Highlights current information on the martian surface. Topics include a planetary overview (atmosphere, dust storms, water vapor/ice, soil analysis) and surface features (craters, volcanoes, canyons/channels, polar regions, wind-related features). Similarities/differences between Mars and Earth are also discussed. (JN)

Characteristics of the archaebacteria (comprising the methanogenic, thermoacidophilic, and extreme halophilic bacteria) are discussed, including comparisons of molecular traits for archaebacteria, eubacteria, eukaryotes, and taxonomic considerations. Issues related to integrating the archaebacteria into biology curricula and teaching about the…

Describes a project in which chemistry students search government publications for information on federal regulations of chemical substances. Project goals include developing an awareness of government regulations related to the practice of chemistry, use of documents containing regulations, and exploring library holdings of government…

Discusses numerical solution of the one-dimension Schrodinger equation. A PASCAL computer program for the Apple II which performs the calculations is available from the authors. Also discusses quantization and perturbation theory using microcomputers, indicating benefits of using the addition of a perturbation term to harmonic oscillator as an…

Background information, procedures, and results of an experiment suitable for measuring subpart per million concentrations of anionic surfactants in natural waters and waste effluents are provided. The experiment required only a spectrophotometer or filter photometer and has been successfully performed by students in an undergraduate environmental…

Advantages of using an historical approach in teaching physics are discussed, focusing on the questioning techniques that a teacher can adopt in analyzing a particular episode or concept in the history of physics. Questions related to a theory's reception among the scientific community are also discussed. (JN)

Tandem electrostatic accelerators produce beams of positive ions which are used to penetrate atomic nuclei in a target, inducing nuclear reactions whose study elucidates varied properties of the nucleus. Uses of the system, which acts like a mass spectrometer, are discussed. These include radiocarbon dating measurements. (JN)

Highlights a National Science Foundation (NSF) assessment which determined whether there will be an adequate supply of science, engineering, and technician personnel for meeting defense/nondefense needs between 1982 and 1987. Indicates that personnel shortages may occur in a few science/engineering employment categories, but chemists/chemical…

Two selection and nine evaluation hypothesis testing tasks varying systematically with respect to causality, response alternatives, and context continuity were administered to two samples of adults (N=35; N=32). It was to determine effects of these variables and the degree to which subjects reasoned with material conditional, biconditional,…

Some simple field investigations on plant water relations are described which demonstrate links between physiological and external environmental factors. In this way, a more complex picture of a plant and how it functions within its habitat and the effects the environment has on it can be built up. (Author/JN)

The 150th anniversary of the naming of the nucleus by Robert Brown in 1831 was commemorated by re-creating some of his most important observations using two of his microscopes. Comments on Brown's career and the microtechnique employed during his time are provided. (Author/JN)

Several activities related to color are discussed. These include placing different colors on a disk which, while spinning, appears to be white. Also discusses complementary and primary colors. (JN)

Describes a computer program for Commodore PET (requiring 8K) which illustrates the statistical nature of entropy by providing a simple analogy. The analogy involves the distribution of objects free to move in a box divided into two compartments. A listing of program statements is also included. (JN)

Discusses the extent to which universities should absorb several types of direct and indirect costs associated with government-sponsored faculty research. An analysis of the exchange of resources between the university, scientist, discipline, and government, shows that by absorbing costs, the institution gains acceptance as a host for federal…

The first of a two-part question asks: Does the total thrust of a rocket depend on the surrounding pressure? The answer to this question is provided, with accompanying diagrams of rockets. The second part of the question (and answer) are provided in v20 n7, p479, Oct 1982 of this journal. (Author/JN)