Provides short descriptions of chemists' applications of computers in instruction: an interactive instructional program for Instrumental-Qualitative Organic Analysis; question-and-answer exercises in organic chemistry; computerized organic nomenclature drills; integration of theoretical and descriptive materials; acid-base titration simulation;…

Presents a viable laboratory experiment that demonstrates the utility of IR spectroscopy. Uses small quantities of deuterated gaseous alkanes. (CS)

Described is an alternative to the science fair for promoting student interest in science. High school students are invited to participate in a science olympiad, promoting high school college interaction. Suggestions for organizing events and activities of the olympiad are included. (DS)

Described is the annual Earth Science Teacher Day sponsored by the University of Texas. The purpose is to provide an attractive program combining both content enrichment and new classroom activities for earth science teachers. The format includes workshops, work sessions and field trips. (DS)

Analyzed are projects funded by the Comprehensive Assistance to Undergraduate Science Education (CAUSE) program to familiarize potential applicants with the types of projects being supported. Statistics reported include proposals received, types of institutions receiving monies, projected costs and activities for the institutions, proposals…

From June 1980 onwards most home candidates taking University of London Advanced-level Biology are required to submit their practical and field work notebooks to their teachers for assessment. This paper describes a trial run assessment of the practical books of 700 candidates, conducted in June 1979, and the statistical moderation procedure…

An analogy, which has been drawn between black hole physics and thermodynamics, is mathematically broadened in this article. Equations similar to the standard partial differential relations of thermodynamics are found for black holes. The results can be used to supplement an undergraduate thermodynamics course. (Author/SK)

By using the method of moments, it is shown that several important and apparently unrelated theorems describing average properties of stochastic systems are in fact particular cases of a general law; this method is applied to generalize the virial theorem and the fluctuation-dissipation theorem to the time-dependent case. (Author/SK)

Reviews published material on conformational behavior in 1,2-disubstituted frameworks regulated by steric and polar factors and attractive and repulsive gauche effects. Reports on attraction in systems with small and strongly electronegative atoms. Suggests that cause is dominant nuclear-electron attraction between atoms or groups. (Author/SA)

Discusses the electric field line pattern for four equal charges of the same sign placed at the corners of a square. The electric field intensity and the point of equilibrium are interpreted, taking into account three dimensions. (HM)

Spectroscopic studies on solutions and x-ray diffraction work on crystals lead to the conclusion that the Metrogen of the pyrimidine ring is preferentially protonated. The correct monoprotonated structures of thiamine and its 4-amino-pyrimidine synthetic precursor are presented. (BT)

Presents ways in which the valence bond (VB) theory describes the bonding and geometry of molecules, following directly from earlier principles laid down by Pauling and others. Two other theories (molecular orbital approach and valence shell electron pair repulsion) are discussed and compared to VB. (CS)

Two exam questions are presented with explanations of the acceptable solutions. The first deals with hybridization and the second with empirical formulas. (SA)

Results of surveys, conducted in 1972 (N=68 institutions) and 1977 (N=73 institutions), of first-year college biology courses are discussed, relative to changes in course emphasis, class size, number of offerings, and course titles. Institutions contacted for survey purposes were those receiving ten or more Biology Advanced Placement candidates.…

Discusses how holography can be used as part of undergraduate physics laboratories. The authors propose a single beam technique of holography, which will reduce the recording scheme as well as relax the isolation requirements. (HM)