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)

The National Academy of Sciences suggests models for biomedical research which include a biology-wide information system with computerized database accessible from a multitude of dimensions. Links could help discover whether toxic chemicals have effects similar to hormones. Commonalities from molecules to ecosystems might restructure available…

Provides information on updating older fume hoods. Areas addressed include: (1) adjustment of the hood's back baffle; (2) hood air leakage; (3) light level; (4) hood location in relation to room traffic and room air; and (5) establishing and maintaining hood performance. (JN)

Recognizing that success in general chemistry is dependent on the development of disciplined study habits, the author motivates his students to develop these skills through prelecture assignments that introduce them to various studying strategies. The format and use of the prelecture assignments are described. (JN)

Describes two quantitatively-oriented physiology laboratories for veterinary students. The laboratory exercises incorporate the procedures of radiology and physical examination with measurement of pulmonary function. Specific laboratory objectives, procedures and equipment needed for diagnoses of the pathologies are listed. (ML)

Presents American Chemical Society statistics on bachelor's, master's, and doctoral graduates from approved schools from 1980-84. Comparisons are made for yearly growth, certified/noncertified graduates, and men/women for both chemistry and chemical engineering. Also lists numbers and types of chemistry/chemical engineering degrees awarded by each…