The presentation of gas properties in terms of the qualitative-quantitative mode and gas law sequence is examined by analysis of 14 chemistry textbooks used in Australia and on questionnaires concerning teaching approaches by 104 teachers. Findings indicate that teaching involves minimal use of qualitative relationships of the gas laws and…

Reviews the objectives of laboratory work in chemistry education, current laboratory practice, and factors likely to impact on the nature of laboratory work in the future. Proposes that more investigation-style laboratory work be provided in order to foster the development of students' investigation skills. (Author/MKR)

Compares publication patterns in four academic disciplines--chemistry, economics, philosophy, and sociology--to identify structural factors that influence publication patterns. Three general categories of publication outcomes were examined: academic affiliations, peripheral status, and the bureaucratization of science. Findings showed that the…

Describes a new approach to research projects based on an interdisciplinary global education model. Students integrate their learning from several courses in a unified research essay. Discusses the benefits of this approach and summarizes the research project for an environmental theme. (LZ)

A Particulate Nature of Matter Evaluation Tests was used to explore the effect of computer animations depicting the particulate nature of matter on (n=400) college students' mental models and comprehension of chemical phenomena. Treatment groups received significantly higher conceptual understanding scores than did the control group. (30…

Maintains that, for a cognitive construct to be accepted as explanatory, it must specify target behaviors, posit antecedent variables, and indicate how the antecedent variables can be measured independently of behavioral changes. Discusses epistemological tools that can be used in similar fashion. (CFR)

Describes a program implemented at Northern Arizona University designed to attract high-risk American Indian students into the field of chemistry through summer and undergraduate research programs. Since 1980, over 45 students have participated in the program and it is expected that 70% will graduate from college. (LP)

Describes two library-lab exercises the authors have incorporated into their college chemistry course. The first exercise introduces students to scientific information and familiarizes them with the tools for accessing it. The second provides a framework for evaluating the reliability of that information and addresses the criteria that should be…

A study using national data investigated extension of the social control theory of deviance to deviance from the four Mertonian norms of science among faculty in seven disciplines. Results suggest social control in the academic profession lies primarily in the community of the academic disciplines rather than with personal controls. (Author/MSE)

Deterministic chaos which involves orderly motion is discussed. Presented is the history of chaos and two tests for chaos. Practical applications and predictions of the long-term significance of chaos research are discussed. (KR)

Described is a computer software package suitable for teaching and research in the area of multicomponent vapor-liquid equilibrium. This program, which has a complete database, can accomplish phase-equilibrium calculations using various models and graph the results. (KR)

Written test was developed and administered to diagnose misconceptions in different areas of chemical equilibrium among 162 undergraduate chemistry students and 69 teachers of chemistry. Responses reveal widespread misconceptions among students and teachers in areas related to the prediction of equilibrium conditions, rate and equilibrium,…

Reports on specific problem-solving difficulties of 240 chemistry teachers from 5 Nigerian states who volunteered to take part in 3 written tests and an interview. Describes the contrasts between successful and unsuccessful problem solvers, and discusses the pedagogical and psychological implications of the findings. (16 references) (JJK)

Ideas for French instruction are offered, including a grammar exercise on pronouns; exploration of a comic strip's language and culture; use of a taped program on fashion; and an activity to help French language teachers cope with unfamiliar discipline-specific texts, whose topics (but not language) are familiar to their students. (MSE)