Mary Nakhleh

Professor 
Science Education 
Deparment of Curriculum & Instruction

Research

Chemistry Education--Professor Nakhleh's research focuses on students' concepts of chemistry, particularly their understanding of the molecular level. She is particularly interested in how new technologies, such as computer graphics interfaces and Web-based learning, mediate learning.

Education

Ph.D.	University of Maryland, 1990, Science Education
M.A.	University of Maryand, 1985, Chemistry Education
B.S.	University of Georgia, 1961, Chemistry

Selected Publications

• Eichinger, D.C., Nakhleh, M.B., Auberr, D.L. (2000). Evaluating computer lab models for large biology courses. Journal of Computers in Mathematics and Science Teaching, 19(3), 253-275.
  
  
• Nakhleh, M.B., Donovan, W.J., Parrill, A.L. (2000). Evaluation of interactive technologies for chemistry websites: Educational materials for organic chemistry website (EMOC). Journal of Computers in Mathematics and Science Teaching, 19(12), 355-378.
  
  
• Krockover, G.H., Adams, P.E. Eichinger, D., Nakhleh, M., Sheparson, D.P. (2001). Action Based Research Teams: Collaborating to Improve Science Instruction. Journal of College Science Teaching. 30(5). 313-317.
  
  
• Donovan, W.J., Nakhleh, M.B. (2001). Students' use of web-based tutorial materials and understanding of chemistry concepts. Journal of Chemical Education, 78(7), 975-980.
  
  
• Nicoll, G., Francisco, J.S. and Nakhleh, M.B. (2001). An investigation of the value of using concept maps in general chemistry. Journal of Chemical Education, 78(8), 1111-1117.

• Nakhleh, M.B. (2001). Theories or fragments' The debate over learners' naive ideas about science. Journal of Chemical Education, 78(8), 1107. Full text is in online symposium entitled "Piaget, constructivism, and beyond" at http://jchemed.chem.wisc.edu/Journal/Issues/Current/PlusSub/V78N08/p1107_5.pdf.

• Nicoll, G., J.S. Francisco, M.B. Nakhleh. (2001). A Three-Tier System for Assessing Concept Map Links. International Journal of Science Education.

• Francisco, J.S., Nakhleh, M.B., Nurrenbern, S.C., Miller, M.L. (2002). Assessing student understanding of general chemistry with concept mapping. Journal of Chemical Education, 79(2), 248-257.

Courses Taught

EDCI 424	Earth/Physical Science in Secondary Schools
EDCI 428	Teaching Science in Middle & Jr. High School
EDCI 622	Special Topics in Science Education
CHM 502	Modern Chemistry in High School
CHM 116	General Chemistry (Science & Engineering Majors
CHM 112	General Chemistry

Professional Experience

2006- present	Professor of Chemistry and Curriculum & Instruction, College of Education, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
1996-2006	Associate Professor of Chemistry and Curriculum & Instruction, College of Education, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
1990-1996	Assistant Professor of Chemistry and Curriculum & Instruction, College of Education, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
1970-1996	Middle and secondary level teacher, Frederick County, MD