Presents summaries and evaluations of some 250 recent researches and developmental studies in chemical education. Identifies existing trends in the various research areas, and suggests future research needs and priorities. (GA)

Discusses some issues related to chemistry curricula in liberal arts colleges. Among these issues are the nature of a liberal arts curriculum, content of chemistry course, teaching methods, technological aids to teaching, use of the laboratory, and the future of general chemistry teaching in the liberal arts colleges. (HM)

Described is a catalytic science center designed to incorporate academic and industrial concerns. The center combines educational and research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students, as well as for the chemical professional. (MA)

Describes a computer-assisted chemistry program which allows for individualization and which utilizes BASIC computer programming. (SL)

Reports on the long term comparison between a group of "high risk" college freshmen who were given a supplemental chemistry course and another group who did not have the course. The supplemental course was found to produce only a short term rise in students' grades. (MR)

An experiment is described which uses lead sulfide to illustrate the concept of definite proportions as well as the union of atoms to form compounds. This experiment has been successfully used with ninth graders. The advantages of this experimental procedure over available alternatives are listed. (MR)

Describes a junior high school level exercise using plant pigments as acid-base indicators. (SL)

The planning process needs to integrate facility planning into the decision-making process. Two case studies are discussed: an assessment of resource-allocation policies for university chemistry research laboratories, and a model for evaluating the utilization of a community college. (MLW)

Discusses the range of wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum considered to be the visible portion. Describes a demonstration designed to help students understand the relation between the wavelength measurements on a spectrophotometer such as the Spectronic 20 and the actual colors of light being used. (TW)

Differentiates between chemical nomenclature and the common ways that substances are named and described. Students should learn the chemical nomenclature so that they will be more observant and objective. Cites examples of student misconceptions based upon their own imagination and logic. (TW)

Examined the influence of selected factors on secondary student's performance in practical chemistry for a sample of students and teachers from 39 Nigerian schools. Student participation in laboratory activities and students attitudes to chemistry were identified as being the most important factors affecting performance in chemistry. (ML)

Discusses the production and use of polymer materials as thermal insulators. Lists several materials that provide varying degrees of insulation. Describes the production of polymer foam and focuses on the major applications of polystyrene foam, polyurethane foam, and polyisocyanurate foam. (TW)

Discusses electron-loss spectroscopy and the experimentally observed excitation energies in terms of qualitative MO theory. Reviews information on photoelectron spectroscopy and electron transmission spectroscopy and their relation to the occupied and unoccupied orbital levels. Focuses on teaching applications. (ML)

Reports on a study designed to identify the major factors that lead students to anticipate a major in chemistry. Findings indicated that students' recognition of a high aptitude for science, the influence of a high school chemistry or science teacher, and laboratory experience contributed to their decision. (ML)

Identifies problems with much of the early drill and practice software, and describes the development of a software package designed to assist with mastery learning in chemistry. The discussion covers features of the different programs and their effect on student performance. (CLB)