Project Overview

The Handbook for General Chemistry Discussions is designed to encourage students to explore the ideas covered in general chemistry more fully. We envision that the handbook will be used as a tool for discussions after the students have been introduced to the materials in class and from reading their textbook.

Each discussion is intended for a one-hour session guided by an instructor. Students work in small groups and explain their answers to classmates and to the instructor. We believe that when the students explain and defend their ideas, it promotes a deeper understanding of the ideas.

Discussion Sheet Nuts-and-Bolts:

What course are these sheets for?

General chemistry course, first and second semesters. Click here to get a list of topics.

Who uses these discussion sheets?

• Course instructors supervising teaching assistants (TAs)
• TAs teaching discussion sections
• General chemistry students

When do I use these discussion sheets?

Weekly discussion / recitation sections.

How long is each discussion sheet?

Approximately 50 minutes.