Discusses biotechnology in terms of its potential and the bottlenecks encountered in the course of development. Topics/issues addressed include: biotechnology definitions; research prospects; raw material constraints; co-ordination/financial support; training; industry/university conflicts; possible risks; and legal protection involving living…

Describes a "High School Science Bowl" organized by the University of Tennessee at Martin Chapter of American Chemical Society Student Affiliates. The contest consists of two parts: a preliminary written test of 25 objective questions from biology, chemistry, general science and an afternoon session patterned after television's "College Bowl."…

Discusses a common misconception in the area of electric circuits at the level of introductory college physics. The data, collected from clinical interviews, shed light on the cognitive sources of misconception. Also discusses some implications for laboratory approaches used in science courses. (Author/SK)

Discusses the importance of teaching writing in college science classes by evaluating written lab reports, editing, and critically grading papers that students write. Also presents a structured method to teach lab report writing. (Author/SK)

Describes a simple, student-oriented method of determining seiches and compares actual to theoretical results. Includes information about equipment needed, data gathering, and analysis of the data. (Author/DS)

Evaluates experiences gained using nontraditional teaching methods in college physical chemistry, including small group instruction, use of teacher prepared materials, integration of theoretical and directed teaching, continual examination of knowledge and less emphasis on teacher centered approaches. Suggests positive influences resulting from…

Summarizes the results obtained from a questionnaire to gather information about the present state of organic chemistry teaching in Italy and to obtain the opinions of organic chemists on a possible restructuring of chemistry degree curricula. (Author/SK)

Describes the learning theories of G. Stanley Hall and Edward L. Thorndike and their impact on physics instruction in the twentieth century. (SK)

Explains the need for methods of increasing students' and administrators' awareness of safety procedures in the chemistry laboratory. Suggests increasing formal courses in safety and cites difficulties inherent in increasing safety courses including the lack of funding and an already overcrowded chemistry curriculum. (DS)

Supplies information regarding modification of the laboratory to facilitate mobility-handicapped students in college chemistry, including the accommodation of students lacking motor control in the arms and hands. Also discusses modifications to allow these individuals access to library resources, financial concerns, and mobility-impaired…

Outlines considerations in the design and modification of college chemistry laboratories to accommodate the motor impaired student. (CS)

Reviews safety records of physically handicapped individuals, relating safety for all individuals in the laboratory to special concerns for the mobility handicapped, visually handicapped, and hearing impaired individuals. Discusses legal responsibilities and liability. (CS)

Details are provided about project SERAPHIM which is aimed at setting up a model system for dissemination of instructional materials in chemistry. Many of the instructional modules that will be handled by the project will be computer-based, with an emphasis on microcomputer-based materials. (MP)

Background information, materials/procedures, and results are provided for an undergraduate laboratory experiment on a photochemical ligand substitution reaction using sunlight. The experiment illustrates demonstration of photochemistry and basic mechanisms of transition metal reactions using inexpensive materials and is easily followed by…

Issues discussed with Thomas F. Malone (former Foreign Secretary-National Academy of Sciences) include: scientists role in dealing with such global problems as nuclear war and needs in developing countries; scientific relations with China/Soviet Union; scientific enterprise/human rights; science/technology role in foreign policy; and political…