Various instruments and techniques for measuring mass are discussed, focusing on the physics behind techniques employed. Equal-arm balances, electronic substitution balance (using electromagnetic force), non-gravimetric weighing (intertial-mass measurement) are among the instruments/techniques considered. (JN)

Provides examples of media coverage on interferon, herpes, and starch blockers, suggesting that biology teachers can put such coverage into broader perspective by answering student questions, explaining details, and sensitizing them to the limitations of the media. Includes resources to help teachers with this task. (JN)

Advocates use of Waters Associates Radial Compression Separation System for high performance liquid chromatography. Discusses instrumentation and reagents, outlining procedure for analyzing various foods and discussing typical student data. Points out potential problems due to impurities and pump seal life. Suggests use of ribose as internal…

Addresses questions about the nature, source, and history of acid rain. In addition, discusses the questions: Why is acid rain a problem? Is acid rain getting worse? What is the threat of further problems? Concludes that it is time to act on the problem and recommends an appropriate course of action. (JN)

Reviews EduTech mechanic simulations of vertical fall with/without air resistance, hunter-monkey paradox, planetary motion for Apple II. The self-contained programs are designed for teacher use during demonstrations or as supplementary tutorial material. Indicates simulations are well done/useful but too much unnecessary (although informative)…

A group of representatives of colleges in western Massachusetts is developing curricula related to nuclear issues. Teaching such issues provides content for promoting liberal arts goals incorporating perspectives of science, engineering and social/political science, and provides opportunities to enlarge students' understanding of the whole domain…

Discusses challenges that should be implemented in chemistry teaching during the 1980s/1990s. These include a focus on social relevance and orientation to student (considering developmental stages, way of thinking, and direct environment). These efforts may change the current negative public image of chemistry. (JN)

Suggestions are provided for demonstrating vector cross product and vector dot product using manipulatives. Also provides a method for producing quick and inexpensive diffraction slits and ideas for demonstrating two-dimensional diffraction. (JM)

Outlines different ways to use microcomputers in science laboratories: (1) as electronic blackboards (simulations, data presentation, number crunching); (2) as universal laboratory instruments (control technology, sound output, time measurement, digital-analog conversions); (3) for educational management; and (4) for computer assisted learning.…

Describes a course focusing on science, technology, and the nuclear arms race. Two sample homework exercises and course topics are provided. Topics, with lists of questions that might be addressed, focus on nuclear weapons, alternatives to deterrence, and arms control. Approaches to teaching about the nuclear arms race are also provided. (JN)

National Science Board's fourteenth annual report to Congress indicates that university/industry relationships remained vigorous and varied during the 1960s/1970s, that corporate support of academic research is significantly higher than generally believed and that employee recruitment is an impetus for such alliances. These and other findings from…

Research projects and methodology in archeochemistry are discussed. Topics include radiocarbon dating, thermoluminescence, amino acid dating, obsidian hydration dating, bone studies, metals/metallurgy, pottery, stone/glass, and future directions. Includes reports on funding, insights into nuclear waste/environmental problems provided by…

To assist in designing/implementing qualitative analysis courses, examines reliability/accuracy of several published separation schemes, notes methods where particular difficulties arise (focusing on Groups II/III), and presents alternative schemes for the separation of these groups. Only cation analyses are reviewed. Figures are presented in…

Describes a project designed to develop 50 tutorial lessons for students having difficulty with specific types of physics problems. Because the intent was to tutor problem solving rather than teach physics concepts, lessons were designed for use after classroom instruction had occurred. Includes project goals, development, implementation, results,…

Title, author(s), publisher, price, and review are provided for nine computer oriented publications. These include books related to the use of microcomputers in educational settings, computer assisted instruction, LOGO programming language, and the role of the computer in schools as a tutor, tool, and tutee. (JN)