Included are demonstrations using the overhead projector to show change in optical rotation with wavelength and aromatic pi cloud availability, and formation of colored charge-transfer complexes. Instructional techniques unique to these topics are discussed. (CW)

A growing number of mathematics professors are asking their students to keep journals, write papers, and answer essay questions on tests, arguing that students learn mathematical concepts better by articulating them. This is part of a trend toward teaching mathematics for understanding rather than by rote. (MSE)

Results of a study of the relationship between marital status and psychological adjustment, sociodemographic, and academic variables in women undergraduates over 25 are reported, and implications for advising are discussed. It is concluded that this population may need added attention from university personnel to make higher education a positive…

Reviewed are six programs at different colleges and universities which provide research opportunities for undergraduate students in physics, astronomy, marine biology, meteorology, and anthropology. Background, features, and accomplishments of the programs are discussed. (CW)

Strategies that can be used to revitalize geoscience education are discussed. Stressed are the ideas of providing voluntary assistance to science and science teacher education and program diversification. (CW)

Discussed are the options universities and colleges have to counter the trend toward declining participation in geology programs at the undergraduate level. Included are solutions involving precollege education, science teacher training, public relations improvement, the balance of research and teaching for college faculty, and increasing…

Describes a project to determine the impact of weekly quizzing on student performance in general chemistry. Notes final exam scores were the same for students who took weekly quizzes as for students who took the quizzes but not for credit. Explores several possible explanations. (MVL)

Presents a low cost system with easily replaced electrodes for use in general chemistry. Notes the accuracy and wide applicability permit easy use in physical or quantitative chemistry experiments. Provides schematic, theory, and helpful suggestions. (MVL)

Provides methodology for carrying out the synthesis of sec-butyltoluene by the Friedel-Crafts alkylation of toluene. Suggests using simple elemental aluminum as the catalyst in place of AlCl3 or amalgamated aluminum. Notes satisfactory results for both macro- and microscale operations. (MVL)

A course at Hampshire College is described that was designed to familiarize students with the progression, key junctures, and general drift of forces and events that are the political and economic history of Spanish America. (MLW)

Describes a study in which students were required to write for five minutes after class on topics that interested them during the lecture. Reports a significant effect on achievement in a vertebrate biology class. Notes that no difference in attitude was found. (MVL)

Notes that laboratory work should be more oriented towards puzzle solving rather than technique or illustration. Offers three organic laboratory puzzles which can be solved by melting point alone. Involves lab work at the 100-200-mg scale but still uses conventional glassware. (MVL)

Notes that this experiment takes safety and noncarcinogenic reactants into account. Demonstrates the use of diazonium salts for the replacement of an aromatic amine group by a phenolic hydroxyl. Involves two pleasant-smelling organic compounds, methyl anthranilate (grape) and methyl salicylate (oil of wintergreen). (MVL)

Discusses the "value added" approach to determining the quality of postsecondary educational programs. States that this method, which emphasizes educational gains made by students as a result of their studies, can be a powerful tool for improving teaching and learning when the outcomes are used to influence psychology curricula or…

Compared are the estimates of students and professional field soil scientists. Results indicate that with three weeks of practice and the availability of good reference samples, students can attain a level of proficiency comparable to professional soil scientists. Suggestions for grading evaluations are provided. (Author/CW)