A chemistry professor and an English professor combined their efforts in a regularly scheduled chemistry course to guide students in writing better laboratory reports. This approach is described, including criteria (which are part of the course syllabus) used to evaluate student papers. (JN)

Provides ideas and suggestions for helping students increase their problem-solving skills, including a four-step general problem-solving approach. Specific examples (considering qualitative problems and problem sequence) and comments on testing/grading are also provided. (JN)

The reaction between arsenite and iodate in acidic solution offers an excellent pedagogic introduction to such phenomena as traveling waves. Component reactions, traveling waves, and a mathematical model are discussed. Demonstrations described can easily be elaborated into a full laboratory experiment. (Author/JN)

A Beckmann arrangement was developed which explores the concept of stereospecificity and concurrently exposes students to synthetic, spectrophotometric, and chromatographic processes. Background information, laboratory procedures, and results are provided. (JN)

Hydantoins are a drug family lying within the broadly related ureide structural frame which encompasses many of the anticonvulsant drugs used in treatment of various types of epilepsy. Background information and experimental procedures are provided for the synthesis of the hydantoin 5,5-diphenylhydantoin. (JN)

Surveyed physiology teaching methods and compared results to 1969 and 1973 surveys. Respondents (107/139 physiology department chairpersons) indicated decrease in but continued use of laboratory exercises and a trend toward problem-solving sets, audiovisual aids, computer simulation, and computer assisted instruction. Data are provided for these…

Describes a simple, inexpensive electronic circuit used as a small analog computer in an experimental approach to the study of oscillations. Includes circuit diagram and an example of the method using steps followed by students studying underdamped oscillatory motion. (JN)

Continental crust underlies the continents, their margins, and also small shallow regions in oceans. The nature of the crust (much older than oceanic crust) and its dynamics are discussed. Research related to and effects of tectonics, volcanism, erosion, and sedimentation on the crust are considered. (JN)

The chemistry of the ocean, whose constituents interact with those of air and land to support life and influence climate, is known to have undergone changes since the last glacial epoch. Changes in dissolved oxygen, calcium ions, phosphate, carbon dioxide, carbonate ions, and bicarbonate ions are discussed. (JN)

Describes a course designed to familiarize students with alternative sources of energy, with emphasis on problem-solving strategies. Includes list of major topics/subtopics addressed and list of textbooks and recommended readings on alternative energy sources. (JN)

Discusses use of 1,1,1-trichloroethane as a substitute for carbon tetrachloride. Provides information on additives to commercially supplied sources in relation to possible reaction interferences. Warns of toxicity and possible carcinogenic action. (JM)

Describes a three-hour experiment designed to introduce students to chemistry of the angiotensis-converting enzyme, illustrate design of a quenched fluorescence substrate, and examine considerations necessary in designing a clinical assay. Includes background information on the biochemistry of hypertension, reagents/materials needed, procedures…

Presents findings and conclusions about the origin of the moon, favoring the capture hypothesis of lunar origin. Advantage of the hypothesis is that it allows the moon to have been formed elsewhere, specifically in a hotter part of the solar nebula, accounting for chemical differences between earth and moon. (JN)

Students' cars and wristwatches are used as "apparatus" to introduce and demonstrate Newton's second law of motion. Forces acting on cars are discussed and typical student data (for different makes of cars) are provided. Data could also be used in discussions of work, horsepower, efficiency, and energy cost. (JN)

Provides an explanation for the observed motion of frisbees, can lids, "clay pidgeons," and flat stones when these objects are thrown through the air. Explanation focuses on forces (gravity and air), torque, and gyroscopic precession. (JN)