlighted a significant improvement in the catalytic activity of these catalysts when used in water. Optimal reaction conditions were established, considering factors such as catalyst quantity, reaction kinetics, solvent volume, catalyst reuse, and the influence of the metal ions employed. The stability of these catalysts was demonstrated through multiple reaction cycles, indicating their potential for reuse. The results revealed that the developed catalysts were highly effective for the Claisen-Schmidt condensation reaction, achieving remarkable yields of 74 % for NPc, 96 % for Zn-NP, and 98 % for K-NP under specific conditions while utilising water as the green solvent.
]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Mercury - The Element that Changed the World]]></title>
            <link>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/cdem-2025-0005</link>
            <guid>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/cdem-2025-0005</guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[

Mercury is a bright silver liquid with an exceptionally high density of 13.6 g·cm–3. It has a high surface tension, causing it to form bright shiny globules that roll freely on smooth surfaces. For this reason, it is sometimes called quicksilver. Not surprisingly, mercury has been the focus of insatiable curiosity since the earliest of times, a curiosity that has led to the use of mercury and its compounds in a vast range of applications in the fields of medicine, chemistry, physics and technology. Mercury has played a significant role in philosophical speculations about the nature of metals, and in scientific research. This has led to some remarkable results, from which we benefit on an everyday basis. The purpose of this article is to outline three major scientific discoveries, made during the past four centuries, which exploited the unique properties of mercury. The discoveries are associated with the names of five outstanding scientists - Torricelli, Priestley, Scheele, Lavoisier and Faraday. Using these discoveries as examples, it will be shown that mercury was the key player in the formation of today’s technological world.
]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Definition of Areas with High and Low Environmental Pollution by Passive Bio-Monitoring]]></title>
            <link>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/cdem-2025-0007</link>
            <guid>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/cdem-2025-0007</guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[

In this work, zones with high and low air pollution were determined by passive bio-monitoring. Four classes of zones were defined, which differ in the degree of pollution. In these zones, spectral data from mulberry and linden leaves were collected. It was found that their spectral indices, reduced to three principal components using Principal Component Analysis (PCA), reflect the different levels of pollution. The relationship between the spectral indices of the leaves and the degree of pollution in the considered zones was proven using the Silhouette Method - a classification assessment technique based on cluster analysis. The present study demonstrates the possibility of passively assessing air quality based on the condition of the leaves of trees grown in urban conditions. The results obtained will support the development of continuous monitoring programs in order to control pollution and its effects.
]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[AI-Based Expert System Design for Optimisation of Heavy Metal Adsorption on Waste-Derived Adsorbents]]></title>
            <link>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/cdem-2025-0006</link>
            <guid>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/cdem-2025-0006</guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[

Heavy metal contamination in wastewater is a major global problem that requires effective, automated, and sustainable treatment systems capable of linking laboratory-scale adsorption processes to intelligent large-scale operation. This work introduces a novel Expert System (ES) that combines a Genetic Algorithm (GA), Artificial Neural Networks (ANN), and Monte Carlo (MC) analysis for the automated removal of heavy metals using adsorbents obtained from Low-Density Concrete waste. This research is significant because adsorption systems are complex to automate due to their nonlinear behaviour and sensitivity to fluctuating operating conditions. By facilitating intelligent process control and optimisation, the system overcomes the main drawback of adsorption technology, which is its lack of automation. Experimental datasets for Pb2+, Co2+ and Mn2+ removal were used to train the ANN, which predicts removal from inputs (pH, adsorbent mass, contact time, initial concentration). GA then used this trained ANN to optimise these same factors. According to the sensitivity analysis, the most important control variables in heavy metal adsorption were heavy metal type, pH, and adsorbent mass. The ANN model demonstrated strong predictive performance (R2 = 0.908, RMSE = 7.43 %), enabling GA to optimise process conditions and achieve removal efficiencies of 100 % (Pb2+), 87.8 % (Co2+), and 71.62 % (Mn2+) under identified optimal operating parameters. Operational reliability measured by MC simulations showed Co2+ had a higher variability (CV: Coefficient of Variation = 5.39 %) than Mn2+ (CV = 3.29 %) and Pb2+ (CV = 2.13 %), which had minimal uncertainty. Using resources from the circular economy, the ES provides a framework for a digital twin of an Industry 4.0-compliant water treatment system that enables translation of lab-based procedures into practical applications.
]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Anthropogenic Mechanism of Global Temperature Change]]></title>
            <link>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/cdem-2025-0004</link>
            <guid>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/cdem-2025-0004</guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[

In the paper a new mechanism of Earth’s temperature change is presented. It was named „light heat pillow”. Delivery of anthropogenic heat during the night reduces the natural difference of temperature between the hydrosphere and the atmosphere, which leads to an increase of Earth’s temperature. The paper is a formal continuation of work [1].
]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Exploring Competency-Based Chemistry Teaching: Trends, Challenges and Perspectives]]></title>
            <link>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/cdem-2025-0008</link>
            <guid>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/cdem-2025-0008</guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[

The aim of the study is to substantiate the features of active implementation of competence-based chemistry teaching in secondary education institutions of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The methodological approach of the study is based on the following research methods: analysis, synthesis, induction, modelling, comparison, and generalisation. The content of the concept of “competence approach” is defined; its signs and features are revealed, the necessity of introducing the competence approach in the process of teaching chemistry is theoretically proved and the prospects of using the specified approach to improve the study of chemistry among secondary school students of the Republic of Kazakhstan are determined. In the course of theoretical research, the key competences in the process of chemistry teaching, which should be formed in secondary school students of the Republic of Kazakhstan, have been identified. The study identified the contradictions concerning the development of the competence approach in the study of chemistry and outlined ways to solve them. Perspective directions of improvement of competence-based chemistry teaching are defined, and specific recommendations on measures of effective implementation of such an approach in secondary education institutions of the Republic of Kazakhstan are given.
]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Impact of the Pedagogy of Successive Questioning on Chemistry Learning]]></title>
            <link>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/cdem-2025-0009</link>
            <guid>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/cdem-2025-0009</guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[

The pedagogy of successive questions (PSQ) is a teaching strategy designed to improve student engagement in chemistry courses. It operates through three stages: interrogation, evaluation, and junction. This study explores the effectiveness of the PSQ strategy by applying it to undergraduate General Chemistry students enrolled in biomedical and pharmacy programs at the Lebanese International University (LIU). The study involved two sections of the General Chemistry course. One section utilised the PSQ method, while the other served as a control group with traditional teaching methods. A survey was conducted to assess student engagement levels. Moreover, the students’ academic achievement was compared by analysing the average grades from both sections. Statistical analysis was performed to determine the significance of differences in engagement levels and academic performance. The results showed significant improvements in engagement levels and learning outcomes in the section that followed the PSQ methodology. Those students scored an average of 11 % higher than those in the control group. The PSQ strategy was also found to be comparable to other active learning techniques, such as the flipped classroom model, in terms of enhancing engagement and academic performance. The PSQ strategy is an effective teaching method for enhancing student engagement and improving academic performance in chemistry courses, particularly for students in biomedical and pharmacy programs. The findings suggest that PSQ promotes more interactive and engaging learning experiences, which can lead to better retention of information.
]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Scientific Aspects of Organic Soy Production in Ukraine]]></title>
            <link>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/cdem-2024-0008</link>
            <guid>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/cdem-2024-0008</guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 05 Feb 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[

Taking into account European experience, theoretical and methodological foundations of scientific aspects of organic soybean production in Ukraine have been implemented, aimed at the greening of agriculture, through the preservation of natural soil fertility and the rational use of bioecosystems. It has been established that soybean production, through the introduction of bioorganic technologies, contributes to the improvement of agricultural culture, the restoration of soil fertility, and an increase in the amount of protein products and nutritious feeds. Experimental studies have proven that soil organic matter is a key indicator of its fertility, since it actively affects plant nutrition and improves the physicochemical properties of the soil, as well as the migration of chemical elements. The most important soil processes are closely related to the greening of the agricultural sector. It has been proven that the main source of organic matter for increasing soil fertility is the development of organic models of soybean growing technologies. It is substantiated that the agrobiological potential of these technologies in sustainable production zones of non-irrigated lands will contribute to the creation of a “Soybean belt”. A new stage in soybean production is proposed, which will allow rational use of the region’s hydrothermal resources, increase the gross yield of soybean seeds, promote the biologisation of agriculture and the production of high-quality and environmentally friendly products.
]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Barriers and Drivers by Sustainability School Community Projects Implementation: What Changes Appeared]]></title>
            <link>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/cdem-2024-0003</link>
            <guid>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/cdem-2024-0003</guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 05 Feb 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[

School-community projects have become essential components of educational systems worldwide, aiming to engage students and local communities in collaborative initiatives. This article explores the implementation of school community projects, focusing on sustainability themes, by addressing two research questions: RQ1 examines the current knowledge about barriers and drivers in school-community projects, and RQ2 investigates how these factors have evolved in response to critical societal changes. Experts’ perspectives on open schooling projects conducted in 2022 and 2023 were collected using retrospective think-aloud interviews. The study adhered to ethical principles, ensuring participant anonymity and consent. The findings reaffirm previously identified barriers and drivers, such as the significance of leadership commitment, effective communication, and student engagement. However, our research unveils novel insights, highlighting the challenges posed by declining student well-being, eco-anxiety, and diminished interest in projects, notably among older students. Puberty, environmental grief, and post-pandemic effects are identified as contributing factors. Teachers emphasise the importance of hands-on activities within project curricula to mitigate these challenges, bridging the gap between theory and application. Collaborative decision-making and planning also play a crucial role, with difficulties arising from perceiving sustainability projects as solely science-oriented. Furthermore, our study suggests that while long-term partnerships with external stakeholders are valuable, it is essential to limit the frequency of projects to prevent burnout among participants. In conclusion, our findings underscore the need for a holistic approach to project design, including mental health considerations and interdisciplinary collaboration, to maximise the positive impact of such initiatives in an ever-changing educational landscape.
]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[History of Science and Methodology: The Significance of Aristotle’s Treatises]]></title>
            <link>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/cdem-2024-0002</link>
            <guid>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/cdem-2024-0002</guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 05 Feb 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[

The study is devoted to highlighting the legacy of Aristotle from the point of view of its modern interpretation. Also, this work has a didactic character, since the structure of the proposed educational material corresponds to the main milestones of the life and work of an outstanding thinker of antiquity. The article emphasises the importance of studying Aristotle’s biological knowledge in modern sciences, in particular in interdisciplinary studies, teaching methods, in the methodology of sciences, etc. The authors recommend scientists who work in the field of natural sciences, as well as teach these sciences to students in educational institutions, to take into account the principles of Aristotle’s scientific picture of the world, since Aristotle was the first in the history of science to present a scheme of scientific research methods and provide a complete classification of animals. He also proposed a hierarchy of levels of life, created a scheme of causality in biology, initiated the doctrine of distribution and the principle of analogy, laid the foundations of embryology, enriched the categorical apparatus of science (whole and its part, species and genus, functions, form and matter, movement, primary cause, entelechy, substance, soul, etc.), which are still used in various fields of scientific knowledge.
]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Microwave-Aided Nitration of Phenol with Inorganic Nitrates: Inquiry-Based Learning Experiments]]></title>
            <link>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/cdem-2024-0005</link>
            <guid>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/cdem-2024-0005</guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 05 Feb 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[

Current trends in organic synthesis as well as in chemistry education highlight the principles of Green chemistry and call for new synthetic procedures that conform to the actual ecological and economic requirements according to the Green deal and other global challenges. This includes, for instance, replacement of aggressive and toxic reagents, optimisation of synthetic protocols to achieve the highest possible yields within the shortest reaction times, lowering the reaction temperature, solvent recycling and waste minimisation. Considering the present technological advances, replacement of classical heating by microwave irradiation turns out to be an important tool of Green chemistry that permits significant reduction of the reaction time and increase of the yield under certain conditions. In chemistry education alike, several teaching experiments have also been reported in the latest literature to show advantages of the microwave-aided synthesis of various organic compounds or to elucidate basic chemical reactivity principles (e.g. direct carboxamide synthesis, aromatic sulphonation with rearrangement). In the present study, we design a Green chemistry education project focused on microwave-aided nitration of phenol by a set of inorganic metal nitrates (i.e. sodium nitrate, calcium nitrate, copper(II) nitrate, iron(III) nitrate) in concentrated acetic acid. These inquiry-based learning experiments proceed very easily, and the reaction conditions can be controlled to achieve the first, the second or even the third degree of nitration. Along with a necessary minimum of chemistry knowledge and skills, the proposed educational experiments on microwave-aided synthesis encourage students to explore the influence of the inorganic nitrate structure on the phenol nitration products. The basic relationship between the properties of reactants and the course of this interesting organic reaction can be easily monitored by universal pH papers and thin-layer chromatography, and subsequently explained through inductive reasoning. As such, these student-centred experiments are suitable for implementation in inquiry-based chemistry education at universities or high schools oriented in natural sciences.
]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Home Composting - Rules, Conditions, New Solutions]]></title>
            <link>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/cdem-2024-0007</link>
            <guid>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/cdem-2024-0007</guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 05 Feb 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[

The management of composting home bio-waste at the place of their formation leads to several benefits. Among them are: minimising the amount of waste sent to landfills, decreasing the costs associated with transporting them to disposal sites, and reducing the need for new facilities dedicated to this purpose. A further advantage of home composting is the better segregation of waste compared to industrial composting, there is less accidental contamination by plastic, glass, or metal waste, which is a key requirement for a proper biodegradation process. However, despite to many benefits of home composting, the method is still controversial. The first part of the paper briefly characterises the key parameters for an effective home composting process, i.e.: temperature, air porosity, oxygenation, and moisture content. It is also widely considered and discussed the problem of reasons why home composters do not reach the temperature values considered necessary for the sterilisation of waste. Potential needs to reach the same high temperatures in home composting as in industrial composting are also discussed. The next part of the paper presents some technical solutions currently used in home composters to improve the process of biodegradation of waste and to make them easier to use. The final section addresses the quality of home compost and the issues around correctly assessing its maturity and stability.
]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Chemistry in the Kitchen: Practical Insights for High School Students]]></title>
            <link>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/cdem-2024-0006</link>
            <guid>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/cdem-2024-0006</guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 05 Feb 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[

Chemistry plays a crucial role in everyday life, particularly in the kitchen, where its principles can enhance problem-solving skills and informed decision-making. This study aims to evaluate high school students’ understanding of applied chemistry in culinary contexts. A questionnaire was administered to 76 students, revealing that 42.6 % provided correct answers regarding the application of chemistry in the kitchen. The methodology involved analysing students’ responses to assess their awareness and appreciation of chemistry’s practical value. The findings suggest that promoting the application of chemistry principles not only fosters responsible citizenship but also optimises daily life benefits. Future research should explore effective strategies to enhance students’ engagement with chemistry in real-world contexts.
]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[The Extraordinary World of Sulphur Part 2]]></title>
            <link>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/cdem-2024-0001</link>
            <guid>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/cdem-2024-0001</guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 05 Feb 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[

Sulphur is a highly reactive element, and is therefore able to enter into a wide variety of chemical combinations, resulting in the formation of compounds of widely differing properties. Reactions involving sulphur, and the compounds which they produce, have stimulated and inspired people throughout the ages. Sulphur has always been associated with volcanoes, fires and smells. However, its story goes much further; sulphur is present in thousands of products of the chemical industry, which are in everyday use. These include car batteries, tyres, matches, paints, paper, textiles, food, detergents and pharmaceuticals. In Part 1 of this essay, the evolution of the role of sulphur in the history of mankind has been explained, through the lenses of etymology, geology, literature, art and chemistry. In Part 2, the role of sulphur in biochemistry and chemical technology is reviewed. In presenting these facets of the world of sulphur, a case is established, to show that sulphur is one of the most useful and interesting substances known to Man.
]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Convergence of Environmental Education in Technical Natural Sciences with Cross-Border CZ-PL Practice]]></title>
            <link>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/cdem-2024-0004</link>
            <guid>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/cdem-2024-0004</guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 05 Feb 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[

The subject of this communication is the evaluation of the results of pedagogical research focused on environmental-technical university education within the framework of a four-year PL-CZ project supported by the EU, entitled “Cooperation between the University of Opole and the University of Hradec Kralove increasing the employability of graduates on the cross-border labour market” and its three-year sustainability, which we have already reported on in a previous communication in this Journal. The aim was to increase the mutual cross-border substitutability of graduates of environmental-technical fields of study of the Faculty of Science and Technology of the University of Opole (PL) and the Faculty of Science of the University of Hradec Kralove (CZ), when looking for employment in Czech and Polish companies. There is an increasing number of graduates of environmental-technical fields of study who do not work in their fields of study, despite the fact that these workers are missing from the labour market in both countries. The convergence of study programs took place in the form of mutual cross-border teaching with the creation of Czech-Polish teaching materials focused on professional terminology and through exchange four-day field trips and fortnightly and monthly curricular internships. A team of internship tutors in companies, future potential employers of students, was created, a questionnaire for evaluating student performance in soft and hard skills was optimised and verified as part of a pilot study. Both groups of PL and CZ students achieved quite comparable results. There are also no significant differences in the evaluation of individual students in soft and hard skills. However, the number of respondents (students) was limited by the financial resources of the PL-CZ project, which were reduced during the COVID pandemic. Only selected students with a strong interest in the field of study and gaining practical experience participated in the study. Therefore, the conclusions of the pilot study need to be verified on a larger sample of respondents.
]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Evaluating Experimental Activities in Czech Chemistry Textbooks: A Critical Analysis]]></title>
            <link>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/cdem-2023-0006</link>
            <guid>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/cdem-2023-0006</guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 25 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[

This study analysed the nature and integration of experimental activities in Czech lower-secondary chemistry textbooks which are currently in use. Focusing on four dominant textbook series (published since 1990’s), and one recently (2019) published and certified, it investigated the offered types of student activities, their cognitive demands, placement in the educational process, and inquiry levels. The findings reveal two distinct groups of textbooks based on the quantity of experimental activities. Some textbooks align with traditional teaching methods, emphasising teacher-led demonstrations, while others attempt a balance between safety concerns and student engagement. However, a general lack of focus on higher-order cognitive skills and inadequate scaffolding for scientific process skills development was found. The results showed future research should investigate the impact of experimental activities on student outcomes, highlighting the need for more modern approaches in chemistry education.
]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[The Extraordinary World of Sulphur Part 1]]></title>
            <link>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/cdem-2023-0002</link>
            <guid>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/cdem-2023-0002</guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 25 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[

Sulphur is a highly reactive element, and is therefore able to enter into a great variety of chemical combinations, resulting in the formation of compounds of widely differing properties. Reactions involving sulphur, and the compounds which they produce, have stimulated and inspired people throughout the ages. Sulphur has always been associated with volcanoes, fires and smells. However, its story goes much further. Sulphur is present in thousands of products of the chemical industry, which are in everyday use. These include car batteries, car tyres, matches, paints, paper, textiles, food, detergents and pharmaceuticals. In part 1 of this essay, the evolution of the role of sulphur in the history of mankind is explained, through the eyes of etymology, geology, literature, art, and chemistry. In part 2 the role of sulphur in biochemistry and chemical technology is reviewed. In so doing, a case is established, to show that sulphur is the most extraordinary substance known to Man.
]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Does Sendivogius’ Alchemy Cancel the Celebration of the 250th Anniversary of the Discovery of Oxygen?]]></title>
            <link>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/cdem-2023-0003</link>
            <guid>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/cdem-2023-0003</guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 25 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[

Most chemistry textbooks claim that oxygen was discovered almost simultaneously by Carl Scheele and Joseph Priestley about 250 years ago. Priestley obtained oxygen by heating mercuric oxide (1774), and Scheele -by heating NaNO3, as well as by dissolving pyrolusite in sulfuric acid (1772). The name “oxygen” was given a few years later (1779) by Antoine Lavoisier. This great scientist, often accused of taking advantage of the discoveries of others, conducted experiments related to the decomposition of water vapour over heated iron, as well as the synthesis of water from hydrogen and oxygen. His work was of great importance because it revealed the elemental nature of oxygen and its role in the processes of combustion and respiration. The present article draws attention to the prehistory of the “oxygen theory”. It emphasises the natural philosophy of a forgotten alchemist, healer, and diplomat - Michael Sendivogius (1566-1636) - who popularised his belief that the substance (“Water of life that does not wet the hands”) obtained by heating the “Central Salt” (nitre, KNO3) is part of the air. It is the “secret food of life” used invisibly by every living thing.
]]></description>
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