Reviews a study which examined the effects of types of feedback and diagnostic testing on learning from text aided by a diagnostic/prescriptive instructional strategy. Significant differences in instructional time and learning efficiency were observed from participating undergraduates (n=150) which were not linearly related to feedback complexity.…

Offers perspectives on the placement and value of statistical studies in science education. Cites examples from the field of chemical education that address evaluation concerns and problems. Points out factors to consider and questions to ask in reviewing research studies. (ML)

Reviews the main principles of interfacing and discusses the software developed to perform kinetic data capture and analysis with a BBC microcomputer linked to a recording spectrophotometer. Focuses on the steps in software development. Includes results of a lactate dehydrogenase assay. (ML)

Discusses a study that assessed how students felt about computers and how they perceived computers performed as instructional tools. A majority of the tested students indicated that the computer was a useful tool in their chemistry classes, that the labs were realistic, but computer grading should not be used. (ML)

Discusses the velocity of an orbiting satellite. Knowledge of the kinematics of falling objects is the only prerequisite for understanding the concepts considered. (DH)

The standard two-semester organic chemistry course at Texas Christian University was reorganized as a two-cycle course. In addition, lectures and laboratories were made into separate courses with the laboratory consisting of a formal lecture session and experimental work. The structure, advantages, and disadvantages of the course are discussed.…

Describes a course involving a year-long introductory sequence in technology, science, and mathematics for students majoring in the humanities and social sciences. Profiles the student population, the teachers, and gives quarter-by-quarter course content. (JM)

Discusses course titled "Perspectives on Technology" offered at Yale University. The course organization, built around minicourses, is described, and one minicourse, on microelectronics, is presented. (JM)

Provides general background on basic concepts of systems theory. Discusses applications of systems theory to computational and inferential chemistry in molecular and reaction systems, systems analysis, and synthesis. Describes methodology for studying chemical systems by computer and gives advantages of an integrated computational environment. (JM)

Analyzes three approaches (physical, mental, combined practice) to improving freshman chemistry psychomotor laboratory skills. Although no significant differences were found between treatments, there were significant differences when each was compared to the control sections. Mental practice appears to offer an efficient methods for reinforcement…

Ribonucleic acid (RNA) converts genetic information into protein and usually must be processed to serve its function. RNA types, chemical structure, protein synthesis, translation, manufacture, and processing are discussed. Concludes that the first genes might have been spliced RNA and that humans might be closer than bacteria to primitive…

Suggests how postage stamps can be incorporated into chemistry teaching. Categories considered include emergence of chemistry as a science, metric system, atoms (and molecules and ions), stoichiometry, energy relationships in chemical systems, chemical bonding, nuclear chemistry, biochemistry, geochemistry, matter (gases, liquids, and solids),…

Offers perspectives on approaching and teaching a biology course for nonmajors. Proposes that teaching less may better prepare students to become more scientifically literate. Identifies areas and priorities that may effectively contribute to students' understanding of science. (JM)

Describes the goals, procedures, and activities of a Computers in Chemistry course for undergraduate chemistry majors. Provides a listing of topics which have user-friendly programs and of representative activities which have been incorporated into the course. Also includes suggestions for student assignments. (ML)

Describes a laboratory exercise that introduces physics students to graphing. Presents the program format and sample output of a computer simulation of an experiment which tests the effects of sound intensity on the crawling speed of a snail. Provides students with practice in making exponential or logarithmic graphs. (ML)