Describes the concept of a unified laboratory program in which integrated experiments are brought together from several areas of chemistry. Discusses the design and implementation of the unified laboratory at Willamette University, including lists of laboratory experiments and projects. (TW)

Describes an experiment in which stretching a rubber band can be used to compare the statistical theory of rubber elasticity with its continuum mechanics counterpart. Employs the use of the equation of the state of rubber elasticity and the Mooney-Rivlin equation. (TW)

Defines microcomputer-based laboratory (MBL); discusses necessary hardware and software for operation of an MBL; reviews science applications in secondary education and eight steps involved in constructing a four-paddle interface box, the heart of an MBL; and provides information on suppliers of resources for creating an MBL. (MBR)

Discusses indoor air pollution in general and formaldehyde in particular, citing major sources of formaldehyde in home building materials and home furnishings. Also describes a laboratory procedure necessary to test for formaldehyde levels in the air and in materials. Includes list of equipment required. (JM)

Describes three methods for offering practical work for external science courses: residential sessions on campus, local centers, and use of home laboratory kits. The advantages and disadvantages of each are discussed and examples of each in operation are given. A 21-item bibliography is provided. (EAO)

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)

Describes a student kinetic experiment involving second order kinetics as well as displaying photochromism using a wide variety of techniques from both physical and organic chemistry. Describes measurement of (1) the rate of the recombination reaction; (2) the extinction coefficient; and (3) the ESR spectrometer signal. (Author/JN)

Described are experiments used in the "Physical Science and Man" course at Hartley CAE which enable determinations of efficiencies of two energy conversion processes, namely, electricity into heat and burning gas to produce heat. Activities for comparing the processes are suggested. (DS)

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)

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…

Presented is an experiment which demonstrates principles of experimental design, solubility, and crystal growth and structure. Materials, procedures and results are discussed. Suggestions for adapting this activity to the high school laboratory are provided. (CW)

Described is the use of the microcomputer and interfacing equipment to obtain weather data from meteorological satellites. Equipment necessary for this type of remote sensing, including constructing and/or obtaining the necessary hardware and software is discussed. Ideas for the integration of this material into the curriculum are presented. (CW)

Discussed is a program created to serve as an instructional tool for teaching basin analysis. Described is the use of the program for interpreting plots resulting from backstripping methods. Included in the discussion are implementation, applications and availability of the "Subside!" program. (CW)

Reported are the results of a survey conducted to identify which analytical methods are most commonly used in nonacademic analytical laboratories. Laboratory supervisors' ratings of various aspects of chemical education are included. (CW)

Described is an activity in which a computer is used to acquire temperature and humidity data useful in investigating transpiration in plants. Materials and procedures are discussed and examples of results are presented. Factors which influence the rate of transpiration are discussed. (CW)