Presented are procedures for demonstrating the production of color oscillations when nitric acid is added to a formic acid/concentrated sulfuric acid mixture. Because of safety considerations, "Super-8" home movie of the color changes was found to be satisfactory for demonstration purposes. (JN)

Out of 70 answers to questions concerning the chemistry involved in an "orange tornado" demonstration, only 10 were partially correct, others totally wrong or showing major errors in understanding, comprehension, and/or reasoning. Demonstration and reactions involved, selected incorrect answers, and a substantially correct answer are discussed.…

Discusses three methods for removing wastes from educational laboratories. These include paying someone with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) permits, doing part of the work before an EPA contractor carries out final steps, or reducing magnitude of future disposal problems by changing present laboratory procedures. Includes comments on…

Discusses a supplement to the "water to rose" demonstration in which a pink color is produced. Also discusses blood buffer demonstrations, including hydrolysis of sodium bicarbonate, simulated blood buffer, metabolic acidosis, natural compensation of metabolic acidosis, metabolic alkalosis, acidosis treatment, and alkalosis treatment. Procedures…

A two-stage synthesis of 4,6,8-trimethylazulene was developed for use in the undergraduate experiment, highlighting concepts not usually covered in the laboratory. The experiment requires purification procedures of chromatography and of sublimation and illustrates concepts of aromaticity, molecular orbital theory, and carbodium ion reactivity. (JN)

Describes an undergraduate organic chemistry experiment on the photochemical isomerization of maleic to fumaric acid. Background information, chemical reactions involved, and experimental procedures are included. (JN)

Describes two computer simulations of the predator-prey interaction in which students explore theories and mathematical equations involved in this biological process. The programs (for Apple II), designed for college level ecology, may be used in lecture/demonstrations or as a basis for laboratory assignments. A list of student objectives is…

"Astronomy with the Space Telescope" is a course designed to show scientists/engineers how this instrument can make important advances in astrophysics, planetology, and geophysics. A description of the course (taught to 11 students working for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration) and sample student paper on black holes are…

The nature of the earth's core is described. Indirect evidence (such as that determined from seismological data) indicates that it is an iron alloy, solid toward its center but otherwise liquid. Evidence also suggests that it is the turbulent flow of the liquid that generates the earth's magnetic field. (JN)

The nature and dynamics of the earth's mantle is discussed. Research indicates that the silicate mantle is heated by the decay of radioactive isotopes and that the heat energizes massive convention currents in the upper 700 kilometers of the ductile rock. These currents and their consequences are considered. (JN)

Describes use of automobile test reports in the mechanics portion of introductory physics. Topics covered using the reports include graphing data, graphical analysis, applications of kinematical equations, dynamics problems, and occasionally, such topics as conversion, rotational motion, noise, and significance of error. Suggests modifying…

Lists and discusses 10 tips to improve science instruction. Areas addressed include questioning techniques, seat assignments, use of chalkboard and overhead projector, communication skills, explaining why a topic is being covered, use of demonstrations, and stopping a lecture on time. (JN)

The application of very sensitive electronic detecting devices during the last decade has revolutionized and revitalized the study of polarization in celestial objects. The nature of polarization, how polaroids work, interstellar polarization, dichroic filters, polarization by scattering, and modern polarimetry are among the topics discussed. (JN)

Many secondary/college textbook authors define current explicitly or implicitly, by the diagrams, in terms of negative-charge motion. Discusses several reasons why the "conventional current" direction is preferred. (JN)

Conductiometric titrations can be used to simulate subduction-setting volcanism. Suggestions are made as to the use of this technique in teaching volcanic mechanisms and geochemical indications of tectonic settings. (JN)