For the first time in science education, the subject of multiple solution methods is explored in book form. While a multiple method teaching approach is utilized extensively in math education, there are very few journal articles and no texts written on this topic in science. Teaching multiple methods to science students in order to solve quantitative word problems is important for two reasons. First it challenges the practice by teachers that one specific method should be used when solving problems. Secondly, it calls into question the belief that multiple methods would confuse students and retard their learning. Using a case study approach and informed by research conducted by the author, this book claims that providing students with a choice of methods as well as requiring additional methods as a way to validate results can be beneficial to student learning. A close reading of the literature reveals that time spent on elucidating concepts rather than on algorithmic methodologies is a critical issue when trying to have students solve problems with understanding. It is argued that conceptual understanding can be enhanced through the use of multiple methods in an environment where students can compare, evaluate, and verbally discuss competing methodologies through the facilitation of the instructor. This book focuses on two very useful methods: proportional reasoning (PR) and dimensional analysis (DA). These two methods are important because they can be used to solve a large number of problems in all of the four academic sciences (biology, chemistry, physics, and earth science). This book concludes with a plan to integrate DA and PR into the academic science curriculum starting in late elementary school through to the introductory college level. A challenge is presented to teachers as well as to textbook writers who rely on the single-method paradigm to consider an alternative way to teach scientific problem solving.

Learning the fundamentals of chemistry can be a difficult task to undertake for health professionals. For over 35 years, Foundations of College Chemistry, Alternate 14th Edition has helped readers master the chemistry skills they need to succeed. It provides them with clear and logical explanations of chemical concepts and problem solving. They’ll learn how to apply concepts with the help of worked out examples. In addition, Chemistry in Action features and conceptual questions checks brings together the understanding of chemistry and relates chemistry to things health professionals experience on a regular basis.

"This book is for you, and every text feature is meant to help you learn and succeed in your chemistry course. I wrote this book with two main goals for you in mind: to see chemistry as you never have before and to develop the problem-solving skills you need to succeed in chemistry. I want you to experience chemistry in a new way. I have written each chapter to show you that chemistry is not just something that happens in a laboratory; chemistry surrounds you at every moment. Several outstanding artists have helped me to develop photographs and art that will help you visualize the molecular world. From the opening example to the closing chapter, you will see chemistry. My hope is that when you finish this course, you will think differently about your world because you understand the molecular interactions that underlie everything around you. My second goal is for you to develop problem-solving skills. No one succeeds in chemistry-or in life, really-without the ability to solve problems. I can't give you a one-size-fits-all formula for problem solving, but I can and do give you strategies that will help you develop the chemical intuition you need to understand chemical reasoning"--