Discussed is the teaching of history related to chemistry in college chemistry courses. Problem areas including naming things and biases (linguistic, geographical, national, religious, ethnic, racial, cultural, sexual, world views, and government) are discussed. Five suggestions for improving instruction are given. (RH)

A previous article enumerated some of the demerits seen in applying the "writing across the curriculum" approach to science students. Disagrees with this point of view and recommends that writing should be a skill fostered in science classes. Several writing experiences for science students are noted. (JN)

Discusses science policy issues and concern in China, focusing on how to balance the imperative for centralized planning and coordination in developing and using scientific and technical capabilities with the desirability of vesting a larger measure of decision-making authority in individual scientific and technical institutions and enterprises.…

Examined 10 introductory college-level, general biology survey textbooks for the coverage of algae to assess the efficacy of coverage. Describes a proposal of seven kingdoms and discusses the disposition of algae among five of these kingdoms. Contends that textbooks should highlight the concept of algae across the five kingdoms. Contains 59…

Discusses 10 myths of science including science finds answers to questions, science states causes, sample size is irrelevant to science, evidence can definitively confirm a hypothesis, scientists are always open to new ideas, peer acceptance of results is unimportant, science operates independently of society, science precedes technology, and…

Draws a distinction between the terms "heat and work" and "energy" in terms of the teaching of thermodynamics. Gives examples using enthalpy and constant pressure processes, free energy and spontaneity, and free energy and available mechanical energy. Concludes that there is no thermodynamic role for the terms "heat"…

Reports on a survey of the undergraduate programs of 50 engineering schools which was designed to investigate the engineering curriculum with regard to core courses in statics and dynamics. Indicates that only about one-third of the schools require these courses. Argues for their return to the programs. (TW)

Proposes that colored compounds be classified by reference to a standard color-order system incorporating a color dictionary. Argues that the colors of new compounds could be incorporated into the characterization process and into computer storage systems. (TW)

Suggests that academic departments reshape the intellectual climate for chemistry education as one way to ensure the future of chemistry. Current practices in chemistry and possible benefits which may result if the system is modified are examined. These benefits include better public support and understanding of chemistry. (JN)

Major differences between plants and animals are presented. Discussed are autotrophs and heterotrophs, plant growth and development, gas exchange, the evolution of plants, ecosystem components, the alleged inferiority of plants, and fungi. (CW)

Discussed are some of the problems associated with attracting women to the sciences. Factors from the student experience are listed. A summer science program at the University of Michigan is described. Suggestions for improving science education for young women are provided. (CW)

Examines the reasons why errors occur in chemistry textbooks. Presents examples of the range of errors and proposes measures for addressing the problem. (ML)

Discusses the use and significance of geologic generalizations. Provides examples of different types of geologic observations and describes how they relate to the way explanations are formulated. Proposes that the mentioned generalizations be regarded as "laws." (ML)

Discusses the need of statistical training for engineering undergraduate students. Describes the six reasons to teach statistics. The methods for statistical quality control are presented. Twenty-three references are listed. (YP)

Summarizes the report of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Commission on industrial productivity, "Made in America: Regaining the Productive Edge." Provides six comments on the report's implications of the role of engineering education. (YP)