Describes two examples where synthetic salt-base mixtures are used in a microscale organic laboratory program as a simple and quick procedure for carrying out Wittig reactions. Both experimental procedures are outlined and discussed. (TW)

Describes an experiment developed and used in the unit operations laboratory course at the University of Wyoming. Involves the liquid-phase adsorption of an organic compound from aqueous solution on activated carbon, and is relevant to adsorption processes in general. (TW)

Discusses the feasibility of using fermenters in secondary school laboratories. Includes discussions of equipment, safety, and computer interfacing. Describes how a simple fermenter could be used to simulate large-scale processes. Concludes that, although teachers and technicians will require additional training, the prospects for biotechnology in…

Highlights aspects of safety that are unfamiliar to most laypersons and to many chemists as well. Presents findings that may lend themselves to presentation in chemistry classes. Details flammability tests, vapor space hazards, and the special case of gasoline containers. Provides experimental data relating vent area and internal pressure. (CW)

Describes how computer graphic methods can be used in teaching structural geology. Describes the design of a graphics workstation for the Apple microcomputer. Includes a listing of commands used with software to plot structures in a digitized form. Argues for the establishment of computer laboratories for structural geology classes. (TW)

Describes how mylonite samples can be used to determine the sense of shear. Several sample collection techniques are presented. Criteria for shear sense determination are outlined and discussed so that they can be recognized and interpreted by students familiar with the use of a compass and a petrographic microscope. (TW)

Describes a laboratory experiment in which Paramecium caudatum was used to demonstrate the toxic effect of cigarette smoke on the cilia of epithelium cells lining the trachea and bronchi of smokers. Provides background information and explains the procedure, including how to make a simple mechanical smoking device. (TW)

Describes a chemistry laboratory experiment in which thin-layer chromatography (TLC) is used to analyze urine specimens containing metabolites of the drug tetrahydro-cannabinol, which comes from the marijuana plant. The materials needed to conduct the experiment are listed, and the procedure and expected results are outlined. (TW)

Advocates using classic lectures in chemistry as guidelines for good teaching. Uses quotes from an 1848 book of lectures by John Scoffern to illustrate teaching principles relating to teacher enthusiasm, relevant materials, simple demonstrations, good laboratory experiences, nomenclature, and practical applications. (TW)

Describes the Mississippi Governor's School, an intensive three-week summer school for gifted high school students. Explains format of major courses, use of the American Chemical Society computer course in polymer chemistry, discussion sections, and hands-on laboratory. (JM)

The American Association of Dental Schools' guidelines for curriculum development in fixed prosthodontics outline the scope of the subject, interrelationship with other subjects and specialties, primary educational goals, prerequisites, core content, specific behavioral objectives for each subarea, sequencing, and faculty requirements. (MSE)

Describes language lab listening activity designed to serve needs of the English as a second language class comprised of students at different levels of language proficiency, divergent native languages, multicultural backgrounds, and varying levels of formal education. Multilevel tasks are drawn from a common text, allowing students to do…

Reports on the U.S. Air Force method of training biomedical equipment technicians. The 50 self-paced modules that make up the course are randomly sequenced to reduce capital investment in training equipment. Other useful bits of information from the military are included in this article. (Editor/HD)

Just as high school science is more complex than it is at lower grade levels, so are the safety issues teachers face in their classes and labs. Reduce the risks to people and place with Investigating Safely, the third and most advanced and detailed volume in NSTA's unique series of safety guidebooks for science teachers. Some of the guides 11…

This document examines the Learning Communities Program (LCP) at Cerritos College, California. The author contends that, although some innovations work and others do not, the evaluation process is in itself an innovation and is essential to the innovation development cycle. Understanding and reporting program outcomes subsequently advances the…