Describes the use of balloons to show the shape of atomic orbitals and their orientation in molecules. (MLH)

Describes the use of rubber hand-stamps to generate molecular pictures. These stamps (prepared with shapes of atoms and molecules at little cost by small, local print shops) can be used in creating pictures representing the microscopic state that can be linked to macroscopic descriptions for active conceptual exploration. (JN)

Recommends using a simple image, such as the fuzzy atom ball to help students develop a useful understanding of the molecular world. Explains that the image helps students easily grasp ideas about atoms and molecules and leads naturally to more advanced ideas of atomic structure, chemical bonding, and quantum physics. (Author/NB)

Discusses major events leading to the development of the octet rule. Three conclusions based on the work of Mendeleev, Abegg, Thompson, Kossel, Lewis, and Langmuir are considered as is the debate over the rule's validity. (JN)

Discussed is the classical partition function for the ideal gas and how it differs from the exact value for bosons or fermions in the classical regime. The differences in the two values are negligible hence the classical treatment leads in the end to correct answers for all observables. (Author/DS)

Presented are forms of harmonic oscillator attraction and Coulomb wave functions which can be explicitly constructed and which lead to numerical results for the energy eigenvalues and eigenfunctions of the atomic system. The Schrodinger equation and its solution and specific cases of muonic atoms illustrating numerical calculations are included.…

Presented is a technique for making various molecular models from a strip of paper. Instructions for six models including tetrahedral, trigonal bipyramid, octahedral, pentagonal bipyramid, and capped octahedron models are provided. (CW)

Described is how crystal field theory and the angular overlap model can be applied to very simple molecules which can then be used to introduce such concepts as bonding orbitals, MO diagrams, and Walsh diagrams. The main-group compounds are used as examples and a switch to the transition metal complexes. (KR)

Discussed is the importance of valence bond theory on the quantum-mechanical theory of chemical structure and the nature of the chemical bond. Described briefly are early VB theory, development of VB theory, modern versions, solid-state applications, models, treatment in textbooks, and flaws in criticisms of valence bond theory. (KR)

Illustrated is the usefulness of keeping track of the directions of atomic orbitals in predicting the shapes of molecules. The application of this technique to all cumulenes and its use in the determination of aromaticity in cyclic systems is discussed. (KR)

Raises questions regarding what students are perceiving when concrete models are used to represent abstract scientific concepts. Discussion of several exploratory investigations on the role of models in science teaching is presented in three areas: (1) interactions with students; (2) effectiveness of models; and (3) spatial ability and models.…

Describes the design, construction, and use of oversize lecture-demonstration atomic/molecular models. These models appeal to both concrete and formal operational students. Also describes construction and use of an "spdf" sandwich board and an experiment using attribute blocks. (JN)

Explores the applicability of Mulliken's united atom model to a variety of chemical systems and demonstrates its value as a teaching tool. Considers applications to first row hydrides, compounds of the first and second periods, heavy atoms, and cluster systems. (MVL)

Compared the effects of participation in six extra credit activities for teaching the concept of matter on female preservice elementary school teachers (n=9) to a control group (n=8). Pre- and posttests to assess changes in the students' understanding of phenomena associated with matter indicated significant changes in experimental students'…