Reviews a noncommercial educational game (Polymerlab) and changes made in GASLAWS (adaptation of mainframe program used in computer-assisted instruction). Describes programs on simulation of molecular speed distributions; interfacing microcomputers to make laboratory measurements; a course in microcomputer-instrument interfacing and measuring and…

Reviews important science news stories reported during 1984 in "Science News" magazine. These stories are in the categories of: anthropology and paleontology; behavior; biology; chemistry; computers; mathematics; earth science; the environment; medicine; physics; science and society; space sciences and astronomy; and technology. (JN)

Organic chemistry students (N=64) completed questionnaires requesting demographic data; data on ability, previous science courses, attitudes toward self when studying chemistry, attitudes toward chemistry; and preference, difficulty, and importance of chemistry compared to other courses. These data are used to develop a profile of the successful…

Describes the chemistry program in a high school which operates on a modular schedule. Each module is 20 minutes long, and there are 21 modules in a school day. Student success in the program is credited to the modular schedule and to use of learning activity packets (which are also described). (JN)

Hypothesizes that overloading the working memory may leave no space for thought and organization such that faulty (or even no) learning takes place. Provides examples of this hypothesis and possible remedies. These remedies focus on design of laboratory manuals and equipment and on curriculum content order. (JN)

Objectives, materials needed, procedures, discussion questions, and follow-up activities are provided for five experiments. They include (1) testing for sugars; (2) comparing sugar to artificial sweeteners; (3) chewing gum scientifically; (4) soap making; and (5) making toothpaste. (JN)

The expected thrust for theoretical chemistry in the next decade will be to combine knowledge of fundamental chemical steps/interactions with advances in chemical dynamics, irreversible statistical mechanics, and computer technology to produce simulations of chemical systems with reaction site competition. A sample simulation (using the enzyme…

Investigated A-level subject choices of students recorded before taking the O-level examination and the actual choices made. Achievement levels, influence of such factors as sex, overall ability, reasons for selecting O-level, type of school, and subject patterns in the fourth and fifth years were considered. (JN)

Examines background of ideas against which Lewis's last researches were done, reflecting on his conduct of scientific research. Also analyzes Lewis's unique habit of writing research previews and indicates, through his research memoranda to the author, his intensity of research interest and activity during the last years of his life. (JN)

Suggests polymer topics for study in inorganic chemistry courses. Commercial materials (including list of inorganic compounds utilized in polymer industry), anchored metal catalysis, polymers modified or formed by coordination, polysiloxanes, phosphazene or phosphonitrilic halide polymers, and hetergeneous polymerization catalysts are considered.…

Provided are procedures and list of materials needed to demonstrate that the pressure inside a container with a porous surface can be changed due to the rate of diffusion of low molecular weight gases. Typical results obtained are included. (JN)

Discusses prototype interactive videodisc programs in chemistry designed to meet individual student needs. Also discusses three levels of program complexity for interactive videodisc instruction: search command (home consumer level); interaction built into program; and interaction resulting from use of an external computer as well as the videodisc…

Describes a general chemistry program involving small groups of students working together toward the mastery of performance objectives. Explains the administrative procedure for the program and provides an evaluation in terms of professor time, student attitude, and student achievement. (GS)

Discusses an instructional method that uses a videotape-telephone system to teach graduate level courses to students working in industrial locations up to 250 miles from the main campus. (MLH)