Discusses procedures, theoretical considerations, and results of an experiment involving the preparation of a tetrahedral nickel(II) complex and its transformation into an octahedral species. Suggests that fundamental aspects of coordination chemistry can be demonstrated by simple experiments performed in introductory level courses. (Author/JN)

Described are eight microcomputer systems that are suitable for computer-aided instruction (CAIDI) in chemistry. Specific instructional applications are described to illustrate the wide variety of systems available and their adaptability to problems faced by chemistry teachers. (BT)

Describes a lecture demonstration illustrating Charles's Law with a balloon-balance thermometer. The technique allows a determination of the absolute minimum temperature to within an accuracy of 10 percent of the exact value: -273.15 degrees Celsius. (BT)

A description is given of a chemically-oriented curriculum on "Smoking and Cigarette Smoke" for science and nonscience oriented high school students. Laboratory activity is emphasized. (SA)

Describes a unit developed to introduce chemical technology students to basic library research using the resources related to chemistry. The unit consists of a lecture on basic library organization, bibliography and abstracting, a lab with hands-on bibliographic searching, and a follow-up independent exercise in research. (BT)

Details a summary presented by a distinguished high school chemistry teacher at the close of the symposium on the High School Instruction Interface dealing with the modernization, restructuring, and improvement of chemistry teaching. (BT)

Describes six laboratory procedures for preparing polymers which have been used in a course for undergraduate industrial arts students, who have a concentration in plastics technology but have not taken more than one year of college chemistry. (BT)

Examines the conflicting conceptualizations concerning the status of high school honors chemistry and the actual importance of the class. Reveals that standards of behavior and learning are actually less in the honors class. Examines this phenomenon from a sociological and anthropological perspective. (MJP)

The task force of the American Chemical Society's Division on Chemical Education, which was formed to implement curricular change in chemical education, outlines recommendations that should be part of the curricular change process. The recommendations are divided into groups of areas altering course material and areas altering process goals of the…

Describes and evaluates the success of a chemistry course for nonscience majors that examines a variety of contemporary science-based issues and includes online retrieval of chemical information. Explains how course instructor and librarian work together to plan assignments and provide instruction to groups of students. Includes sample assignments…

Discusses the collaborative approach of the Rocky Mountain Teacher Education Collaborative to helping preservice teachers develop pedagogical content knowledge. Describes a course in the teaching of chemistry that was believed to be key in the development of pedagogical content knowledge. Highlights assessment and reactions to the course. (JRH)

Argues that with the increase in hands-on approaches to science, teachers are using more hazardous science demonstrations with less conceptual understanding than they should have. Poses questions for discussion within the chemical education community regarding the presentation of demonstration-based sessions at conferences. Stresses the…

Describes an analytical chemistry course restructured around the use of cooperative groups to help students become active learners in a non-competitive environment. Five years of experience with the course indicates that the syllabus covers almost exactly the same content as old courses and that test scores compare favorably on the national level.…

Reports on a study that explored alternative ways of presenting chemistry in junior high schools through the use of an attitude survey taken by students (N=593). Analyzes and discusses student suggestions for curriculum, teaching strategies, and learning environments. Contains 15 references. (DDR)

Describes the use of current events for term paper subjects in a freshman chemistry class to address such problems as the detachment of freshman chemistry principles from world issues, and the tendency of high achieving students to memorize facts without thinking critically. Students gain appreciation for the relationship between textbook…