In a series of meetings held over a period of three days, the National Commission on New Technological Uses of Copyrighted Works (CONTU) heard presentations, arranged by the American Society for Information Science, on information systems in general and on the operations of specific systems. The first presentation covered information storage and…

This monograph includes guidelines for science courses in grades seven, eight, and nine, and for biology, chemistry and physics. Seventh grade Environmental Life Science is lab-oriented and based on a variety of student experiences. Course objectives are presented as well as the course outline. A multitext approach, with a suggested textbook list,…

Describes a technique used extensively in the chemical industry to find and control unanticipated safety hazards. Discusses how a team of individuals can consider how equipment or processes operate and deviations from normal conditions. Suggests this technique could be used in educational laboratories. (TW)

Describes a program in which six experiments in chemistry were used in an elementary school science program. Discusses the problems encountered in initiating the program, and some of the ways the problems were solved. Lists the six experiments, along with the reaction or process being studied, and the application of each. (TW)

Reports on a study that examined and compared the cognitive effectiveness of a traditional hands-on laboratory exercise with a computer-simulated program on the same topic. Sought to determine if coupling these formats would provide optimum student comprehension. Suggests hands-on exercises be followed by computer simulations as postlaboratory…

Provides a series of short articles about various uses of computers and courseware in teaching chemistry. Addresses topics such as a programming utility for animation, an organic synthesis program, a program for the allocation of organic qualitative analysis of unknowns, color images of molecules, and enhancing spreadsheet capabilities. (TW)

Describes a computer simulation which deals with the Werner-Jorgensen controversy from the standpoint of Kuhn's description of scientific change. Encourages the use of such instructional approaches to introduce general chemistry students to the process of science, including how (1) theories develop, (2) change occurs, and (3) scientists behave.…

Cites studies related to students' misconceptions about the particulate nature of matter. Stresses that a good understanding of these concepts is fundamental to the study of chemistry itself. Reports on a study of preservice elementary teachers views of the particulate nature of matter before instruction on the topic. (TW)

Describes two courses in chemical safety required as a part of a two-year program in chemical technology offered by the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (Canada). Lists the topics covered in each course. Provides descriptions of hand-outs, audiovisual materials, demonstrations, assignments, and examinations used in the courses. (TW)

Lists eight sources of technical information suitable for classroom use which deal with polymer materials. Provides the names and addresses of these societies and associations and describes the type of information each has available. (TW)

Describes five studies which investigate the effectiveness of computer use: (1) cost effectiveness in elementary school mathematics; (2) evaluation of computer use in a college chemistry course; (3) evaluating science software; (4) computer-videotape instruction in junior-secondary level mathematics; and (5) comparing microcomputers and flash card…

Reports on a study designed to provide a profile of the learning styles of members of the American Chemical Society. Indicates that chemists tend to be more alike than different in their approach to learning. Suggests that chemists tend to be convergers preferring active experimentation more than reflective observation. (TW)

Describes the construction of expert computer systems using artificial intelligence technology and commercially available software, known as an expert system shell. Provides two applications; a simple one, the identification of seven white substances, and a more complicated one involving the qualitative analysis of six metal ions. (TW)

Reports on a study intended to establish a relationship between the M-space (mental energy) and the M-demand (the variable difficulties of Piagetian tasks presumed to entail the same logical structure) of different items of general chemistry. Recommends that chemistry teachers consider the role of cognitive factors in determining student success.…

Deals with strategies for the fostering of the question-asking capabilities of chemistry students through the use of active, real-world problem-solving and decision-making processes. Suggests that appropriate teaching strategies do facilitate the students' question-asking abilities, and strengthen their confidence in applying them to…