Reported are designs for a colorimeter (absorptiometer) and polarimeter, both of which may be constructed readily with average workshop facilities and whose performance is superior to many commercial instruments commonly used in teaching laboratories. Includes pertinent diagrams, operating instructions, and sample output. (JN)

Reviews filmstrip/cassette recording materials titled "Reaction Rates: Molecules in Motion." Also reviews six college-level textbooks, addressing major strengths/weaknesses of texts under consideration with regard to their specific usefulness to high school chemistry teachers. (JN)

Reviews two textbooks: "Principles of Biochemistry" by Albert L. Lehninger and "Inorganic Chemistry, A Modern Introduction" by Therald Moeller. Also reviews text, study guide, and laboratory manual for Morris Hein's "Foundations of College Chemistry, Fifth Edition" and text/study guide for David A. Ucko's "Basics for Chemistry." (JN)

Demonstrates nitrogen rule and formula for calculating number of rings plus double bonds of any common organic compound. Calculation of degree of unsaturation (DU) by an empirical formula using successive modifications to the molecular formula, mathematical calculation of DU, and demonstration of the Euler formula are considered. (JN)

Bond character is directly conditioned by the peculiar capacity of bonded atoms to exchange electrons; such a capacity is clearly illustrated by electronegativity. The determination of bond character using the electronegativity difference between the bonded atoms is discussed and an equation focusing on relationships between bonds is provided. (JN)

The generator set of a group is the subset of the set of elements of the group. The nature and use of generator sets is discussed, focusing on generator sets for the noncubic symmetry point groups containing one, two, and three symmetry elements. (JN)

Suggests that it is not necessary to present in chronological order all the experiments leading to development of the Planck formula. Presents a simple, alternative way of introducing this important formula. Although the treatment is not new, it is found in very few textbooks. (JN)

A fixed amount of an ideal gas is confined in an adiabatic cylinder and piston device. The relation between temperature and volume in initial/final phases can be derived from the first law of thermodynamics. However, the relation can also be derived based on kinetic models. Several of these models are discussed. (JN)

Discusses the derivation of a thermodynamic relation. The relation is derived, for reactants in solution, from a treatment of the free energy of the reducing system as a function of the degree of advancement of the solution. Includes microcomputer figures/diagrams produced by programs developed to simulate this study. (JN)

Presented is a possible approach to the classroom treatment of enzyme kinetics at the two-substrate level. Areas discussed include single substrate cases, two substrate cases, Cleland's rules, dead end inhibition, inhibitor complexing with more than one enzyme form, and product inhibition. (JN)

Discusses chemometrics (analysis of data from chemical measurements), tracing developments in this area and summarizing reasons for teaching chemometrics. Includes highlights of presentations given at a symposium (Interpreting Complex Chemical Data: Teaching Chemometrics) and brief descriptions of chemometric methods. (JN)

Describes a high school faculty institute designed to assist teachers in helping students take up chemistry as a career or to continue studies in chemistry. Includes dates and topics covered in the institute since its inception in 1980 and highlights of institute activities. (JN)

Discusses a conceptual scheme which may be used to unify the mathematical approach in chemistry. Includes sample problems demonstrating flaws in the present treatment of dimensional analysis, suggesting that such instruction should focus on relationships. Also considers who should teach rate concept and dimension analysis. (JN)

Discusses storage of hazardous chemicals and provides a list of eight basic safety rules to use in developing a safe storage system. Suggestions include not storing materials alphabetically, storing nonreactive chemicals together, and not storing oxidizers and fuels together. (JN)

Discusses various aspects of establishing a viable, undergraduate research program at a small, liberal arts college. Areas addressed include research topics, research supervisors, student research, and support for research activities. (JN)