Suggested guidelines and representative experiments for a one-semester introductory polymer chemistry laboratory course are provided. Experiments, which provide students with both synthetic and characterization experiences, require a minimum of special equipment and student skills. Includes list of 83 experiments, demonstrations, and reference…

The status of science education in this country probably reflects widespread feelings that science is elitist and lacks relevance for most students' lives. This popular view of science should be changed through preservice and inservice teacher education, curriculum reform, and other measures. (PP)

Discusses why, when and how microcomputer simulations of biological topics should be used in the classroom. Includes a five-step procedure for creating such simulations using population growth as an example to describe each step. Steps include topic/background material selection, writing program, and making support materials for the simulation.…

Compares science education in the United States to that in Germany, France, Japan, People's Republic of China, Soviet Union, Thailand, and the United Kingdom. Includes a list of science education endeavors in each of these countries to stimulate discussion of how to improve the situation in the United States. (JN)

Recommendations for successful mainstreaming of mentally retarded students into the science classroom are discussed. Laying the groundwork, social integration, instructional strategies, the curriculum, and evaluation are each considered. (MNS)

Discusses the importance of teaching the Bohr atom at both freshman and advanced levels. Focuses on the development of Bohr's ideas, derivation of the energies of the stationary states, and the Bohr atom in the chemistry curriculum. (SK)

The laboratory of an organic chemistry course for dietetics students is based on the learning cycle approach (exploration, invention-concept introduction, and concept application). The laboratory program is divided into four sections: lab techniques, compound types, reaction types, and reaction characteristics. (SK)

Describes a two-quarter, freshman honors laboratory course at the Ohio State University, including selection of students, nature of experiments, and safety precautions. Specific instructions are not given to students, who then run reactions under conditions they devise. (SK)

Summarizes papers and minipapers on honors and advanced placement (AP) chemistry courses presented at the Seventh Biennial Conference on Chemical Education (Stillwater, Oklahoma 1982). Advantages/disadvantages of AP chemistry, high school/college courses, and grouping all chemistry students in one class were among the topics discussed. (JN)

Highlights seminar which addressed education of the nonmajor. Following brief comments on plan/execution of the seminar program and Japanese system of education, 19 recommendations are outlined and summarized. Recommendations focus on various aspects of courses, curricula, instructional strategies, and other factors related to nonmajors in the…

Selected aspects of a self-paced chemistry program are described. These include student selection, supervision requirements, and grading indicating that student selection is the key to a successful program. Also points out that quality/quantity of learning (determined by testing) is comparable to traditional lecture courses. (Author/JN)

Draws comparisons between the development of physics courses and the approach required to solve an engineering problem. Some major strands in the development of A-level physics and related subjects are discussed to illustrate/illuminate compromises necessary to resolve tensions that exist (such as between pure/applied approaches to physics…

Characteristics of the archaebacteria (comprising the methanogenic, thermoacidophilic, and extreme halophilic bacteria) are discussed, including comparisons of molecular traits for archaebacteria, eubacteria, eukaryotes, and taxonomic considerations. Issues related to integrating the archaebacteria into biology curricula and teaching about the…

The need for a philosophic base to provide direction for science curriculum development and instruction is discussed. The history of philosophies of science is traced, followed by an extended discussion of a "new" philosophy and its implications for the curriculum. (MNS)

Describes self-evaluation techniques used to evaluate a British eight-form, entry, 11-18 comprehensive school's science department. The evaluation was conducted after the author completed an inservice course on self-evaluation of science departments. The course was based on a book "Decisions in the Science Department: Organization and…