Reports on a study designed to determine the importance of images to experienced chemists and the nature of images among learners, with particular attention to correlations with level of learning. Suggests that instructional methods should consider the student's ability to develop specific images appropriate to the chemical concepts. (TW)

Explores some of the ways that lead is being replaced in the production of gasolines. Discusses the effects these changes are having on the chemical industry. Contrasts the use of ethyl alcohol from renewable sources with alcohols depending on the availability of isobutene. (TW)

Describes a personalized method of instruction being used in junior-level physical chemistry classes which uses computer-aided instruction (CAI) and computer-managed instruction (CMI). Claims this results in more instructor-student interaction, better use of classroom time, and better scores on standardized examinations. (TW)

Describes eight applications of the use of computers in teaching chemistry. Includes discussions of audio frequency measurements of heat capacity ratios, quantum mechanics, ab initio calculations, problem solving using spreadsheets, simplex optimization, faradaic impedance diagrams, and the recording and tabulation of student laboratory data. (TW)

Reports on a study designed to determine the relative effectiveness of different instructional approaches on chemistry laboratory achievement. Investigated differences in achievement in spectrophotometry among college freshmen who received either traditional, learning cycle, or computer simulation instruction. Results indicated that students…

Describes the use of bubble-type plastic packing material to make "pop-and-sniff" materials that contain common smells from chemicals such as amyl acetate (banana smell). Discusses how these materials can be used by elementary school teachers to enhance thinking skills. (TW)

Discusses the development of perfumes through extraction from natural sources and synthetic generation. Describes several activities in which students can create their own fragrances by expression and extraction through a solvent, steam distillation of oil of peppermint, extraction using almond oil, and enfleurage. (TW)

Describes nine chemistry demonstrations that can be done using an overhead projector. Includes demonstrations on common ion effect, crystal formation from supersaturated solutions, making iron positive with nitric acid, optical activity, carbon dioxide in human breath, amphoteric hydroxides, the surface tension of mercury, and natural acid-base…

Describes two classroom chemistry demonstrations which focus on the descriptive chemistry of bromine and iodine. Outlines the chemicals and equipment needed, experimental procedures, and discussion of one demonstration of the oxidation states of bromine and iodine, and another demonstration of the oxidation states of iodine. (TW)

Describes an exercise developed at the University of Natal (South Africa) in which students visit a plant which manufactures a variety of lead compounds. Outlines the procedures for the laboratory preparation of lead compounds that students prepare with samples they collected at the plant. (TW)

Describes a new laboratory technique for working with small samples of compounds used in nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis. Demonstrates how microcells can be constructed for each experiment and samples can be recycled. (TW)

Describes a quantitative experiment designed to demonstrate buffer action and the measurement of buffer capacity. Discusses how to make acetate buffers, determine their buffer capacity, plot the capacity/pH curve, and interpret the data obtained. (TW)

Discusses the problems of increased noise levels when using microcomputers as interfaces to chemistry laboratory instruments. Describes how to properly connect a laboratory instrument to a microcomputer's A/D converter board. Suggests how to obtain an analog signal free of interference noise. (TW)

Describes a 16-week course on fundamentals of chemical engineering offered to high school science teachers by the New Jersey Institute of Technology. Discusses the course structure, including the topics addressed. Provides two material balance problems in the appendices. (TW)

Reports on a study designed to provide a profile of the learning styles of members of the American Chemical Society. Indicates that chemists tend to be more alike than different in their approach to learning. Suggests that chemists tend to be convergers preferring active experimentation more than reflective observation. (TW)