Describes a program in chemistry which was designed to encourage undergraduate minority students to enroll in graduate study. States that students attended meetings with their advisors and met as a group for a research lecture. The program included graduate students, staff, and professors who gave lectures and tours. (RT)

Describes a method for demonstrating absorption spectra of intensely colored solutions using a mounted grating and a specially designed cell. Allows a student to compare the spectrum of a white light source directly with the same light modified by an absorbing spectrum. Uses acrylic tubing to make the cell. (MVL)

Describes two experiments designed to provide concepts on the difference between heat and temperature and also bond energy. Investigates both a neutralization experiment and a ligation experiment. Notes inexpensive chemicals are used along with simple equipment. Discusses the sharing of lab results for a single class value. (MVL)

Describes an undergraduate biochemistry laboratory experiment on enzyme kinetics using the D-amino acid oxidase system and an ammonia electrode. Preparation of an ammonia standard curve, a sample preparation, and inhibition studies are discussed. (YP)

Described is a program which encouraged parents to become involved with their children in a science program at home. Discussed are the activities and organization of the program. A list of resources is provided. (CW)

Described is a capstone experiment which can be used to improve student skills and to illustrate for students the strong connections between chemistry and biology. Procedures and explanations for the three parts of this activity are included. Ten follow-up questions are provided. (CW)

Pollination vectors of a variety of types are described including beetles, bees, flies, moths, birds, bats, and the wind. Some of the adaptations of plants designed to help facilitate pollination are discussed. Strategies for incorporating this information into a lesson plan are suggested. (CW)

Background information, procedures, and suggestions for bird feeder studies easily conducted in high school or middle school settings are provided. Data collection and analysis are discussed. Examples of charts produced by these activities are given. (CW)

Reviewed are several attempts to assess the science skills of elementary school youngsters including the First International Science Study (1970); The Second IEA Science Study (1986); the British Assessment of Performance Unit (1985); and two National Assessment of Educational Progress studies (1972-73 and 1986). Study characteristics are noted,…

Discussed is an extension of the conventional method for studying the organometallic chemistry of transition metals that may be useful to show how the various existing types of low-valence complexes can be constructed. This method allows students to design new types of complexes that may still be nonexistent. (CW)

Described are some of the difficulties presented in these reactions by competing equilibria that are usually ignored. Situations involving acid-base equilibria, solubility product calculations, the use of ammonia as a complexing agent, and semiquantitative comparisons of solubility product values are discussed. (CW)

Discussed is a conference on the freshmen year in science and engineering which was sponsored by the Alliance for Undergraduate Education. Emphasizes an increasing emphasis on teaching in research universities. Lists six steps to create a strong science and engineering education program. (YP)

Reviews research on the purpose and effectiveness of laboratory activities. Discusses epistemology, problem solving, cooperative learning, student involvement, assessment, and teachers as researchers. (YP)

Described are three levels of information management with databases. Levels and methods of integration, computer supply and learning approach, dynamic resources, and self-tailored learning approaches are discussed. Examples of database records are provided. (CW)

Discussed are the deficiencies of teaching laboratories in science education and the feasibility study and development of the Institute for Teaching Experimental Chemistry at Carnegie Mellon University. The primary goals of the program and its significant elements are presented. (CW)