Describes two demonstrations for use in chemistry instruction. The first illustrates the preparation of a less common oxide of iron, showing why this oxide is rare. The second is an explosion reaction of hydrogen and oxygen that is recommended for use as an attention-getting device. (TW)

Reports on the results of a survey of college level instructors of quantitative analysis courses. Discusses what topics are taught in such courses, how much weight is given to these topics, and which experiments are used in the laboratory. Poses some basic questions about the curriculum in quantitative analysis. (TW)

Contains information on research and development (R&D) trends in the United States. Provides an overview of the total R&D effort. Includes graphs and charts on R&D funding by the federal government, particularly on chemistry, physical sciences, and engineering. Assesses R&D spending by industry. Shows where academic institutions get R&D funds. (TW)

Presents 31 science activities for use with high school or college science classes. Topics included are: chromatography, ecology, invertebrates, enzymes, genetics, botany, creep, crystals, diffusion, computer interfaces, acid rain, teaching techniques, chemical reactions, waves, electric fields, rainbows, electricity, magnetic fields, and a Pitot…

Reports the results of a laboratory safety survey of 37 schools in the Washington, DC area. Discusses the contents of the survey and the status of safety instructions and standards in secondary school chemistry laboratories. Cites efforts to improve instruction in the United States. (CW)

Describes how to make a superconducting pellet for classroom use. Details two tests that can use the pellet to demonstrate superconductivity. Discusses some of the mechanics and chemistry of superconductivity. Lists materiads and equipment necessary for these activities. (CW)

Announces the incorporation of a laboratory information management system (LIMS) into the academic environment. Describes the applications of a computer-automated laboratory system at one university. Stresses the benefits to students of the use of such a system in terms of entry into the industrial environment and to professors in grading. (CW)

Describes an experiment involving pineapples and gelatin that allows students to investigate the conditions that typically render an enzyme functionless, similar to the effect of nerve gasses. Discusses the materials, procedures, and results, drawing analogies to the effects of a nerve gas. (CW)

Discusses the teaching of electron configurations and various systems used to help students write them correctly. Presents an approach to this type of instruction which uses diagrams and mnemonic devices. Examples of exercises which encourage the use of this method are provided. (TW)

Discusses the photochromic behavior of mercury(II) bis(dithizonate) in providing a colorful demonstration of the effect that visible light can have on the conformation and bonding of molecules in solution. Provides a description of the demonstration itself, along with the preparation needed to complete it. (TW)

Provides a running commentary on a chemistry instructor's first day in a first course in chemistry. Focuses on the use of fire and chemists' attempts to explain this phenomenon. Provides the ongoing descriptions of the experiments, a summary of the observations, and the key comments made by the instructor. (TW)

Recounts the experiences of a student with cerebral palsy in a college-level, first-semester chemistry laboratory course. Explains how a laboratory assistant worked with the handicapped student in assembling apparatus and manipulating some of the smaller equipment. Discusses the outstanding work performed by the student. (TW)

Dicusses the use of the separatory cylinder in student laboratory experiments for investigating equilibrium distribution of a solute between immiscible phases. Describes the procedures for four sets of experiments of this nature. Lists of materials needed and quantities of reagents are provided. (TW)

Summarizes the academic preparation of secondary school science teachers in Idaho by science subject. Reveals that the extent of some problems appears to be greater than reported in the literature. Reports that only 57% of Idaho science teachers were endorsed to teach the subject they taught. (CW)

A study comparing Type A behaviors in premedical college students, non-premedical science majors, and other students found that premedical students were no more likely to exhibit Type A behaviors than those aspiring to doctorate-level training in nonmedical fields, but did find some gender differences and behavior changes over time. (MSE)