The design and use of a chemistry practice exam instrument that includes a measure for student mental effort is described in this paper. Use of such an instrument can beneficial to chemistry students and chemistry educators as well as chemical education researchers from both a content and cognitive science perspective. The method for calculating…

The merits of involving undergraduates in research activities have been publicized in numerous reports and have been promoted through various programs. Moreover, the value of offering research experiences specifically to first and second year students has been lauded. Undergraduate research is generally accepted to be a vehicle through which…

Provides highlights of lectures, workshops, papers, and symposia presented at a conference which addressed such areas of chemical education as college/high school chemistry teaching; curriculum/curriculum development; safety; two-year programs; computers; toxicology and health hazards; problem-solving; writing skills development; textbooks;…

Two tests were administered to 652 students to investigate the effect of structuring questions about the mole. A third test was administered to see whether each step/operation was intrinsically difficult or if it was only difficult when part of a series of steps/operations. Findings are reported and discussed. (JN)

Reviews three functions performed by modern computing integrators: (1) data acquisition; (2) data processing; and (3) communication. Also shows with examples how new electronic components enhance the functions of this popular analytical instrument in those areas. (JN)

First-year college chemistry students (N=359) were surveyed to determine how high school chemistry prepared them for college chemistry and to make recommendations to high school students preparing to take college chemistry. Survey results and recommendations are presented. (JN)

Gives results of a survey of attitudes and ideas about professional standards among relatively new research chemists (N=124), which offers insights into how to bring into accord the academic and industrial concepts of the profession of research chemistry. Responses are summarized for each question, in the order asked. (JN)

Describes simple, efficient techniques for treating hazardous chemicals so that nontoxic and nonhazardous residues are formed. Discusses general rules for management of waste chemicals from school laboratories and general techniques for the disposal of waste or surplus chemicals. Lists specific disposal reactions. (CW)

Reviews three softwre packages: "Molecular Graphics on the Apple Microcomputer, Enhanced Version 2.0"; "Molecular Graphics on the IBM PC Microcomputer"; and "Molecular Animator, IBM PC Version." Packages are rated based on ease of use, subject matter content, pedagogic value, and student reaction. (CW)

Describes eight experiments involving the use of common consumer products that could be incorporated into quantitative and instrumental analysis laboratories. Discusses these activities in terms of illustration of principles, awareness, and critical thinking. (CW)

Discusses methods that can be used to encourage students to use chemical principles to evaluate claims made in advertising. Considers weight loss diets, structure and properties, and reproducibility of evidence. (CW)

Discusses the need for a college chemistry course that is directly applicable to the real world. Describes some of the facets that such a course would contain and some of the possible benefits to students. (CW)

Describes the chemical analysis and rating system used at "Consumer Reports" in rating antacids. Discusses considerations made concerning dosage and duration of 12 common brands of antacid. (CW)

Compares processes used to investigate issues in consumer chemistry to the solving of a puzzle in a mystery story. Suggests using similar methods to teach problem solving in consumer chemistry classes. Describes how such a process might progress. (CW)

Advocates the teaching of quantum chemical ideas to undergraduates. Discusses the total failure of the electronegativity approach and comparison with other theoretical approaches. (CW)