This is the first of a two part series on Hermann Staudinger which describes the background of the discovery of chemical macromolecular structure. (DS)

Describes how the carbonylation of organoboranes in a suitable solvent can produce various alcohols, ketones, aldehydes and oxymethylation derivatives. The synthesis of alpha-alkylated ketone using alkylboranes is discussed. (RR)

Presents a systematization of the mathematical formulae in thermodynamics. From the set of thermodynamic variables, four equations are derived which contain the total mathematical jargon of thermodynamics. (LC)

Discusses the difficulty of drawing free-body diagrams which only show forces exerted on a body from its neighbors. Presents three ways a body may be modeled: a particle, rigid extended, and nonrigid extended. (MKR)

Discusses the proper place for hydrogen in the periodic table. (NB)

Describes the laws of physics that allow a motorcycle rider to control the flight of a motorcycle over obstacles in a motocross track. (JRH)

Describes methods used to investigate the working of 3-D glasses available with comic books. Reports that the glasses are produced using methods of binary optics and that a prism effect, as well as diffraction grating, is incorporated in the design. (JRH)

Explains the theory behind the working of Scotchlite, a retrodirective material used for coating automotive license plates, and the Ensure Imaging System that allows law enforcement officers to verify the authenticity of the plate. (JRH)

Examines the research related to the existance of "dark matter," the material existing between planets whose effects can be seen but whose distribution and identity have yet been learned. (MDH)

Poses an explanation for the formation of ice pillars and volcanic cinders on Mount Haleakala in Hawaii. (ZWH)

Presents graphic examples that can help students visualize the dilution process when presented along with mathematical relationships. Discusses basic concepts and serial dilutions. (JRH)

Explores 11-year-old children's approaches to the concept of volume using 6 tasks that were developed to identify commonalities in children's responses. Results suggest that children hold and use different conceptions, in their effort to explain and compare aspects of volume, which fall in certain categories which were met in almost all the tasks.…