Presents seven papers on computer applications in chemical education. Topics include current status and future of teaching with microcomputers, improving undergraduate experiments with online microcomputers, chemistry's mathematical models with computer simulations, computer uses in freshmen chemistry (tutorial-drill programs, laboratory…

Background information, procedures, and typical results are provided for a three-part experiment involving reactions of potassium thiocynate (KNCS) with sulfuric acid. The experiment represents the final stage of structured work prior to students' research projects during their final year. (JM)

Discussion of science education in general and the possible role of microcomputers is followed by an evaluation of four software packages for seventh grade through college level. These packages are in the areas of genetics, prelab studies for chemistry, a science education game, and experiments in human physiology. (MBR)

Describes an audiovisual teaching unit on the chemical laboratory technique of recrystallization which was developed along problem-solving lines and based on observation of student laboratory behavior. Discussion includes usual procedures for developing such units, how this unit solves problems typically associated with teaching, and its general…

Provides (in table format) lists of chemistry prerequisites in biology textbooks, physics prerequisites in chemistry textbooks, chemistry prerequisites in physics textbooks, and mathematical requirements of physics and chemistry. Indicates that mathematical requirements for chemistry and physics are similar and that substantial chemistry and…

Examines the present state and future of high school chemistry, and whether a crisis exists in chemistry at the high school level. Also proposes a new model for chemistry education and suggests that new materials and sufficient training and retraining are needed to implement new ideas and instructional strategies. (JN)

Alternatives to traditional, large-class lecturing are discussed. They include using canned lectures, demonstrations and lecture experiments, computer simulations, problem-solving strategies, breaks during lectures, and movies. Moving out of large classrooms to laboratories and resource rooms (or giving an examination) is also suggested. (JN)

Describes the evaluation and revision of the O-level Nuffield chemistry student and teacher curriculum materials. Includes a discussion of the rationale for the evaluation process and the methodology used. (JN)

Describes "Experiments in Chemistry," in which experiments are performed using software and hardware interfaced to the Apple microcomputer's game paddle port. Experiments include temperature, pH electrode, and EMF (cell potential determinations, oxidation-reduction titrations, and precipitation titrations) investigations. (JN)

Indicates that present curricula are not preparing citizens to deal with critical social issues, in particular, those related to the environment, energy, food supply, and population problems. Offers 10 suggestions to help remedy the situation. (JN)

Described is a method of utilizing meat thermometers to replace bulb thermometers, a chromosome transfer model utilizing colored paper and plastic eggs, a chemical equilibruim experiment utilizing complex ions of Cobalt, and a method of determining the volume of a cylinder. (SL)

There is an assumption that high-school students are becoming more computer literate, but published studies of specific skill level are lacking. An anonymous multiple-choice survey self-assessed the ICT (information and communication technology) skills of first-year chemistry students at the beginning of 2002. The general level of ICT skill…

How might exemplary practice be represented by teachers' narratives? How might such representations be analyzed? How might theory and practice be related? "Analyzing Exemplary Science Teaching" is a text that seeks to combine educational theory and practice through analysis of a series of teachers' descriptions of "exemplary"…

In this study, the development of pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) was explored within a group of 12 preservice teachers of chemistry (all M.Sc.) during their 1-year post-graduate teacher education program. The topic in this study concerned a central issue in science teaching, viz., the use of scientific models and modeling activities. A…

This report describes a curriculum reform project conducted at Spokane Community College (Washington), which has extensive vocational programs and a high percentage of non-traditional students. The purpose of the project was to develop and test a series of student Learning Activity Packets (LAPs), which introduce fundamental chemistry concepts by…