Uses of Zenith Z-100 microcomputers by chemistry students at Clarkson College are discussed. These include: (1) programing; (2) word processing; (3) numerical methods, statistical/plotting programs; (4) laboratory data acquisition and manipulation; (5) simulations; (6) computer assisted instruction; and (7) computer managed instruction. (JN)

Investigated development of propositional logic and three formal logical schemata (underlying generic problem solving processes/operations) in adults (N=59) enrolled in their second year of medical school. Two students were formal on the 12-Piagetian tasks used, and the 57 remaining were classified as transitional formal. Implications are…

Discusses experiments involving classical conditioning of planarians. Suitable for advanced high school students or college-level independent study, flatworms are trained to curl up under a bright light. Then the planarians to are subjected to controlled reproduction experiments to determine whether the learned behavior is inherited by their…

Outlines a course in which toys are used to demonstrate physics concepts, stressing available or easily constructed toys. A recent lecture sequence included toys demonstrating equilibrium, force/torque, linear/angular momentum conservation, energy conservation/storage, flying, vibrations, programed music, and others. Illustrations of selected toys…

The construction of a homemade Kelvin water-drop electrostatic generator is suggested as an activity for teacher workshops. Materials needed before the workshop and instructions (including a diagram) for preparing the generator are provided. Suggested questions to pique workshop group's curiosity are also provided. (JN)

Reviews software for college/advanced high school-level physics designed to instruct/test students in vector arithmetic and analysis. Written for Apple II/II+ (Applesoft), the program menu contains seven items (including graphing and straight line fitting procedure). Excellent use of graphics and sound tutorial approach keep students' interest and…

Reviews "Laws of Motion" computer program produced by Educational Materials and Equipment Company. The program (language unknown), for Apple II/II+, is a simulation of an inclined plane, free fall, and Atwood machine in Newtonian/Aristotelian worlds. Suggests use as supplement to discussion of motion by teacher who fully understands the…

Discusses college and university learning resource centers, emphasizing the use of computer-based materials in the centers. Topics/issues addressed include advantages of computer use, lack of suitable materials, material evaluation, and criteria for good computer-based learning materials. (Author/JN)

Theses proposed in C. P. Snow's book "The Two Cultures," including uncommunicative scientific and literary groups, gap between rich and poor, overpopulation, and nuclear war remain viable topics. Discusses the scientific and literary cultural gap and what can be done in general studies science courses to ameliorate the condition.…

Describes instructional strategies used in a biology program to develop students' knowledge of biological concepts and skills needed to interrelate and apply the concepts. Discusses student progress in developing desired skills, (using pretest/posttest scores) examining these variables: major (major/nonmajor), sex (male/female), and high school…

Although the landscape may be examined without background information, one's appreciation increases by using resources to interpret changing landscapes. Many geologic maps and road guides have been published for this purpose. The use of one such guide is described and sources of specific guides and maps are included. (Author/JN)

Compared effectiveness of a Biological Sciences Curriculum Study (BSCS)-style laboratory program in a university general biology course against a popular traditionally oriented program. Although learning gains for both groups were significant, students using the BSCS-style investigations scored significantly higher on a posttest of laboratory…

Describes how the Technical Library at Texaco Chemical Company conducts a course in the use of the library and the chemical literature therein. Suggestions are then given on how academia could most thoroughly prepare students to utilize the information available to them in an industrial setting. (Author/JN)

Addresses graduate students who are about to select a mentor, offers advice in selecting a mentor, and discusses responsibilities of both mentor and graduate student by focusing on three stages in the professional development of the young scientist. (JN)

Highlights data on salaries and employment status of chemists based on results of a 1982 survey of American Chemical Society (ACS) members. Indicates that unemployment has risen slightly and, although salaries are up moderately, inflation tends to wipe out any financial gain. (JN)