Shows how the structure-energy principle can be presented in organic chemistry (without having to resort to quantum mechanics) by use of Benson's Additive Rules. Examples of the application to several major classes of organic compounds are given.

Explores the extent to which, in polycyclic hydrocarbons, the total pi electron population tends to form small (4n plus 2) groups and avoid the formation of 4n groups. Also discusses the relation of this trend to resonance energy stabilizations. (JN)

Describes a new way of quantifying organic oxidation-reduction reactions that extends the traditional method of assigning oxidation numbers by replacing them with NORM's (Number of Oxidations Relative to Methylene). This modification allows the system to be applied to more complex examples without the cumbersomeness inherent in the original…

Summarizes a symposium which focused on the problems with declining performance in the introductory organic chemistry course, analysis of their causes, and suggestions for overcoming them. Symposium attendees included 65 organic chemistry teachers from two- and four-year institutions in Nebraska and neighboring states. (JN)

Describes an individualized chemistry course based on mastery learning. The course uses the CHEM Study inquiry approach and textbooks with students proceeding at different rates, according to their individual abilities and interests, through a prescribed set of learning activities involving readings, sound pages, films, experiments, problem sets,…

Describes: (1) spreadheet programs (including VisiCalc) for experiments; (2) event-driven data acquisition (using ADALAB with an Acculab Infrared Spectometer); (3) microcomputer-controlled cyclic voltammetry; (4) inexpensive computerized experiments; (5) the "KC? Discoverer" program; and (6) MOLDOT (space-filling perspective diagrams of…

Recognizing that the vast majority of students will enter the chemical industry, an optional four-course sequence related to industrial chemistry was introduced. Program details are given along with information on how it was integrated into the curriculum of a small school with minimal staff size changes and limited facitlities. (JN)

Although nonmajors were relegated to "watered-down" versions of majors' courses, recent attempts to relate science to the interests of the "antiscience" students have become more common. Such a course is described, developed as part of an integrated two-year general education program. (JN)

Determined: (1) if traditional variables predict performance of black Americans in first-year chemistry at a traditionally black institutions (if so, what is the predictive procedure?); (2) if predictive power for males differs from females; and (3) what implications can be drawn from comparison of this study with past investigations. (JN)

A previous article enumerated some of the demerits seen in applying the "writing across the curriculum" approach to science students. Disagrees with this point of view and recommends that writing should be a skill fostered in science classes. Several writing experiences for science students are noted. (JN)

Since 1979, high school teachers from urban and rural areas of northeastern Ohio have brought their students to visit the College of Wooster Chemistry Department to learn about instruments. Rationale for the program and program activities are described. (JN)

Although various methods are used to study solution chemistry, relationships between them are generally not self-evident, and the theory and procedure underlying each technique are frequently learned and memorized separately. Therefore, all of these methods are classified within a unified framework that clearly demonstrates relationships and…

Presents background information and procedures for 12 experiments dealing with such areas as: reactivity of a homologous series of saturated monovalent alcohols; enzymatic degradation of hydrogen peroxide by catalase; effect of an activator and inhibitor on amylase activity; proving the existence of phenol in waste water; detecting common air…

The construction of a diffraction grating spectroscope has been previously reported. A procedure to fit a linear scale to this spectroscope is described (allowing measurement on wavelength of spectral lines without increasing cost of the assembly). Also described are some applications of this modified spectroscope for secondary school laboratory…

Describes a demonstration involving the controlled combustion of a mixture of metals with black and smokeless powder in a small Erlenmeyer flask. Also describes demonstrations using a device that precludes breathing of hazardous vapors during class demonstrations; the device is easy to transport and use in rooms without sinks. (JN)