Offers suggestions and strategies related to integrating an instrumental approach in high school chemistry. Indicates that the problem-solving process is often clarified using the approach, that the approach improves the quality of the laboratory program, and that it is an effective technique for arousing student interest. (JN)

Understanding chemical reactivity, chemical catalysis, and the chemistry of life processes are cited as key areas for government research funding in a National Academy of Sciences/National Research Council committee briefing to White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. Fundamental questions to be answered in each area are outlined and…

Describes a simulated laboratory research project in which the thermodynamic and kinetic aspects of ammonia synthesis are simulated on a computer. (MLH)

Discusses the advantages of using research projects in lower-level chemistry courses; presents a list of suggested projects. (MLH)

Discusses teaching the concept of temperature at several levels of difficulty; includes ideal gas thermometers and the kinetic theory of gases. (MLH)

Presents syllabuses for various British curriculum projects in physics and chemistry that include thermodynamics concepts. (MLH)

Discusses the measurement of electrons ejected from a system which is being irradiated with X-rays or ultraviolet photons, and a theoretical model for calculating core-electron ionization energies. (MLH)

Discusses the energies, structures, and efficiencies of interconversion of the various electronic states within transition metal complexes. (MLH)

Describes an experiment that follows the progress of a chemical reaction with radiochemical tracer techniques, using the beta-emitting radioisotope iodine 131. (MLH)

Describes the use of magnets to simulate s, p, and d atomic orbitals from which a wide variety of molecular orbitals can be derived. The technique gives students an idea of molecular orbitals' shapes and stresses the importance of symmetry labels. (MLH)

Discusses a theoretical model that uses a game as a base for studying processes of a stochastic nature, which involve chemical reactions, molecular systems, biological processes, cells, or people in a population. (MLH)

Presented are the results of an approach to teaching physical chemistry designed to increase student motivation. Student achievement in a course utilizing motivation variables such as self-pacing, no dropping of grades, no pop-tests, and taped lectures, indicated significant gains over a course taught by a traditional approach. (SL)

Summarizes nine papers given at the Fourth Biennial Conference on Chemical Education that dealt with increasing the relevance of chemistry courses. (MLH)

Summarizes 18 papers given at the Fourth Biennial Conference on Chemical Education that dealt with innovative instructional methods or theories, including instructional objectives, audiotape-slide programs, and criterion-referenced evaluation. (MLH)