Describes experiment designed to test the effectiveness of an independent study program as a method of instruction. No significant difference was found between the scholastic achievement of students involved in independent study and those attending classes. In the following year the academic achievement of the experimental group was significantly…

Describes the development of a scheme which allows the production of a complete synthesis tree through the backward analysis of a target molecule into precursor and pathway catalogues. The logical organizing framework will find applications to teaching of multistep organic synthesis. (CC)

Discusses theories underlying Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids by explaining flow curves exhibited by plastic, shear-thining, and shear-thickening fluids and Bingham plastic materials. Indicates that the exact mechanism governing shear-thickening behaviors is a problem of further study. (CC)

Discusses the practice of assigning questions from different publications each week as part of regular homework in a two-quarter instrumental analysis course. Concludes that students not only acquire factual knowledge but also experience the utilization of literature sources from this training. (CC)

Outlines a laboratory course entitled Inorganic Chemistry for Biological Sciences'' which is designed primarily for juniors in biochemistry, physiology, and soil sciences. Inclusion of relevant environmental topics is indicated. (CC)

Studied the effectiveness of using student's scores gained in previous courses or examinations as predictor of his further study. Concluded that determination of cut-off values on the Toledo Chemistry Placement Examination was not favored while a specific prerequisite chemistry course was proved capable of predicting student's success. (CC)

Describes the progress and current activities of the Minority Participation Program which was established to assist minority students in the geological sciences, to introduce new programs in predominantly minority colleges, and to retrain as geological scientists minority faculty members. Presents tabulated data on enrollment patterns of minority…

Describes a system of self-evaluation by students designed to increase personal attention and interest in learning and to reduce uncertainty and anxiety. The system has been tested with more than 2,000 college students over a four year period. Its advantages and disadvantages are discussed. (JR)

Describes a one month intensive course, offered at Westminster College, entitled Science and Literature: A Study in Values.'' The interdisciplinary course is an attempt to break down the barriers of specialization, and to focus on the reactions of students, scientists, and humanists to Darwin's theory of evolution and natural selection. (JR)

Discusses the development of a basic physics course in which the technological device or system is used as a motivational factor or a focus for teaching of fundamental concepts. Included are a list of module titles and examples of textual materials derived from pressure cookers, toasters, and ionization chambers. (CC)

Summarizes the thermodynamics of macromolecular systems, including theories and experiments of cyclic energy conversion with rubber and collagen as working substances. Indicates that an early introduction into the concept of chemical potential and solution thermodynamics is made possible through the study of the cyclic processes. (CC)

Discusses the use of self-instruction in conducting a college laboratory program in biology. Six different laboratory exercises are set up in carrels, and students rotate around the carrels as they individually complete each exercise. (JR)

Describes a method for measuring osmotic potential which is suitable for high school and college biology classes. This method introduces students to the hard-to-visualize technique of using density gradients to separate cells or cell constituents of differing densities. (JR)