Two approaches to the content of thermodynamics were used in an introductory college physics course: traditional organization and organization based on Ausubel's learning theory. The influence of these organizations on engineering student's (N=58) cognitive structure was investigated using a word association test analyzed through hierarchical…

Describes a collection of college chemistry demonstrations designed for self-paced classes. Some of these exercises stem from original ideas; others are adaptations of one or more published demonstrations. Two exercises, as examples, are also included. (HM)

Describes courses which involve undergraduate research in chemical engineering at the University of Colorado. Presents the author's personal philosophy concerning such research, motivational techniques to encourage research, forums for disseminating research results, and possible sources of funding including the National Science Foundation's…

Describes efforts of a special project, "Energy Book Update," by the New York City-based National Energy Foundation, which involved the selection of books concerned with energy that would be appropriate resource materials for students at all grade levels. Books rated "outstanding" and "good" are listed by grade level. (CS)

Describes an interdisciplinary program consisting of two courses. The first course deals with the chemistry of drugs and poisons; the second course focuses on fictional works in which these drugs and poisons are central to the plots. (SK)

Summarizes scientific findings resulting from the Apollo missions, including lunar rocks and soil, age determination, and the moon's interior, evolution, and origin. Indicates experiments for future lunar research. (SK)

Describes the use and handling of alkali metals in school laboratories and seeks to reexamine precautions which one may reasonably take before executing routine procedures since their use, even by skillful teachers, occasionally results in accidents in the form of violent explosions. (Author/SK)

Describes various scientific techniques used to analyze physical evidence, ten areas of specialization in forensic science, courses needed by forensic scientists, and the future of forensic science. (DS)

A university chemistry comprehensive final examination was analyzed to determine the extent to which it reflected the subject matter of the corresponding degree program. Although the various courses seemed adequately represented, the sampling of topics within a course tended to be low. The appropriateness of this form of assessment is discussed.…

Discusses Heisenberg's uncertainty principle in simple terms. Presents scientific examples leading to the development of the principle and describes popular misconceptions associated with it. (SK)

Argues on the basis of Piaget's theory that self-regulated cognitive activity of the student plays a crucial role in the construction of logical reasoning strategies used in testing hypotheses. Proposes six sequences in the development of hypothesis-testing conceptions and provides alternatives. Also distinguishes three families of teaching…

Reviews historical background surrounding the origins of the Competitive Research Grants Office, established in 1978 to support basic research related to agriculture. Describes current controversy within the legislature which threatens its existence. (CS)

Offers the opinion that the creative and imaginative dimension of chemistry can be added in chemistry instruction through the acknowledgement of ambiguity in experimentation and science history. (CS)

Described are two interactive computer-assisted-instruction (CAI) programs that were developed for use in quantitative analysis and in general chemistry. The purpose of these modules is to help students learn to calculate the points along a titration curve for the titration of an acid with a strong base. (Author/DS)

Cites results of a study that assessed the effects of diagnostic prescriptive teaching strategies and locus of control on various cognitive levels of science achievement of college biology students, also examined the interaction between the instructional strategy and students' locus of control. Students' attitudes were also examined. (CS)