Discusses the implementation of a theory of early introduction of research themes as a method for motivating students to study the fundamentals of chemistry at the University of South Dakota. Notes the cost and benefits of this approach and assesses its immediate impact by virtue of student surveys. (LZ)

When disequilibrium is integrated into the high school chemistry curriculum, students are challenged by phenomena that cause them to question previously held beliefs. They then develop possible explanations and design methods to test their hypotheses. Discovery learning encourages in-depth concept development, independent problem solving, and…

Discusses what a functional chemical information workstation should provide to support the users in an academic library and examines how it can be implemented. Highlights include basic design considerations; natural language interface, including grammar-based, context-based, and statistical methodologies; expert system interface; and programming…

Addresses the hypothesis that a shift toward more widely-available, less comprehensive workstation indexes is changing the nature of academic library research (based on statistical data from the chemistry library at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign). Topics include an explanation of Zipf's "Principle of Least Effort" and…

Discusses the high school framework and standards developed by the National Science Teachers Association in the subjects of physics, chemistry, biology, and earth and space sciences. (MKR)

Describes the process of development and representative parts of new organic chemistry studyware. (22 references) (Author/MKR)

Presents key points of an on-line conference discussion and integrates them with information from the literature. Key points included: computer as a tool for learning, study, research, and communication; hardware, software, computing concepts, and other teaching concerns; and the appropriate place for chemistry computer-usage instruction. (45…

Describes safety hazards encountered when placing squash balls into liquid nitrogen. Suggests using racquet balls, balloons, or economical Ping-Pong balls. (MVL)

The measurement of the affective (qualitative) influences of computer-assisted interactive video instruction on the learner and attendant enhancements for the overall learning experience are highlighted. Formal factors considered are interactivity via buttons and other event-oriented objects, hypertext, semantic memory, and successive…

Proposes the science show as a means to increase science awareness and interest among middle school students to increase future student enrollment and interest in high school science. Provides eight steps to help ensure a successful program. (MDH)

Evaluated and compared 12 science textbooks with respect to their readability levels and agreement with the intended reader level. Four of the books were determined to be unsatisfactory for their intended grade levels. (20 references) (MDH)

Identifies and describes the problems students have with the concept of neutralization. Analysis of over 7,500 students' answers to test questions over neutralization showed that many students understand the concept in its original meaning. Students assumed that in any neutralization reaction a neutral solution is formed, even if a weak acid or…

Provides a step-by-step guide for a simple experiment to measure the approximate percentage of oxygen found in the air that we breathe. Includes background theory, working drawings, chemicals needed, list of supplies, experimental procedure, data evaluation method, and suggestions for extended study. (Author/JJK)

An exercise that gives students a chance to use the equations of state for both an ideal gas and for an adiabatic process in determining the points at which heat flow reverses direction and at which the working substance reaches its maximum temperature is demonstrated. (KR)

Presents recent changes in the technology, expansion of courseware, and distribution to other institutions of the interactive videodisc courseware utilized as a significant part of the undergraduate chemistry curriculum at the University of Illinois since 1986. (JJK)