Presents information relevant to everyday life so as to stimulate student interest in the properties of the two basic types of liquid crystals: thermotropic and lyotropic. Describes the applications of liquid crystals to electronics, biomedicine, and polymer science and appraises the future of liquid crystal research. (JM)

Presents findings from research studies which suggest that changes in teaching procedures can increase survival rates in chemistry. Using 2-minute pauses in lecture and 3-second wait times in discussions, learning chemistry in context of major from which student comes, and computer applications are recommended. (JN)

Discusses faculty and student contributions to student academic failure, suggesting changes in the chemistry curriculum to accommodate increased numbers of non-traditional students. Also suggests creating compensatory programs, leaving content and teaching system intact for traditional students. Factors in developing such programs are considered.…

Freshmen attitudes toward the chemistry curriculum were compared with their attitudes and academic career patterns after four years. Using discriminant analysis, it was possible to predict about 70 percent of those who would remain chemistry majors. (MSE)

Papers presented include: (1) CORE science--an exploratory study of pupils' perceptions of their science course; (2) chemistry and science philosophy; (3) taxonomy of scientific words (focusing on language of science, science words, theories of meaning, uses/implications of the taxonomy); and (4) description of experimental studies, a 16+ work…

Summarizes the planning and implementation of the first Camille and Henry Dreyfus Institute, a private initiative to support high school chemistry teachers, improve the high school chemistry curriculum, and draw more students to the field of chemistry. Indicates that curriculum materials resulting from the institute are being prepared. (Author/JN)

Provided are results of an American Chemical Society survey on members' employment status and salaries. These results are reported by sex, highest degree, minority status, experience level, and work function/speciality. In addition, salaries of industrial chemists and salaries related to supervisory function are reported. (JN)

Several examples of misinformation and advanced topics included in current chemistry textbooks are provided. Suggests that since these books tend to be too long, too advanced, and too heavy, revisions should be shorter and less costly, with confusing aspects of chemistry (such as molecular-orbital theory) left out completely. (JN)

Provided is an annotated list of 27 computer-oriented publications (magazines and journals). Annotations include nature/scope of publication, source, 1983 cost, and when applicable, comments on potential classroom use(s). Also indicates that information in the publication is directed toward a specific audience/computer or of general interest. (JN)

Career opportunities for chemical professionals are discussed, providing information on recruiting efforts, demand, salaries, and career planning. Indicates that, although chemical and chemical engineering graduates found a tight job market and low salaries during the year, the outlook for job seekers is improving. (JN)

General course content of and instructional strategies for two high school chemistry courses are described. Includes a list of experiments done during the 40-week school year. (SK)

Uses of Zenith Z-100 microcomputers by chemistry students at Clarkson College are discussed. These include: (1) programing; (2) word processing; (3) numerical methods, statistical/plotting programs; (4) laboratory data acquisition and manipulation; (5) simulations; (6) computer assisted instruction; and (7) computer managed instruction. (JN)

Describes how the Technical Library at Texaco Chemical Company conducts a course in the use of the library and the chemical literature therein. Suggestions are then given on how academia could most thoroughly prepare students to utilize the information available to them in an industrial setting. (Author/JN)

Highlights data on salaries and employment status of chemists based on results of a 1982 survey of American Chemical Society (ACS) members. Indicates that unemployment has risen slightly and, although salaries are up moderately, inflation tends to wipe out any financial gain. (JN)

Describes the processes involved in clinical urinalysis and relates them to possible high school biology classroom uses. (CS)