Background information and procedures are provided for an experiment (suitable for both advanced high school and undergraduate students) which: (1) illustrates the concept of a catalytic oxidation cycle; and (2) demonstrates the technique of using a gaseous reagent. Other uses of the experiment are noted. (JN)

Describes a course in chemical instrumentation for high school chemistry teachers, paid for by Union Carbide. Teachers used spectrophotometer, nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer, atomic absorption spectrograph, gas chromatograph, liquid chromatograph and infrared spectrophotometer. Also describes other teacher education seminars. (JM)

Discusses development and use of Open Learning Institute's computerized course development and production systems which solved some of the inherent problems in course writing. A network of microcomputers which facilitates preparation of production-ready manuscripts and course authoring templates constructed from word processing software is…

Lists and explains the major characteristics of water. Compares water's molecular structure and its temperature-related properties with four other lightweight molecules. Discusses why water is considered the universal solvent. (ML)

Presents a section of the American Chemical Society's annual reports dealing with precollege education, college/university education, continuing education, and professional training. Includes highlights of grants, project summaries, types of financial support, instructional materials, and other areas. (JN)

The use of quality circles in three undergraduate courses in general chemistry at Penn State is described. A key ingredient to the success of a quality circle is that the instructor must be willing to consider student opinions as valid and be willing to make adjustments. (MLW)

Highlights of the Eighth Biennial Conference on Chemical Education are presented, pointing out current issues, trends, and areas of concern discussed in presentations and symposia. Indicates that university, college, and high school teachers attending showed unity of purpose as the science education reform movement takes hold. (JN)

Discusses the development of the concept of atomicity and some of the many which can be used to establish its validity. Chemical evidence, evidence from crystals, Faraday's law of electrolysis, and Avogadro's number are among the areas which show how the concept originally developed from a purely philosophical idea. (JN)

Highlights a symposium which focused on chemistry courses, content, and objectives designed to meet the needs of nonscientist citizens. Examples of courses, objectives (such as the ability to solve social problems), and instructional strategies are provided. (JN)

Gives a detailed description of the constructon of equipment needed for redox equilibria experiments and the measurement of the electromotive force of voltaic cells. This information is provided to solve the problem of inadequate, expensive equipment required for A-level chemistry practical work. (JN)

Describes a strategy in which students complete 12 types of reports during a chemistry course. The goal is to improve their ability to communicate effectively in a variety of styles without sacrificing the traditional goals of imparting an understanding of experimental chemistry and an ability to critically analyze experiments/results. (JN)

Procedures for demonstrating thermodynamic changes, kinetics and reaction mechanisms, equilibrium, and LeChatelier's principle are presented. The only materials needed for these demonstrations are beakers, water, assorted wooden blocks of varying thickness, assorted rubber tubing, and a sponge. The concepts illustrated in each demonstration are…

Provides information on updating older fume hoods. Areas addressed include: (1) adjustment of the hood's back baffle; (2) hood air leakage; (3) light level; (4) hood location in relation to room traffic and room air; and (5) establishing and maintaining hood performance. (JN)

Recognizing that success in general chemistry is dependent on the development of disciplined study habits, the author motivates his students to develop these skills through prelecture assignments that introduce them to various studying strategies. The format and use of the prelecture assignments are described. (JN)

Presents American Chemical Society statistics on bachelor's, master's, and doctoral graduates from approved schools from 1980-84. Comparisons are made for yearly growth, certified/noncertified graduates, and men/women for both chemistry and chemical engineering. Also lists numbers and types of chemistry/chemical engineering degrees awarded by each…