Provided are two demonstrations for an introductory course in chemistry. The first one emphasizes the observation and the interpretation of facts to form hypotheses during the heating of a beaker of water. The second demonstration shows the liquid phase of carbon dioxide using dry ice and a pressure gauge. (YP)

Describes 10 experiments for characterizing the chromium complex Reinecke's Salt. The properties of the complex, experimental procedures, and a discussion are provided. Analyses are presented for chromium, total ammonia, thiocyanate, ammonium ion, and hydrate water. Measurement methods are described. (YP)

Examines the possibility that part of the problem in the teaching of physical science may lie in teaching-learning materials. Selects 14 chemistry textbooks and 14 physics textbooks in Australia. Analyzes them based on learning theory and scientific literacy. (YP)

Describes an experiment in which a simple laser-based apparatus is used for measuring the change in refractive index during the acid-catalyzed hydrolysis of glycidol into glycerine. Gives a schematic of the experimental setup and discusses the kinetic analysis. (MVL)

Discusses an enzyme kinetics laboratory experiment involving a two substrate system for undergraduate biochemistry. Uses the enzyme gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase as this enzyme in blood serum is of clinical significance. Notes elevated levels are seen in liver disease, alcoholism, and epilepsy. Uses a spectrophotometer for the analysis. (MVL)

Statistics are provided from an annual survey of members of the American Chemical Society highlighting their economic status. Included are employment, salaries, industry comparisons, and academic comparisons. The lower status of women's salaries in chemistry is noted. (CW)

Reviewed is the disappointing performance of the U.S. team at the 1989 International Chemistry Olympiad. Reasons for this performance and a description of the U.S. team are presented. (CW)

Provides a physical description of semivolatile organic compounds (SVOCs), both in terms of their characteristic nature in the atmosphere and the processes which control their deposition. Contains a summary of the requirements for a full assessment of atmospheric SVOCs and their deposition. (LZ)

The "U.S. News and World Report" 1993 rankings of doctoral programs in biology (n=229), chemistry (n=178), and physics (n=151) and graduate programs in nursing (n=201) are presented, with some narrative analysis. Best-regarded institutions for doctoral education in six science disciplines are also listed. (MSE)

The purpose of this study was to characterize high school chemistry students' (n=42) ability to make translations between three representations of the structure of matter, and to determine the degree to which the students' ability to make these translations is related to reasoning ability, spatial reasoning ability, gender, and specific knowledge…

Investigates how Swedish pupils address chemistry, physics, and technology in compulsory school. Findings show girls seek "connected knowledge," reject technology, and are more theoretical in their approach to science. Boys are more practical in their approach to science and tend to create disorder. Girls interested in science generally…

Contains descriptions of 11 college chemistry education programs that were awarded grants by the Pfizer Foundation because they make the introductory chemistry experience more positive and engaging for students, especially women and minorities. (LZ)

Describes World Wide Web sites and hypertextbooks for interactive learning related to the following academic subjects: calculus, chemistry, medicine, astronomy, engineering, and literature. Provides examples of large Internet sites that act as clearinghouses for information on hypertextbooks. (AEF)

Discusses the use of videodiscs to increase students' comprehension. Benefits of adding visual images to learning activities are discussed, videodiscs as sources of data for students to analyze are considered, and an example is given of using videodiscs to illustrate concepts in a chemistry class. (LRW)

Identifies misconceptions related to the fundamental characteristics of atoms and molecules held by twelfth-grade students. Data were obtained by administration of semistructured interviews to a stratified, random sample of 30 students. Fifty-two misconceptions were observed and reported. Some of the misconceptions identified parallel the…