Described are the uses of a spreadsheet program to compute the free energy change associated with a reaction; to model acid/base equilibria; and to solve equilibrium constant expressions. Stressed are the advantages derived from having the spreadsheet perform the multiple, trivial calculations. (CW)

Describes an undergraduate research program for minority students. The program and eight objectives of the first course of the program, "Introduction to Research," are presented. Some strengths and weaknesses of the course are considered. (YP)

Developments in microscale chemistry which have occurred in the late 1980s are reviewed. Possible directions for the future concerning the uses of microscale chemistry in organic, general, and high school chemistry are suggested. Twenty-three references are listed. (CW)

Presented is a method of constructing a wide variety of molecular models from inexpensive, durable materials. Equipment, supplies, atomic sizes, bond lengths and bond angles, assembly, and painting are discussed. (CW)

Develops an exercise in which students use magnetic-profile data gathered in the South Pacific to test the Vine-Matthews-Morley hypothesis. Uses the Eltanin 19N and 20N profiles. Relates the exercise to 20 current geology texts. (MVL)

Proposes an approach to school laboratory experiences which leads to gradual acquisition of inquiry skills based on the idea of advance organizers. Presents a design which is context familiar and can serve as an introduction to scientific inquiry. Discusses student achievement, and teacher and student attitudes. (CW)

Describes two oscillating reactions: the Briggs-Raucher reaction using H202, KIO3, malonic acid, and MnSO4 which changes from yellow to blue, and the Belousov-Zhabotinskii reaction uses NaBrO3, NaBr, malonic acid, and ferroin solution and changes from red to blue. Includes a third color demonstration on the six oxidation states of manganese. (MVL)

Argues that the writing program administrator's role of developing and maintaining a program that embodies and tests theoretical principles is a scholarly activity and should be recognized as such. Claims that the traditional disciplinary view restricting scholarship to written publication must be broadened. (RS)

Discusses the concept of integrating computers into the classroom curriculum and suggests that integration would be more successful if educators would wait for further developments. Topics discussed include lack of sufficient hardware; computer labs; and lack of effective preservice and inservice training programs for public school teachers. (six…

Discussed are general considerations for educating visually impaired students including planning, testing, lecture/discussion, field trips, and laboratory activities. Fourteen activities that have been adapted are described. One such undergraduate course is described. (CW)

Presented is an illustration of the use of a computer spreadsheet program, Microsoft Excel version 1.5, for solving complicated chemical problems. Examples of spreadsheet output are provided. (CW)

Reviewed is the discovery, nuclear and chemical properties, and uses of an isotope of Americium (Am-241). Production and separation techniques used in industry are emphasized. Processes are illustrated in flow sheets. (CW)

Describes a program in which second-year biology students use plasmid isolation to remove DNA from Escherichia coli bacteria and subsequently ligate and transform it into other E. coli bacteria. Cites ways teachers can get involved in current research that allows student participation. (RT)

Presented are two chemistry demonstrations: (1) an alternative method for the demonstration of the properties of alkali metals, water is added to small amounts of metal; (2) an exploration of the properties of hydrogen, helium, propane, and carbon dioxide using an open trough and candle. (MVL)

Fostering teachers' clinical reasoning as a reflection of their understanding of classrooms should be a central purpose of any modern teacher education program. This article presents a rationale for and description of a proposal for pre-student teaching laboratory experiences which utilize computer-based simulations to facilitate development of…