Evaluates textbook content in light of goals set forth by the National Science Teacher's Association Project Synthesis. Examines the history of textbook change over two decades in comparison to CHEM Study 1963. Summarizes major features of texts that promote memorization at the expense of understanding. (JM)

Describes two approaches of assuring adequate student laboratory preparation by means of computerized, prelab quizzes. One, designed for the Apple microcomputer for introductory chemistry, is available on diskette from the authors. The other, for organic chemistry, is done on a time-shared system. Additional information on this program is…

Materials needed, reaction involved, and potential hazards are provided for a demonstration of reversible oxygenation. Also discusses the importance of the reaction in biological systems, focusing on hemoglobin/myoglobin and their function in mammals. (JM)

Presents information relevant to everyday life so as to stimulate student interest in the properties of the two basic types of liquid crystals: thermotropic and lyotropic. Describes the applications of liquid crystals to electronics, biomedicine, and polymer science and appraises the future of liquid crystal research. (JM)

Describes a safety program adopted by Southeastern Louisiana University. Students are given detailed instructions on laboratory safety during the first laboratory period and a test which must be completely correct before they are allowed to return to the laboratory. Test questions, list of safety rules, and a laboratory accident report form are…

Reviews graphical methods for representing ternary and quaternary systems, focusing on use of triangular composition diagrams. Examines some of the relevant geometry of triangles in general, showing that right isosceles triangles possess some very advantageous features for representing ternary systems. (JN)

A five-step procedure is provided to help students in making the assignment absolute configuration less bothersome. Examples for both single (2-butanol) and multi-chiral carbon (3-chloro-2-butanol) molecules are included. (JN)

Recent investigations show that the ipso position competes effectively with unsubstituted positions in many aromatic substitution reactions, regardless of charge type of reaction. Selected examples available for nucleophilic, electrophilic, and free radical reactions are reviewed to suggest the range of ipso reactions. (JN)

SI units come in two distinct types: fundamental (kilogram, meter) and descriptive (atom, molecule). Proper/improper uses of atom/molecule from historical cases are presented followed by a re-introduction of a light "wave (cycle)" unit and the clearly defined photon model which is deduced. Also examines omission of the fundamental unit "radon."…

Briefly compares/contrasts two learning theories. Purpose of the first is to inform while the second seeks to lead students to adjust understandings held about a field and/or a concept. Each theory is then related to the purpose of education, suggesting that the second is comparable with recent work in cognitive psychology. (JN)

Discusses some central ideas emerging from a systematic approach to teaching scientific problem-solving skills. Areas considered include: insights derived from naturalistic studies; effective problem-solving methods; problem-solving procedures; characteristics of the knowledge base (focusing on functional conceptual building blocks, knowledge…

Presents findings from research studies which suggest that changes in teaching procedures can increase survival rates in chemistry. Using 2-minute pauses in lecture and 3-second wait times in discussions, learning chemistry in context of major from which student comes, and computer applications are recommended. (JN)

Meta-analytical procedures were used to review research studies dealing with Keller's Personalized System of Instruction (PSI), computer-based teaching, programed instruction, audio-tutorial instruction, and visual-based instruction. Results of most studies of student achievement and student ratings came out in favor of classes taught with these…

Discusses faculty and student contributions to student academic failure, suggesting changes in the chemistry curriculum to accommodate increased numbers of non-traditional students. Also suggests creating compensatory programs, leaving content and teaching system intact for traditional students. Factors in developing such programs are considered.…

Shows how a statistical approach can help students accept postulates of quantum mechanics. The approach, which also makes students aware of the philosophical/humanistic implications of quantum mechanics, involves the following sequence: (1) important experiments in quantum mechanics; (2) conventional statistical interpretation; (3) mathematical…