Discusses: (1) how mole concept is defined/used in textbooks; (2) development and administration of a multiple-choice test to secondary school pupils (N=783) in Bologna and the surrounding district; and (3) results of the diagnostic examination, focusing on student mistakes and misconceptions. (Author/JN)

Describes the use and analysis of pretests/posttests for assessing instructional consequences in introductory college chemistry. Results from two studies (N=58 and N=136) are discussed as well as the use of pretests/posttests in helping instructors to identify course topics which need attention and improvement. (Author/JN)

Encouraging scientific thinking through open-ended experiments, allowing students access to common chemical instrumentation, and introduction to laboratory techniques are goals of a high school science laboratory program. Course content (general, inorganic, and organic chemistry), limitations, and course evaluation are discussed. (Author/JN)

As the crusade to outlaw the teaching of evolution changed to a battle for equal time for creationism, the ideological defenses of that doctrine also shifted, from biblical to scientific grounds. The development of "scientific creationism" is described, focusing on the intellectual leaders of creationism, particularly those claiming scientific…

Describes the first course of a new physics curriculum developed at the Karlsruke Institute for the Didactics of Physics. The basic idea, energy flow, is introduced at the beginning of the course and illustrated by examples from everyday life. Highlights selected topics which introduce concepts unique to the approach. (Author/JN)

Presents a frame syllabus for biology teaching at the primary and secondary school levels, covering the age range 6 to 18 years. The topics listed, with resulting implications for school life and society, can be used to prepare state-level biology syllabi and for curriculum reform. (Author/SK)

The recent White House reviews of science and engineering education suggest that sagging science and mathematics standards in American classrooms are a liability to industrial performance and international performance. (MP)

A comprehensive teaching/learning chemical energy package was developed to overcome conceptual/experimental difficulties and time required for calculation of enthalpy changes. The package consists of five types of activities occuring in repeated cycles: group activities, laboratory experiments, inquiry questionnaires, teacher-led class…

Highlights activities, workshops, and lectures at the seventh Biennial Conference on Chemical Education held at Oklahoma State University (Stillwater) focusing on the current shift from principles and theories to applications in college and high school chemistry courses. (JN)

Describes the use of the Gaussian 70 computer programs to carry out quantum chemical calculations, including single calculations, geometry, optimization, and potential surface scans. Includes a summary of student activities and benefits for students in an honors freshman chemistry course. (SK)

Lists commercially available audiovisual materials by subject area. Includes title, producer (addresses given), catalog number, format (film, filmstrip, cassette, slides), and prices. Subject areas include: elements; equilibrium; gases; laboratory techniques and experiments; general chemistry; introductory materials (including mathematics); and…

Evaluated and described is an innovative freshman chemistry one-semester laboratory, relating changes in the course to objectives in decreasing lab expenditures, increasing learning, increasing quality, improving attitudes, and producing materials for widespread use. Lists topics for experiments, videotape presentation, and computer simulation.…

Some of the testimony of the scientists supporting creation science in the creationism trial in Little Rock, Arkansas, is reported. (PB)

A biology field course organized to study the effects of the June 1979 Mexican oil spill on the marine biology of the shores of south Texas and Mexico is described, demonstrating how to effectively couple a biology classroom course with a natural or human caused environmental disaster. (Author/DC)

Nine computer programs (available from the authors) are described including graphic display of molecular structures from crystallographic data, computer assisted instruction (CAI) with MATH subroutine, CAI preparation-for-chemistry course, calculation of statistical thermodynamic properties, qualitative analysis program, automated conductimetric…