Discusses the benefits of thermochromic transformations for studying thermodynamic properties. Describes an experiment that uses a commercially available dye, attains equilibrium rapidly, employs a simple, single-beam spectrophotometer, and is suitable for both physical chemistry and introductory chemistry laboratories. (TW)

Describes how a Polaroid camera can be modified for spectroscopic experiments. Reviews experimental procedures and discusses results that students can obtain within one normal laboratory period. Suggests additional experiments for investigating emission from other sources. (ML)

Reports on a study into the relationship between a student's ability to solve problems in chemistry and his/her understanding of molecular concepts. Argues that teaching students to solve problems about chemistry is not equivalent to teaching about the nature of matter. (TW)

Reviews the Congressional practice of specifying in spending bills campuses that are to receive funds for specific projects. Discusses how some academic institutions use lobbying to help achieve needed funding. Lists some of the projects that received earmarked funds since 1986. Presents several opinions on the subject. (CW)

Discusses the decrease in the supply of scientists and engineers, mediocrity of science achievement, and decline of the National Science Foundation expenditures for education. Stresses the need to develop a national will to enhance the quality of science education. (YP)

Describes an exercise that students can use to evaluate their intake of specific nutrients in relation to the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA). Discusses the practicality and concepts involved in the RDA and procedures for dietary analysis. Provides a chart of the RDA and student worksheets for dietary self analysis. (CW)

Suggests chemistry should be better taught to undergraduates with more emphasis on lifelong learning experience. Emphasizes the collaboration needed between chemistry disciplines. Lists suggestions for curriculum change in chemistry. (ML)

Surveys the types of computers being used in high school and university chemistry courses. Identifies types of hardware found on Apple and MS-DOS computers. Makes recommendations for the upgrading of current equipment. (ML)

Described are the energetics involved in the formation of molecular hydrogen using concepts that should be familiar to students beginning the study of molecular orbital theory. Emphasized are experimental data on ionization energies. Included are two-electron atomic and molecular systems. (CW)

Discusses how to interpret nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra and how to use them to determine molecular structures. This discussion is limited to spectra that are a result of observation of only the protons in a molecule. This type is called proton magnetic resonance (PMR) spectra. (CW)

Details two demonstrations for use with an overhead projector in a chemistry lecture. Includes "A Very Rapidly Growing Silicate Crystal" and "A Colorful Demonstration to Simulate Orbital Hybridization." The materials and directions for each demonstration are included as well as a brief explanation of the essential learning involved. (CW)

Describes a one-semester course designed to teach first year graduate students how to extract, interpret, evaluate, and use the information provided by an X-ray crystallographic crystal structure determination. Presents a course outline and discusses the treatment of crystal composition, crystallographic parameters, molecular geometry and…

Explores how an existing program can be adapted for remote control. Compares the output on the screen of an Apple II computer with its equivalent on the braille display of the VersaBraille. Points out some of the advantages of using a data base as a customized information center. (CW)

In this article, part I of a series, the forensic methods used in "typing" human blood, which as physical evidence is often found in the dried state, are outlined. Background information about individualization, antibody typing, fresh blood, dried blood, and additional systems is provided. (CW)

Defines and discusses activated complexes, transition species, and reaction intermediates in composite reactions. Stresses the importance of the precise use of language in science. (CW)