Suggests how postage stamps can be incorporated into chemistry teaching. Categories considered include emergence of chemistry as a science, metric system, atoms (and molecules and ions), stoichiometry, energy relationships in chemical systems, chemical bonding, nuclear chemistry, biochemistry, geochemistry, matter (gases, liquids, and solids),…

Describes the goals, procedures, and activities of a Computers in Chemistry course for undergraduate chemistry majors. Provides a listing of topics which have user-friendly programs and of representative activities which have been incorporated into the course. Also includes suggestions for student assignments. (ML)

Presents the results of a review of chemistry textbooks aimed at finding values for the equilibrium acidity constant for water and the hydronium ion. Only three of 23 give correct quantitative values for water and none for hydronium. Provides calculations of the constant for both water and the hydronium ion. (JM)

Discusses the role of semiclassical theory in chemical physics both as a computational method and conceptual framework for interpreting quantum mechanical experiments and calculations. Topics covered include energy wells and eigenvalues, scattering, statistical mechanics and electronically nonadiabiatic processes. (JM)

Procedures for preparing density gradient columns for chemical displays are presented. They include displays illustrating acid-base reactions, metal ion equilibria, and liquid density. The lifetime of these metastable displays is surprising, some lasting for months in display cabinets. (JN)

Discusses reasons for teaching solution equilibrium in college and high school chemistry classes. Points out the most important aspects of this topic to consider at the elementary level and how (in a high school course) it is used as a transition topic, tying together other chemistry concepts presented. (JN)

Discusses two factors to consider when initiating advanced placement (AP) chemistry, namely, the quality of those teaching the program and the time necessary to teach the relevant concepts. Suggests offering laboratory sessions during evening hours as an alternative to traditional daytime arrangements for laboratory blocks. (JN)

Lists the percentages of 4,354 faculty members whose baccalaureate institutions fall into public, private, or other categories. Compares these percentages to the percentages of doctorates earned from 1920 to 1980 that originated in the same categories and to the percentage of baccalaureate degrees in chemistry in 1980. (JN)

Describes: (1) laboratory information science in the clinical chemistry curriculum; (2) testing Boyle's Law, a context for statistical methods in undergraduate laboratories; (3) acquiring chemical concepts using microcomputers as tutees; and (4) using Data Interchange Format files for Apple microcomputers. Includes feedback from a previous article…

Presents and discusses results obtained from a 10-item questionnaire (administered to 554 students) which sought to determine why students selected chemistry as a major. Findings, among others, show that the secondary school period is the most important (possibly critical) for spawning a commitment to a chemistry career. (JN)

An organic chemistry laboratory has been designed around independent laboratory projects that are done by groups, thus exposing students not only to a research experience but also to one that is more realistic and like the one they will be in as professional chemistry chemists. Instructional strategies used are described. (JN)

Project SERAPHIM (Systems Engineering Respecting Acquisition and Propagation of Heuristic Instructional Materials) aims to help chemical educators by collecting, producing, and disseminating instructional software for microcomputers. Project activities, accomplishments, and possible future endeavors are described. (JN)

Described are techniques and activities that seven different teachers are using in their chemistry programs. These programs were selected as winners of the 1983-84 Search for Excellence in Science Education. (DH)

Provides a detailed description for the construction of equipment needed to investigate acid/base equilibria through the measurement of pH and potentiometric titrations. Suggested experiments and calibration techniques are explained. This information helps to solve the problems of inadequate, expensive equipment required for A-level chemistry…

Discusses new solid-state transducers, arrays of nonspecific detectors, hardware and firmware computational elements, and other devices that are transforming modern analytical chemistry. Examples in which microelectroic sensors are used to solve 14 problems are included. (JN)