Reports on an analysis of student evaluations of an introductory college-level physical geology course over a five year period. Indicates that instructional and pedagogical traits were assessed as being of importance in contributing to the satisfaction of the students with the course. (TW)

Tree-ring analysis in geomorphology can be incorporated into a number of undergraduate methods in order to reconstruct the history of a variety of geomorphic processes. Discusses dendrochronology, general principles of dendrogeomorphology, field sampling methods, laboratory techniques, and examples of applications. (TW)

Describes a six-week, six-credit, field-based physical and historical geology course offered by Lehigh University (Pennsylvania) in conjunction with its standard summer field studies program. Stresses the advantages of integrating physical and historical geology concepts in a field setting. (TW)

Provides suggestions for two exercises designed to assist and involve students in understanding chemical concepts. Includes a laboratory experiment for determining the Ksp of a saturated solution of calcium sulfate and a scheme for naming oxyacids and their salts. (ML)

Addresses the issue of whether traditional high school chemistry is needed for all students as preparation for the study of college level chemistry. Recommends an approach which stresses applications and societal issues for high school students. (ML)

Describes efforts in devising a method for determining sulfate quickly and accurately from rainwater samples. Explains the design and operation of the apparatus and identifies the solutions for the testing. (ML)

Describes the potential health hazards of using thioacetamide in introductory courses where students are involved in qualitative inorganic analysis. Describes the chemical as possessing carcinogenic, hepatotoxic, and mutagenic properties. Cautions that thioacetamide has caused various biochemical changes in the liver, and recommends limited uses…

Contains two articles relating to chemistry examination questions. One provides examples of how to sequence multiple choice questions so that partial credit may be given for some responses. The second includes a question and solution dealing with stereoisomerism as a result of free radical chlorination of a nonstereoisometic substance. (TW)

This report is the Chemical and Engineering News' annual compilation of data on research and development. Sections include overview, federal government, industrial, and university data. Tables and graphs are used to present most of the information. (YP)

Discusses effects of acid rain on the atmosphere's self-cleansing nature, water pollution, and decline of forests. Suggests clean-coal technology as one of the solutions to this problem. (YP)

Discusses the history and origins of the moon including analysis of highland and basin samples, volcanic activities, the surface soil, and origin issues. Provides pictures and diagrams. (YP)

Describes the criteria used for textbook selection or rejection, how the criteria differ depending on the level of students, and how the criteria differ according to the instructor's training. Discusses results and implications for students, instructors, and publishers. (CW)

Presents as part I of a two-part series a study involving the intercellular transfer of bacterial DNA that codes for the resistance to antibiotics. Demonstrates to students that such transfers occur. Discusses laboratory procedures, materials and results. (CW)

Describes two experiments for demonstrating the properties of osmosis and semipermeable membranes. Gaseous and liquid osmosis are studied through the use of common laboratory chemicals and equipment. Offers explanations for the phenomena with diagrams. (ML)

Describes statistical analyses of tests used for organic chemistry classes and attempts to pose a model to explain the results. Concluded that students who possess a slight grasp of a concept actually have less of a chance of answering an item correctly than those who merely guess. (CW)