Discusses the implementation and evaluation of the first full year of college freshman integrated natural science curriculum. Identifies separate courses in chemistry and biology as the foundation with physical principles as the unifying theme. Notes all instructors attended all classes. (MVL)

Describes a new high school chemistry curriculum designed around societal issues by the American Chemical Society. Uses more organic and nuclear chemistry but less physical chemistry than regular courses. Stresses problem solving and citizen education in chemistry. Examines current implementation and support materials. Suggests liberal arts course…

Lists 24 frequently asked questions concerning hydrogen as a fuel with several responses given to each question. Emphasized are hydrogen production, storage, transmission, and application to various energy-consuming sectors. Summarizes current findings and research on hydrogen. An extensive bibliography is included. (ML)

An Auburn University (Alabama) program that modified instructional methods to fully include students who use a wheelchair in the chemistry laboratory is described. The program focuses on modifying classroom activities without changing the basic principles taught. The piloting of six modified laboratory experiments is discussed, and recommendations…

Administered a laboratory process skills test to 147 year-5 students to assess their investigations, performance, and reasoning in biology, chemistry, and physics. Reports significant correlation between performance and amount of homework done and students' perceptions of several aspects of the classroom environment including personalization,…

Provides an annotated bibliography of the 39 best science and technology books from 1993 in the areas of animal life, astronomy, biography, chemistry, earth science, environmental sciences, evolution, mathematics, medical sciences, natural history, paleontology, philosophy of science, physics, psychology, general science, and technology. Ethical…

Presents 10 guidelines for developing performance-based assessment items. Presents a sample activity developed from the guidelines. The activity tests students ability to observe, classify, and infer, using red and blue litmus paper, a pH-range finder, vinegar, ammonia, an unknown solution, distilled water, and paper towels. (PR)

Reports on a study of the effects of computer-simulated experiments (CSE), problem solving, and conventional approaches on high school students' chemistry achievement, science process skills, and attitudes toward chemistry. Testing indicated CSE and problem solving produced greater achievement in chemistry and science process skills. CSE produced…

Described is a laboratory in which students are confronted with rigs built from full-sized industrial machinery and equipment. Students must draw a flow sheet, dismantle and draw key components, reassemble the parts, operate the rig, and interpret the run data. The laboratory and the course built around it are discussed. (KR)

Discussion of computer simulations used for exploratory learning focuses on the design of a hypothesis scratchpad that students can use for hypothesis generation and testing. An experiment with college chemistry students that compared three versions of the scratchpad is described, and the effect of the scratchpads on learning environments is…

Calculates an approximation to Avagadro's number for one mole of water by assuming the mole to be in cubical form and then halving the cube three times, thereby doubling the surface area of the original cube. The calculations are derived from the work necessary to perform these divisions. Presents calculated values for several liquids. (MDH)

Discusses the advent of microscale experiments within undergraduate organic chemistry laboratories mainly resulting from environmental safety concerns involving waste disposal. Considers the cost savings in purchasing less reagents and chemicals, the typical glassware and apparatus, the reduced hazards from elimination of open flames, and other…

A way in which to shift the focus away from lecture and the professor during class time to student-centered discussion groups is presented. An exercise used in a course on chemical process analysis that uses the group discussion method is included. (KR)

This study of 905 academically talented students (ages 12-16) who completed a 1-year course in high school biology, chemistry, or physics in a 3-week summer program found that the fast-paced courses effectively prepared subjects to accelerate in science and that talented students could begin high school sciences earlier than generally allowed.…

Study compared two generations of seven high school chemistry texts (1970/1973) and current editions analyzed for gender fairness in illustrations and concrete analogies. Among conclusions was there were significant differences between the old textbooks and newer textbooks in relative frequencies of illustrations of men and woman and no…