Describes a computer simulation program which helps students learn the main biochemical tests and profiles for identifying medically important bacteria. Also discusses the advantages and applications of this type of approach. (ML)

Offers perspectives on natural selection and the phenomenon of altruism. Presents evidence for and against the theories that evolution acts essentially on genes, on individuals, on kin, or on larger groups. (ML)

Shows how a simple diagram of instructional concepts (concept map) can help the teacher to organize class material and reduce the likelihood of rote memorization. The example provided is used for sequencing of instruction for a unit on the nervous system. (JN)

Addresses these three questions: (1) What are the roles of analytical chemists in industry? (2) What training is needed to fill assignments which make up these roles? and (3) What are some of the major challenges facing analytical chemists during the next five years? Includes information about a workshop for students. (JN)

Describes (1) computer graphics for the coefficient of restitution; (2) an experiment on the optical processing of images; and (3) a simple, coherent optical system for character recognition using Polaroid (Type 665) negative film. (JN)

Highlights of the Eighth Biennial Conference on Chemical Education are presented, pointing out current issues, trends, and areas of concern discussed in presentations and symposia. Indicates that university, college, and high school teachers attending showed unity of purpose as the science education reform movement takes hold. (JN)

Discusses the development of the concept of atomicity and some of the many which can be used to establish its validity. Chemical evidence, evidence from crystals, Faraday's law of electrolysis, and Avogadro's number are among the areas which show how the concept originally developed from a purely philosophical idea. (JN)

Discusses the physics of electromagnetic focussing using an imaginary dialogue between teacher and student. It is assumed that students have been introduced to the underlying theory concerning movement of a charged particle traveling with uniform speed in a magnetic field before seeing a demonstration with the fine-beam cathode-ray tube. (JN)

Describes an activity in which two pulleys are connected by a wire loop; when the bottom pulley is dipped into hot water, the pulleys rotate. Also suggests that students design/build a machine to propel a bean; the machine must use materials including one bean, two plastic straws, and two rubber bands. (JN)

Provided are procedures for a demonstration which illustrates the concept of summer stratification of lakes in the temperate zone as maintained by thermal resistance to mixing. The demonstration requires only food coloring, water, and common laboratory equipment. (JN)

Highlights a symposium which focused on chemistry courses, content, and objectives designed to meet the needs of nonscientist citizens. Examples of courses, objectives (such as the ability to solve social problems), and instructional strategies are provided. (JN)

Describes a strategy in which students complete 12 types of reports during a chemistry course. The goal is to improve their ability to communicate effectively in a variety of styles without sacrificing the traditional goals of imparting an understanding of experimental chemistry and an ability to critically analyze experiments/results. (JN)

Procedures for demonstrating thermodynamic changes, kinetics and reaction mechanisms, equilibrium, and LeChatelier's principle are presented. The only materials needed for these demonstrations are beakers, water, assorted wooden blocks of varying thickness, assorted rubber tubing, and a sponge. The concepts illustrated in each demonstration are…

Discusses modifications in the fatty acid monolayer experiment to reduce the inaccurate moleculary data students usually obtain. Copies of the experimental procedure used and a Pascal computer program to work up the data are available from the authors. (JN)

Discusses the nature of "thought experiments" and why they are an integral part of physics. Also examines some of the better-known thought experiments in special relativity and quantum mechanics, focusing on content audiences they are aimed at and the prior knowledge of these audiences. (JN)