Discusses a teaching program for introductory chemistry laboratories that allows for differences in student background and ability. The flexible program involves self-pacing and a classification of experiments; this permits slower students to proceed through remedial loops while advanced students proceed to more difficult experiments. (MLH)

As part of an experiment, a three quarter sequence in organic chemistry was designed to be accompanied by laboratory experiments that reinforce the lecture material and encourage independent investigation by minimizing cookbook-style procedures. By having laboratory techniques explained in detail on video casettes, students were exposed to uniform…