Traces the development of instruments used in spectrophotometry. Discusses how spectrophotometric measurements are made. Describes the color comparator, the filter photometer, and the spectrophotometer. Outlines the evolution of optical systems, including light sources, the monochromator, the photodetector, double-beam optics, and split-beam…

Discusses the problem of mercury vapors caused by spills in high school and college laboratories. Describes a study which compared the mercury vapor levels of laboratories in both an older and a newer building. Concludes that the mercurial contamination of chemistry laboratories presents minimal risks to the students. (TW)

Describes a procedure for constructing point groups based on the symmetric parent molecules of methane and adamantane. Intended for use in teaching concepts such as subgroups and cosets to beginners in group theory. (TW)

Compares the similar mathematical problems of molecular vibrational calculations (at any intermediate level of sophistication) and molecular orbital calculations (at the Huckel level). Discusses how the generalizations of Huckel treatment of molecular orbitals apply to vibrational theory. (TW)

Describes a high school chemistry student's research project in which limonene was isolated from the oil of lemons and oranges. Outlines the students' tests on the use of this chemical as an insecticide. Discusses possible extensions of the exercises based on questions generated by the students. (TW)

Describes the metabolic processes of complex lipids, including saponification, activation and transport, and the beta-oxidation spiral. Discusses fatty acid degradation in regard to biochemical energy and ketone bodies. (TW)

Discusses the importance of teaching about enzymes in chemistry. Mentions several applications of enzyme technology to other fields. Describes an experiment involving the immobilization of yeast cells as a biocatalyst for the ethanol production from glucose. Argues for more biotechnology to be integrated into basic chemistry courses. (TW)

Presents several perspectives on what quality chemistry teaching is, including the need for chemistry educators to communicate the positive contributions of chemistry to society. Describes a hierarchy of teaching/learning activities, characteristics of good teachers, and examples of how to be aware of the learner's perspective. (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)

Questions the current usage of the International System of Units (called SI units) in representing chemical notation and terminology. Suggests several additions to the system that relate to concentrations. Outlines new symbols for distinguishing between "concentration" and "molality." Includes tables to illustrate the proposed SI units. (TW)

Describes an instructional strategy based on the learning cycle for teaching the use of significant figures. Provides explanations of teaching activities for each phase of the learning cycle (exploration, invention, application). Compares this approach to teaching significant figures with the traditional textbook approach. (TW)

Proposes that deficiencies in instruction exist in higher education. Discusses the trend toward simplified evaluation check lists that do not permit students to make constructive comments. Describes a set of information given to students at the beginning of a course to promote more student involvement. (TW)

Describes a two-week concentrated laboratory course in chemistry offered by Union College (New York) for middle school students. Provides the objectives of the course and a listing of experiments done by the students. Promotes the use of experiential approaches rather than lengthy lectures and discussions. (TW)

Describes a two-week, non-resident course in chemistry offered by the University of Arkansas (Little Rock) for gifted and talented high school seniors. Provides the objectives of the program and brief descriptions of the classes that are held. Discusses the evaluation process and student evaluation results. (TW)

Contrasts the elementary and secondary education of students in the People's Republic of China with that of the United States. Describes the chemistry program at Lanzhou University. Lists the required and elective courses taken for a bachelor's degree along with the instruments and equipment available to students, and the careers the graduates…