Describes the construction of expert computer systems using artificial intelligence technology and commercially available software, known as an expert system shell. Provides two applications; a simple one, the identification of seven white substances, and a more complicated one involving the qualitative analysis of six metal ions. (TW)

Reports on a study intended to establish a relationship between the M-space (mental energy) and the M-demand (the variable difficulties of Piagetian tasks presumed to entail the same logical structure) of different items of general chemistry. Recommends that chemistry teachers consider the role of cognitive factors in determining student success.…

Deals with strategies for the fostering of the question-asking capabilities of chemistry students through the use of active, real-world problem-solving and decision-making processes. Suggests that appropriate teaching strategies do facilitate the students' question-asking abilities, and strengthen their confidence in applying them to…

Describes a course in environmental chemistry offered at Dutchess Community College (New York) for students enrolled in the environmental conservation science program. Provides an outline of the 13 units comprising the laboratory portion of the course and discusses the one-hour/week lecture sessions. (TW)

Describes a field trip taken to an old mining area to study water pollution. Discussed are methods for silt analysis, reagent preparation, color charts, techniques, fieldwork, field results, and a laboratory study. (CW)

Discusses undetected hazards that may have potential for injuring staff and students. Cites examples of chemical hazards in the lab. Stresses the need for laboratory safety education. Gives examples of safety publications for secondary and college science laboratories. Comments on the changing nature of chemical safety standards. (CW)

Describes exercises used for the first two weeks of general chemistry when class rolls are fluctuating. Includes learning objectives, linear graphs, nonlinear graphs, scatter graphs, and precision of measurement. Exercises are designed to introduce students to the metric system, balances, significant digits, graphing, and computerized data…

Discusses the concern for safety in chemistry courses. Includes a medical information form on which students can provide information that may be important if an emergency should occur. (TW)

Describes an integrated freshman course sequence which combines biology and chemistry and uses the process of energy flow as a unifying concept. Provides a description of the three-quarter course sequence, along with lists of topics covered in both disciplines. Includes a rationale for developing such interdisciplinary courses. (TW)

Describes an elective field study program at Moravian College (Pennsylvania) in which seniors in analytical chemistry obtain first-hand experience at Bethlehem Steel Corporation. Discusses the program's planning phase, some method development projects done by students, experiences received in laboratory operations, and the evaluation of student…

Describes a simple experiment done in a quantitative analysis course that illustrates the chemistry of the breath alcohol test. Discusses the development and use of the Breathalyzer. Outlines the experimental procedure, along with the appropriate calculations and discussion of the results. (TW)

Reports on a study designed to determine the relative effectiveness of different instructional approaches on chemistry laboratory achievement. Investigated differences in achievement in spectrophotometry among college freshmen who received either traditional, learning cycle, or computer simulation instruction. Results indicated that students…

Describes the use of bubble-type plastic packing material to make "pop-and-sniff" materials that contain common smells from chemicals such as amyl acetate (banana smell). Discusses how these materials can be used by elementary school teachers to enhance thinking skills. (TW)

Describes the "Chemistry from Issues" project at Chelsea College. Provides the background information, rationale, and overall structure of a proposed course about the importance of chemistry to common culture. Outlines one module about the British steel industry that has been taught at King's College. (TW)

Describes 46 activities, investigations, and experiments which deal with a variety of topics in high school and college biology, chemistry, and physics. Includes photographs, diagrams, descriptions of computer software, and detailed procedures for conducting teaching activities on topics ranging from energy to water recycling. (TW)