Discusses the use of thin-layer chromatography (TLC) in the chemical laboratory as a quantitative method for determining the molecular weights of organic compounds. Describes a simple method which provides an illustration of the importance of polarity on solubility and demonstrates the effectiveness of TLC as a quantitative tool. (TW)

Describes how to construct an electronic device to be used in conductivity experiments using a 35 millimeter film canister, nine volt battery replacement snaps, a 200-300 ohm resistor, and a light-emitting diode. Provides a diagram and photographs of the device. (TW)

Reviews trends in laboratory safety found in both industrial and academic situations. Reports that large industrial labs generally have excellent safety programs but that, although there have been improvements, academia still lags behind industry in safety. Includes recommendations for improving lab safety. (ML)

Describes a simple undergraduate experiment in chemistry dealing with the "solvent effects" in nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Stresses the importance of having students learn NMR spectroscopy as a tool in analytical chemistry. (TW)

The chemistry division of Tarleton State University (Texas) conducts a summer program for gifted/talented high-school students, to expose them to chemistry research and to college-level chemistry. Students complete chemistry course work and study with an organic chemist, an inorganic chemist, and a physical scientist on the university faculty.…

Describes three situations in which computer software was used in a chemistry laboratory. Discusses interfacing voltage output instruments with Apple II computers and using spreadsheet programs to simulate gas chromatography and analysis of kinetic data. Includes information concerning procedures, hardware, and software used in each situation. (CW)

Presents a laboratory exercise suitable for advanced placement biology or chemistry classes. Discusses the theoretical approach, preparation and standardization of reagents, and results. Emphasizes standard analytical procedure and chelometric titration. (CW)

Describes a simple hands-on model of water-rock interaction that can be constructed in the classroom using styrofoam bowls and foil-wrapped candies. This interactive simulation allows students to vary the factors which control water-rock interaction and to obtain immediate results. (Author/CW)

Traces the development of analytical chemistry in Europe. Asserts that analytical chemistry should not be intertwined with other branches of chemistry. Argues that analytical chemistry education should aim to create graduates who have adequate knowledge and are aware of their responsibility to society and to nature. (TW)

Described is the separation of dyes using a conventional liquid chromatographic pump and a glass column. Included are the preparation of the column and dye separations. (CW)

Considers the importance of the development of fundamental concepts in chemistry. Proposes an "anticipative" chemical education which would foster a more complete understanding of life sciences. Discusses widening the scope of chemistry and providing a better understanding of brain chemistry. (TW)

Discusses how problem-solving networks can be incorporated into courses. Reports on the development of a new style of pictorial network that can assist students in the handling of experimental data. (CW)

Describes experiments designed to measure the oxygen content in the atmosphere and related areas in the high school laboratories. Considers the application of these activities to other programs. Includes a description of the binuclear complex and recommended procedures. (CW)

Criticizes the way organic chemistry teaching laboratory experiments are approached from the viewpoint of physical chemistry. Compares these experiments to cooking. Stresses that what matters is not the practice of the finger skills of organic chemistry but practice in the style of thinking of organic chemists. (CW)

Describes an experiment for undergraduate chemistry laboratories involving a chemical found in plants and some sea animals. Discusses collection and identification of material, a hemolysis test, preparation of blood-coated agar plates, and application of samples. (CW)