Discusses a conceptual scheme which may be used to unify the mathematical approach in chemistry. Includes sample problems demonstrating flaws in the present treatment of dimensional analysis, suggesting that such instruction should focus on relationships. Also considers who should teach rate concept and dimension analysis. (JN)

The continuous measurement of oxygen consumption in an enzymatic reaction is a frequent experimental fact and extremely important in the enzymatic activity of oxygenase. An electrochemical system, based on a polarographic method, has been developed to monitor the oxygen uptake. The system developed and electrode used are described. (JN)

For colleges/universities, rapid instrument development poses a dilemma, since laboratory teaching instruments rapidly become obsolete and money available for replacing them is dwindling. Discusses role of sophisticated computer simulations, nontraditional educational materials, and part-time work-study opportunities as possible solutions to the…

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…

Discusses five areas in which chemistry/engineering majors encounter difficulties in technical writing. These include literature searching, plagiarism, organization, synthesis, and rewriting. Also discusses role of technical faculty in helping students solve their writing problems. (JN)

Reports research into the design and application of physical and mental practice strategies for the development of laboratory psychomotor skills of freshman chemistry students (N=360). Design of instruction materials used (focusing skills using balance, pipet, and buret and skills in quantitative volumetric analysis), evaluation of strategies, and…

Investigated relationship between students (N=1008) preparation in high school physics/chemistry and success in college chemistry as measured by a final letter grade of B- or better. Results indicate that most well-prepared students (defined as having had previous experience in chemistry, physics, and mathematics) do well in general college…

Describes a three-part experiment designed to introduce cyclic voltammetry to graduate/undergraduate students. Part 1 demonstrates formal reduction potential, redox electron transfer, diffusion coefficient, and electrochemical reversibility. Part 2 investigates electrochemical behavior of acetaminophen. Part 3 examines such experimental variables…

Lists: (1) educational uses of microcomputers; (2) goals of a microcomputer selection committee; and (3) goals to be achieved by students owning microcomputers. Discusses progress made by the selection committee, faculty development in computer literacy, current preparations being made for the arrival of the microcomputers, and computer uses in…

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)

A 10-12 class session unit, based on a series of worksheets (available from the author), is described, including objectives, major topics covered, and instructional and study strategies. A brief pilot evaluation indicates positive student and teacher attitudes toward the unit. (SK)

Safety procedures used by Department of Chemistry at the University of Akron are discussed. These include policy that no chemicals are stored in the teaching laboratories. Instead, dispensing stockrooms are used to service the laboratories. Other aspects discussed include ventilation procedures and development of microprocessor use in stockrooms.…

Describes a lecture demonstration of a solid state phase transition using a thermodynamic material which changes state at room temperature. Also describes a demonstration on kinetics using a "Big Bang" (trade mark) calcium carbide cannon. Indicates that the cannon is safe to use. (JN)

Describes the development, content, and implementation of a two-credit graduate course for teachers at the University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point in the use of microcomputers for teaching high school chemistry. (JJD)

Describes fluorescence demonstrations related to several aspects of molecular theory and quantitized energy levels. Demonstrations use fluorescent chemical solutions having luminescence properties spanning the visible spectrum. Also describes a demonstration of spontaneous combustion of familiar substances in chlorine. (JN)