This teaching module was developed by the project "Recent Developments in Science and Technology with Applications for Secondary Science Teaching." Premises about students and their learning and generalizations about content are described. Chapters included are: (1) "Introduction"; (2) "Monomers into Polymers"; (3) "Natural Polymers"; (4)…

This study evaluated the effectiveness of the use of videodisc technology in a school system. The videodisc "Understanding Chemistry and Energy" (Systems Impact, 1987) having 20 lessons was used in Physical Science classes (grade 9) and Biology classes (grades 10 and 11) in an experimental school. It was designed to be used with a variety of…

The requirement that all Drexel University students purchase a Macintosh personal computer has had a strong impact on teaching methods throughout the university. The chemistry department now views the computer as a device that is ready to take its place beside other more traditional pedagogical tools. This document describes some of the numerous…

The Household Hazardous Waste Disposal Project was established as an interagency effort to reduce the level of toxicants entering the environment by developing a control plan for the safe disposal of small quantities of household chemicals. This summary report provides an overview of the aspects of this problem that were examined, and the steps…

This module, recommended for third or fourth year high school students, consists of three parts. The first part (entitled "Knowing Plastics") gives some background information regarding the origin of plastics, their chemical and physical properties, and the different available types. The second part (entitled "Shaping…

This module deals with the materials used in making concrete hollow blocks. Topics discussed include: (1) igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks; (2) weathering (the process of breaking down rocks) and its effects on rocks; (3) cement; (4) stages in the manufacturing of Portland cement; and (5) the transformation of cement into concrete…

A questionnaire was mailed to 50 major chemistry departments, 112 smaller chemistry departments, and 25 chemical engineering (CE) departments. The survey (included in an appendix) consists of a series of questions on two broad subjects--the current inventory at the surveyed institutions and the needs for instrumentation. Responses were received…

The intent of this book is to give the reader an insight into the possible reference sources available in the area known as science and technology. One purpose of this book is to allow the student of this literature to enter the maze of material without feeling unduly overwhelmed. The first chapter covers the history of science, specifically:…

This information sheet examines three areas: (1) what research tells about problem-solving in chemistry; (2) why students have such difficulty in solving chemistry problems; and (3) if there are some ways of teaching students to solve problems that are more effective than others. From several research studies on problem-solving in chemistry, it is…

The purposes of water treatment in a marine steam power plant are to prevent damage to boilers, steam-operated equipment, and steam and condensate lives, and to keep all equipment operating at the highest level of efficiency. This laboratory exercise is designed to provide students with experiences in making accurate boiler water tests and to…

Describes the application of a computer program designed to produce a formula determination simultaneously accounting for both elemental composition and probable isotopic species for a measured ion mass. (SLH)

Describes an experiment which can be used to test for the use of accelerants in the origin of a fire. Involves distillation and gas liquid chromatography to identify the accelerants, thus combining two experiments ordinarily included in the beginning organic laboratory. (SLH)

Discusses the teaching of a junior level physical chemistry course with self-paced instruction to engineering and physical science students. Included are a description of topics and a summary of student responses. (CC)

Discusses advances made in chemical analysis instrumentation used in environmental monitoring. This first of two articles is concerned with analytical instrumentation in which detection and dispersion depend ultimately on the properties of gaseous molecules. (JR)

Presents four examples which illustrate close relationships of chemistry to other disciplines. Indicates that chemistry is composed of many strongly interacting parts and a discipline which is donating to and borrowing from other disciplines. (CC)