Reviews background of atomic absorption spectrometry techniques. Discusses problems encountered and precautions to be taken in determining trace elements in the parts-per-billion concentration range and below. Concentrates on determining chromium in biological samples by graphite furnace atomic absorption. Considers other elements, matrices, and…

Presents excerpts of a survey on the instrument status in chemistry departments and the perceived needs of those departments for new instruments. Responses are based on data from 32 chemistry departments at major research institutions, 71 departments at smaller schools, and 13 chemical engineering departments. (JN)

Describes the philosophy, facility features, and program offerings at Brown University's environmental education center. The Urban Environmental Laboratory (UEL) is an integrated instruction, residential, demonstration project for students and the public community. Conservation technologies, active learning, and hands-on experience characterize…

Describes and laments over the problems of working writing centers on college campuses, including misinformed students and faculty, the lack of adequate facilities, and the lack of professional respect. (CRH)

Describes the analysis of dandelion peduncle growth based on peduncle length, epidermal cell dimensions, and fresh/dry mass. Methods are simple and require no special apparatus or materials. Suggests that limited practical work in this area may contribute to students' lack of knowledge on plant growth. (Author/DH)

A simple, rapid, and safe method has been developed for disrupting bacterial cells for protein studies. The method involved stepwise treatment of cells with acetone and with sodium dodecyl sulfate solution to allow extraction of cellular proteins for analysis by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Applications for instructional purposes are noted.…

Describes the components, functions, and applications of a computer-based audio/video learning laboratory at Texas Christian University that permits on-line communication between student learners and instructional staff. The laboratory gives instructors feedback from student learners during and after instruction and enables students to evaluate…

Planning for the Modesto City School's introductory computer education program involved six questions: (1) What should students learn? (2) How should they learn it? (3) How long should/does it take? (4) How well are students learning it? (5) Can we do it better? and (6) Can we do it in less time? (LMO)

Provides directions for setup and performance of two demonstrations. The first demonstrates the principles of Raoult's Law; using a simple apparatus designed to measure vapor pressure. The second illustrates the energy available from alcohol combustion (includes safety precautions) using an alcohol-fueled missile. (JM)

Describes a comprehensive nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) experiment designed to introduce undergraduate organic chemistry students to measurement/interpretation of NMR parameters. Students investigate chemical shift analysis, spin-spin coupling, peak integrations, effect of deuterium oxide extraction, and comparisons with literature spectra;…

The sea urchin provides an ideal embryology laboratory because it is visually representative of the fertilization process in higher animals. Procedures for conducting such a laboratory (including methods for securing specimens) are provided. (JN)

Discusses methods for reducing or eliminating waste disposal problems in the chemistry laboratory, considering both economic and environmental aspects of the problems. Proposes inventory control, shared use, solvent recycling, zero effluent, and various means of disposing of chemicals. (JM)

Provides materials needed and procedures to illustrate the reversible color changes in certain organic acids on bases due to changes in pH. The technique employs three indicators which are colorless in acidic solution but form primary colors in basic solutions. Also discusses the free energy curve presented in many textbooks. (JM)

A science laboratory was developed for use by kindergarten through sixth-grade students. The operation of and the types of science activities used in this laboratory are described. (JN)

Microcomputer-based laboratories (MBLs) refer to a laboratory where a microcomputer gathers and displays data directly from the environment. Program listings for a response timer (using game paddles) to illustrate the nature of MBLs are presented. (JN)