Reports on a study intended to establish a relationship between the M-space (mental energy) and the M-demand (the variable difficulties of Piagetian tasks presumed to entail the same logical structure) of different items of general chemistry. Recommends that chemistry teachers consider the role of cognitive factors in determining student success.…

Deals with strategies for the fostering of the question-asking capabilities of chemistry students through the use of active, real-world problem-solving and decision-making processes. Suggests that appropriate teaching strategies do facilitate the students' question-asking abilities, and strengthen their confidence in applying them to…

Describes a course in environmental chemistry offered at Dutchess Community College (New York) for students enrolled in the environmental conservation science program. Provides an outline of the 13 units comprising the laboratory portion of the course and discusses the one-hour/week lecture sessions. (TW)

Describes a self-managed learning approach designed to help engineering students take charge of their own learning. Discusses marker events, exploratory learning versus linear instruction, knowledge through self-discovery, information retrieval, production through writing and speaking, and promoting a mature response. (TW)

Presents a review of computer programs written for the Apple Macintosh computer that teach astronomy. Reviews general programs, along with some which deal more specifically with sky travel, star charting, the solar system, Halley's Comet, and stargazing. Includes the name and address of each producer. (TW)

Argues for the introduction of a college level safety course for chemistry majors and surveys college catalog offerings to determine course status in American Chemical Society approved departments. Concludes that six percent of approved departments offer a formal safety course. (ML)

Surveys the outlook presented by former and present chemistry and biochemistry doctoral students toward their graduate program. Poses questions to determine what aspects are deemed important. Suggests seminars and quality advisors are important factors. (ML)

Discusses undetected hazards that may have potential for injuring staff and students. Cites examples of chemical hazards in the lab. Stresses the need for laboratory safety education. Gives examples of safety publications for secondary and college science laboratories. Comments on the changing nature of chemical safety standards. (CW)

Reported is a summary and review of more than 400 research reports published in 1986. The review is organized into four sections: (1) Teaching and the Teacher; (2) Learning and the Learner; (3) Curriculum and Instruction; and (4) Instrument Development and Analysis. Sections include overview, discussion of the studies, and implications for…

Provides reviews of three software packages including "MusicShapes,""For Comment," and "Colortrope," which were developed for music, writing, and science, respectively. Includes information on grade levels, publishers, hardware needed, and cost. (TW)

Contains ratings of two software packages for Apple II computers: "Acid-Base Titrations, CHM311A" and "Chemical Principles for the Introductory Laboratory, CHM 384A." Both are aimed at high school and college chemistry and are rated on ease of use, subject matter content, pedagogic value, and student reaction. (CW)

Describes exercises used for the first two weeks of general chemistry when class rolls are fluctuating. Includes learning objectives, linear graphs, nonlinear graphs, scatter graphs, and precision of measurement. Exercises are designed to introduce students to the metric system, balances, significant digits, graphing, and computerized data…

Reports on the progress of the "Science Through Discovery" program of the Richardson (Texas) Independent School District. Results of a study into the program indicate that students have improved their attitudes about science, as well as their decision-making skills regarding technological issues. (TW)

Reviews seven instructional software packages covering a variety of topics. Includes: "Science Square-Off"; "The Desert"; "Science Courseware: Physical Science"; "Odell Lake"; "Safety First"; "An Experience in Artificial Intelligence"; and "Master Mapper." (TW)

Describes an integrated freshman course sequence which combines biology and chemistry and uses the process of energy flow as a unifying concept. Provides a description of the three-quarter course sequence, along with lists of topics covered in both disciplines. Includes a rationale for developing such interdisciplinary courses. (TW)