Membrane cells were developed as alternatives to mercury and diaphragm cells for the electrolysis of brine. Compares the three types of cells, focusing on the advantages and disadvantages of membrane cells. (JN)

Suggests using National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) criteria documents as a source for special topics material in chemistry. Presents a list of selected NIOSH documents, ordering information, and reviews one document on formaldehyde in some detail. (SK)

Briefly describes a module on the origin of life formulated for inclusion in introductory biology, geology, and astronomy courses. The authors are preparing a concise monograph on the topic to complement the three-week module. (Author/SK)

Suggests the use of diagrams illustrating the estimated temporal relations of preserved stratigraphic units in a region as a teaching tool to emphasize the paucity of stratographic information. (Author/DS)

Describes ways to modify teaching aids and laboratory materials for the visually handicapped student in an introductory college chemistry course. (CS)

Supplies short descriptions of several computer applications in the college science classroom and laboratory, including: applications; interfacing and data collection with the TRS-80; programs for activity corrections in acid/base and precipitation titration curve calculations; computer-assisted data analysis of enzyme kinetics; and microcomputer…

Background information and experimental procedures are provided for three lecture-demonstrations (involving hydrolysis of tetra-butyl chloride) illustrating: (1) common-ion or mass law effect; (2) effect of changing ionizing power of a solvent on a solvolysis reaction; and (3) collecting/plotting data to illustrate a first-order reaction.…

A Fortran IV program is described which calculates relative peak intensities of any molecular or fragment ion and displays them graphically as a bar graph resembling a mass spectrum. Documentation, including listing, sample usage, and sample execution is available free of charge. (Author/JN)

Investigated (1) changes in community college students' (N=208) attitudes toward introductory biology, school, and academic self and (2) relationships between attitudes/achievement (measured by Nelson Biology Test and course grade). Data indicated that while cognitive behavior was changed during the course, attitudes either stayed the same or…

Aluminum foil can be used to make impressions of structures preserved in sedimentary rock. The impressions can be projected onto a screen, photographed, or a Plaster of Paris model can be made from them. Impressions of ripple marks, mudcracks, and raindrop impressions are provided in photographs illustrating the technique. (Author/JN)

Describes a sequence of experiments developed at Texas A&M University for use in one-semester and two-semester (nonmajors) organic chemistry courses to teach a maximum number of separation and purification techniques such as distillations, recrystallization, liquid-liquid extraction, and chromatography. (SK)

A fast-flow discharge reactor has been used in an analytical chemistry demonstration of gas phase titration, in inorganic preparative chemistry, and in physical chemistry as a "practice" vacuum line, kinetic reactor, and spectroscopic source as well as an undergraduate research tool. (SK)

Computer applications in scientific instrumentation are traced from early data processing to modern computer-based instruments. Probable pathways toward instruments with increased "intelligence" include, among others, implementation of hierarchical computer networks and microprocessor controllers and the simplification of programing. The…

Cognitive preference, a cognitive style acquired through life and learning experiences and representing a distinct orientation to information processing, was related to creativity of college students (N=135). Correlations were observed between cognitive preference and verbal creativity but not with figural creativity as measured by the Torrance…

Assesses the impact of teaching assistants' background on the achievement of chemistry students in laboratory sessions they taught. Includes methodology, nature of background data collection, results, and limitations of the study. (SK)