Volume 22, Issue 3  (2013)

Letters to the Editor:
S. Alexandrov, M. Boneva Chemistry Minor Programs: Teaching and Learning of Analytical Chemistry [In Bulgarian] Full text: PDF (309 K)	329
Education: Theory & Practice:
Y. Klissarov, K. Belcheva Toward the Modernization of Pedagogy: A Critical Review [In Bulgarian] Full text: PDF (755 K)	337
Curriculum Matters:
M. Boycheva, R. Davidova How to Develop Pupils' Cognitive Interest on the Basis of the Subject "Man & Nature: Structure and Life Processes of Organisms": In-service Training of Teaching without Biological Education. II. Full text: PDF (355 K)	358
B. V. Toshev Remarks on the School Chemistry in Bulgaria: Chemical Thermodynamics and Chemical Equilibrium [In Bulgarian] Full text: PDF (566 K)	369
Teaching Efficiency:
M. D. Stojkovic Teaching Aids in Presenting the Topic of "The Periodic Table of Elements by Dmitri Ivanovich Mendeleev" at the Primary School Full text: PDF (747 K)	380
S. Angelova Possibilities for Skills Forming in Biological Education [In Bulgarian] Full text: PDF (652 K)	388
M.E.A. Mohammed, A. Abeer, F. Elsamani, O.M. Elsheikh, A. Hodow, O.K. Haji Simulation of the Fatty Acid Synthase Complex Mechanism of Action Full text: PDF (1039 K)	405
Bulgarian Educational Tradition:
M. Zamfirov Todor Jonchev (1859-1940) and His Contribution to the Bulgarian Chemical Literature [In Bulgarian] Full text: PDF (5630 K)	413
Foreign Educational Tradition:
G. Yuzbasheva Forming of Content of Differential Teaching of Chemistry in School Education in Ukraine Full text: PDF (310 K)	436
Advanced Science:
S. Stanimirov, Zh. Velkov Study of Radical-Scavenging Activity [In Bulgarian] Full text: PDF (347 K)	445
History and Philosophy of Science:
W. P. Palmer Professor John White Webster, Science Educator and Convicted Murderer Full text: PDF (294 K)	452
Khimiya, Volume 22, Issue 3(2013) Khimiya. 22, 337-357 (2013) Author(s): Y. Klissarov, K. Belcheva: Abstract.Pure and applied pedagogy is a science of education which prepares the young generations for life and society. Since Jan Comenius it has constantly being developed and improved. Its modern appeal is due to the significant influence of the latest methodological approaches, such as: learning by doing, student-centered learning, technological and taxonomic approaches and last but not least the competence approach. The latter has proved to be an integrative part and a major factor in teacher education and professional development for modern Bulgarian teachers and tutors. The article reveals the essence of the above-mentioned approaches, analyses the interrelationships, focuses on their innovative aspects and practical applications. Keywords: pedagogy, education, paradigms, approaches, innovations, strategies top Khimiya. 22, 358-368 (2013) Author(s): M. Boycheva, R. Davidova: Abstract.The aim of this study was to design learning and cognitive tasks which would be used for developing cognitive interests of the students to their primary biological education. The teachers trained are without a special biological education. The school subject is “Man & Nature: Structure and Life Processes of Organisms.” The proposed methodological constructions make no claim to be universal and should be used only as models which are subject to creative improvement or adaptation by the teacher according to the concrete peculiarities of the teaching process. Keywords: cognitive interest, subject Man & Nature, 6th grade, structure and life processes of organisms, teachers without biological education top Khimiya. 22, 369-379 (2013) Author(s): B. V. Toshev: Abstract.The mass action law belongs to the chemical thermodynamics. The chemical reactions run in the direction in which the free energy of the chemical systems decreases. When the free energy reach its minimum value (at given conditions), then the chemical equilibrium is established. The paper advocates for reviving the force-balance method in deriving the mass action law. The didactic advantages of this forgotten method are discussed. Keywords: chemical thermodynamics, chemical equilibrium, mass action law, free energy, force-balance method top Khimiya. 22, 380-387 (2013) Author(s): M. D. Stojkovic: Abstract.This paper presents the theoretical basis, construction process, practical usage of teaching aids – a whiteboard with magnets and funny text, as well as the process of the lesson realization – in presenting the topic of Periodic Table of Elements (PTE) by D. I. Mendeleev. Moreover, the implementation of new ideas, derived from teaching experience, is presented with the aim to introduce chemistry curriculum in an amusing way, adapting it to the interests and needs of students through creative and innovative work of the teacher. Keywords: chemistry teaching, teaching aids, Periodic Table of Elements, primary school, students top Khimiya. 22, 388-404 (2013) Author(s): S. Angelova: Abstract.Skills formation in students is related to building of certain personal qualities that require placement of the problem in the domain of comprehension. The notions skill and comprehension are presented both separately and in their integrative field. One aspect of integration is substantial – through looking for an intersection between the components of comprehension and skill. The other aspect of integration is technological – by choosing a complex theoretical basis in the elaboration of a technology for skill formation. The goal of this article is to substantiate the need in the creation of a brand new type of learning environment for the purpose of skill formation in biology teaching, with an option for practical application in real world contexts. One deficiency of modern biology teaching is that the problem of skill formation is addressed rather theoretically, without sufficient data as to how and whether this problem is solved in high school. Keywords: biology teaching and learning, skills forming top Khimiya. 22, 405-412 (2013) Author(s): M.E.A. Mohammed, A. Abeer, F. Elsamani, O.M. Elsheikh, A. Hodow, O.K. Haji: Abstract.One of the most complicated subjects to our students is the fatty acid synthase (FAS) complex. The objective of this article is to make the lecture of fatty acid synthesis enjoyable and understandable through mimicking the action of the fatty acid synthase complex by our students. Fatty acid synthase mechanism of action is mimicked by two students using highlighter markers with or without caps. The sketch was evaluated by simple questionnaire. 77.5% of the students agreed that the sketch was very useful and helped them to better understand the FAS structure and mechanism of action while 22.5% of the students were not happy by the sketch. Mimicking the action of complex biological molecules is an effective tool to facilitate better understanding of biochemistry. A lot of efforts should be done to make the biochemistry an interesting science for the students. Keywords: teaching biochemistry, fatty acid synthase, malonyl CoA, sketching method top Khimiya. 22, 413-435 (2013) Author(s): M. Zamfirov: Abstract.This article studies Todor Jonchev’s contribution to the Bulgarian chemical literature. His books and manuals in Chemistry and Chemistry teaching are listed and commented. His life and social activities are discussed as well. Keywords: chemistry textbooks, Todor Jonchev, chemical didactics top Khimiya. 22, 436-444 (2013) Author(s): G. Yuzbasheva: Abstract.The article grounds historical and didactical development of method of differential teaching of chemistry in secondary education establishments of Ukraine which is accompanied by serious qualitative changes in respect to forming of content of education and choice of forms and methods of organization of teaching process. The paper exposes the ways of realization of content of differential teaching in comparative aspect with traditional one. Keywords: differential teaching, stages of forming of content of education, profile teaching, pre-profile teaching, conditions of realization of differential teaching, independent cognitive activity top Khimiya. 22, 445-451 (2013) Author(s): S. Stanimirov, Zh. Velkov: Abstract.The radical-scavenging ability of a substance largely determines its antioxidant activity, but the two terms are not equivalent. The quantum-chemical approach is a possible technique of exploring this action. The article addresses the main mechanisms of the reaction between radicals and radical-scavengers and the ways for their quantification by means of appropriate quantum-chemical descriptors. The most significant advantages and disadvantages of this approach are outlined. Keywords: radical-scavenging, antioxidant, quantum-chemistry, reaction mechanisms top Khimiya. 22, 452-471 (2013) Author(s): W. P. Palmer: Abstract.Professor John White Webster (1793-1850) was a nineteenth century American science educator. He was the author of several well regarded university textbooks in chemistry and a geological text on the island of St Michael in the Azores. He had a first degree in science (A.M.) and was also a qualified medical practitioner (M.D). He was a lecturer at Harvard University on chemistry, mineralogy and geology and became the Erving Professor of Chemistry. He was also the associate editor of the Boston Journal of Philosophy and the Arts. These were considerable achievements but his personal finances were disorganised. He was deeply in debt to a fellow academic, Dr George Parkman, and was accused and convicted of Parkman’s murder. Opinions regarding the quality of his teaching, writing and research vary and this presentation will explore these views. His conviction for murder deeply divided opinion in Boston at the time and now John White Webster is remembered for his crime rather than his many years as a respected science educator. The presentation will attempt to provide a balanced view of Professor John White Webster’s personal life and his achievements as a science educator. Keywords: John White Webster, chemistry textbooks, crime, murderer, George Parkman top