Describes a course designed to improve writing ability and ability to use chemical literature, emphasizing course materials, teaching techniques, and effectiveness based on two years of experience. (SK)

Details the use of measuring instruments, computer terminals, and other high technology laboratory aids for the visually handicapped chemistry student. Use of these aids at East Carolina University is also described. (CS)

Poor behavior in one of 12 mixed-ability chemistry classes led to a stigma attached to it by school staff. Analysis of examination marks indicates the reputation was not justified in terms of academic achievement, demonstrating the ease with which academic achievements can be hampered unwittingly by teacher prejudices. (Author/JN)

Provides instructions and a list of materials needed to demonstrate: (1) a model of the quantum mechanical atom; (2) principles involved in metal corrosion and in the prevention of this destructive process by electrochemical means; and (3) a Thermit reaction, modified to make it more dramatic and interesting for students. (SK)

Evaluates the effectiveness of student interaction in computer assisted instruction (CAI) in enhancing achievement in chemistry laboratories. One group of students interacted with the computer in simulated laboratory activities; a second group did not interact. Advantages of interactive CAI were found for tasks requiring interpretation and…

Twelve court cases involving laboratory situations are reviewed in chronological order. Report includes five statements indicating when an instructor is not liable as well as guidelines to improve laboratory safety and provide some measure of liability protection for the instructor. (JN)

Two demonstrations are described: (1) a sunset effect using a gooseneck lamp and 20 sheets of paper and (2) the preparation and determination of structural features of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) by infrared spectroscopy. (SK)

Summarizes research funding issues and concerns discussed at a symposium on government and industry support for university research. Describes efforts by the Council for Chemical Research, a combined university-industry organization, to generate funds and to improve communication between academic and university scientists. (DC)

Describes a three-hour, one-semester graduate course to provide numerical methods and modeling techniques to handle problems in future courses or engineering practice. Includes rationale for topics such as interpolation, integration, and equation roots, among others. Indicates that all problems require computer use. (SK)

A Higher Education Research Institute pilot study of the reputations of undergraduate departments is discussed. The intent of the study was to quantify the subjective judgments of undergraduate departmental quality and to investigate the association of ratings on different criteria and for different types of institutions. (MLW)

Results of three studies comparing lecture/discussion to a Personalized System of Instruction (PSI) suggest that students perform better using PSI. (SK)

Discusses when the writing of chemical formula and equations can be introduced in the school science curriculum. Also presents ways in which formulae and equations learning can be aided and some examples for balancing and interpreting equations. (HM)

Presents the aims of the University of Amsterdam's Center for Research into Higher Education and describes two projects: (1) PLATO Pilot Project Amsterdam, a university-wide program in computer-assisted instruction; and (2) "Exercise in Chemical Problem-Solving," computer simulations designed to aid students in developing problem-solving…

A learning cycle involves the active participation of students in exploration, invention, and application phases. Describes one such learning cycle dealing with classification of matter and designed to provide students with an understanding of the terms: atom, molecule, element, compound, solution, and heterogeneous matter. (Author/JN)

Described is an experiment used in an undergraduate biochemistry laboratory involving inducing rickets in chicks and correlating the disease to a reduction in vitamin D-dependent calcium binding protein. Techniques involved are hormone induction, protein isolation, and radioisotope methodology. (Author/DS)