Presents notes on the objectives of laboratory instruction, the design of assessment systems on the principles of criterion-referenced measurement, student ability to measure, and student attitudes toward the importance of physics. (GS)

Presents arguments for and against the viewpoint that the teaching of chemistry and of physics should fall in line with modern mathematics. Concludes that modern mathematics has been beneficial in some respects and harmful in others. (CS)

Presents examples of combination, decomposition, replacement metathesis, and neutralization chemical reactions. Suggests that students will gain knowledge of some general trends in the chemical properties of the main group and transition elements by examining reaction types. (JN)

Describes a one-dimensional model for an ideal gas to study development of disordered motion in Newtonian mechanics. A Monte Carlo procedure for simulation of the statistical ensemble of an ideal gas with fixed total energy is developed. Compares both approaches for a pseudoexperimental foundation of statistical mechanics. (Author/JN)

Focuses on (1) the current crisis in physics teaching in secondary schools and colleges due to decreases in student enrollment, and (2) the growing shortage of secondary school physics teachers. Discusses reasons for the crisis and presents an approach to solve this problem. (SK)

Describes method for locating images in simple and complex systems of thin lenses and spherical mirrors. The method helps students to understand differences between real and virtual images. It is helpful in discussing the human eye and the correction of imperfect vision by the use of glasses. (Author/SK)

Briefly describes some experiments which give indications that neutrinos may not be massless particles. (SK)

Describes the consequence of increasing undergraduate engineering enrollments on undergraduate engineering programs, including heavier teaching loads, reduced research activity, tighter operating budgets, reduced student-faculty contact, use of nonfaculty personnel, fewer requirement and course offerings, and facilities and equipment inadequacies.…

Describes the features of various computer chemistry programs. Utilization of computer graphics, color, digital imaging, and other innovations are discussed in programs including those which aid in the identification of unknowns, predict whether chemical reactions are feasible, and predict the biological activity of xenobiotic compounds. (CS)

Reports the results of a survey of practicing scientists, recent graduates, and undergraduates about their perceptions of undergraduate laboratory programs in biology, chemistry, and physics. Scientists and graduates regard laboratory experiences in pragmatic terms stressing the scientific process skills while undergraduates regard laboratories as…

Describes the use of a microcomputer in studying a model experiment (Brownian particles colliding with thermal particles). A flow chart and program for the experiment are provided. Suggests that this experiment may foster a deepened understanding through mutual dialog between the student and computer. (SK)

Described is the South Australian Department of Mines and Energy Bibliography Retrieval System which is a repository for a large amount of geological and related information. Instructions for retrieval are outlined, and the coding information procedures are given. (DS)

Shows that solar-related courses and programs are being offered by a large number of institutions around the country, and explains how to get relevant information about the subject. (GA)

Presents an experiment which uses readily available starting materials and inexpensive equipment for synthesis of transition metal carbonyls at 1000 atm and which is intended to give students experience in techniques used in research and industry. Safety precautions are emphasized. (Author/SA)

Presents a model for teaching the principles of evolution. The model presents three major factors that direct changes and affect an individual's fitness. Uses and adaptations of the model are suggested. (Author/SA)