Results from two surveys of chemists and educators conducted at two conventions indicate weak spots in facilities, poor storage information, and failure to take precautions against reactive hazards. Includes suggestions and a checklist related to a wide range of storage problems. (SK)

Background information and laboratory procedures are provided for an undergraduate experiment requiring students to prepare a coordination compound. (SK)

Using ascorbic acid enzyme assays in conjunction with chronoamperometric measurements, reliable values for the principal electroactive components in the rat caudate extracellular fluid were established. Techniques used in the study are discussed. (JN)

Discusses fern life cycle and basic techniques for culturing fern gametophytes in the classroom. Also discusses investigations into the reproductive biology of ferns and into the early development of gametophytes. (JN)

A linear photodiode array is used as the photodetector element in a new ultraviolet-visible detection system for high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Using a computer network, the system processes eight different chromatographic signals simultaneously in real-time and acquires spectra manually/automatically. Applications in fast HPLC…

Toxicology/chemical hazards, safety policy, legal responsibilities, adequacy of ventilation, chemical storage, evaluating experimental hazards, waste disposal, and laws governing chemical safety were among topics discussed in 10 papers presented at the Seventh Biennial Conference on Chemical Education (Stillwater, Oklahoma 1982). Several topics…

Five papers presented at the Seventh Biennial Conference on Chemical Education (Stillwater, Oklahoma 1982) focused on qualitative analysis curricula and instruction. Topics included benefits of qualitative analysis, use of iodo/bromo-complexes in qualitative analysis schemes, lecture demonstrations, and brief descriptions of three courses. (JN)

An apparatus is described in which effects of pressure, volume, and temperature changes on a gas can be observed simultaneously. Includes use of the apparatus in demonstrating Boyle's, Gay-Lussac's, and Charles' Laws, attractive forces, Dalton's Law of Partial pressures, and in illustrating measurable vapor pressures of liquids and some solids.…

Describes modification of a chemical reaction to a single 4 1/2-hour laboratory period. Reaction kinetics between 2, 4-initrochlorobenzene and piperidine to form 2, 4-dinitrophenyl-piperidine and piperidinium hydrochloride are followed conductometrically at three temperatures to obtain data to calculate activation parameters. (Author/JN)

Three experiments using merocyanine M suitable as an integrated laboratory experience for undergraduates are described. Experiments demonstrate: complete molecular cycle composed of photochemical, thermal, and protolytic reaction steps; kinetics of cis-trans isomerization of the dye; and mechanism of base catalysis for thermal isomerization of the…

Effect of the "polarity" of low-polarity solvents on the amount of swelling produced in a solid polymer (demonstrated in an organic chemistry lecture) is also suitable as a laboratory experiment. Students can be assigned to a small group of solvents from the list provided. Procedures and materials needed are included. (Author/JN)

Some inherent instrument capabilities/limitations can be described in terms of signal to noise ratio (S/N). Two three-hour experiments are described to give students appreciation of the importance of signal strength and noise level in instrument performance and how S/N can be increased by choice of conditions and data manipulation. (Author/JN)

Three experiments demonstrating basic properties of the active transport system in the Malpighian tubule are described. These include a demonstration of dye uptake by the tubule, effect of metabolic inhibitors on dye uptake, and temperature effects on active transport. (JN)

Fifteen stations are used for a laboratory examination which focuses on evaluation of laboratory techniques, skills, procedures, and information management. Examples of several stations (with related questions) are provided. Areas measured include bacterial and cellular culturing, staining, and transferring procedures, genetics…

Presents six ways that instructors in reading clinics can emphasize student strengths, including (1) planning for special surprises, (2) building time off into the schedule, (3) finishing the clinic on a positive note, and (4) reinforcing the success of the clinic. (FL)