Expresses concern over the dangers in presenting chemical demonstrations at regional and national conventions. Lists the interim minimum guidelines for chemical demonstrations to be required for future meeting sessions of the Division of Chemical Education of the American Chemical Society. (TW)

Argues that previous definitions of work and heat are inappropriate. Presents new definitions that are formulated using experimental quantities, claiming that they apply equally well to reversible and irreversible processes. Indicates some of the problems with earlier definitions and applies the new definitions to the First Law of thermodynamics.…

Discusses some of the misconceptions commonly held suggesting that mixing ideal gases causes an increase in entropy. Argues that the combining processes and resulting total pressure have absolutely nothing to do with the mixing itself. (TW)

Describes a computer simulation which deals with the Werner-Jorgensen controversy from the standpoint of Kuhn's description of scientific change. Encourages the use of such instructional approaches to introduce general chemistry students to the process of science, including how (1) theories develop, (2) change occurs, and (3) scientists behave.…

Differentiates between chemical nomenclature and the common ways that substances are named and described. Students should learn the chemical nomenclature so that they will be more observant and objective. Cites examples of student misconceptions based upon their own imagination and logic. (TW)

Cites studies related to students' misconceptions about the particulate nature of matter. Stresses that a good understanding of these concepts is fundamental to the study of chemistry itself. Reports on a study of preservice elementary teachers views of the particulate nature of matter before instruction on the topic. (TW)

Presents a topical outline for a course in chemistry for students in the health professions, as recommended for use by a committee of the American Chemical Society. States that there are several appropriate texts written for courses of this type. (TW)

Describes a generalist chemistry program being offered as a part of the liberal arts program at the University College of the Australian Defence Force Academy. Provides a rationale for developing the new generalist curriculum and contains syllabi from two chemistry courses in the program. (TW)

Provides a brief review of the literature concerning the content of chemistry courses for allied health students. Contains the content outline of a two-semester course offered at Hope College (Michigan) and discusses the rationale for organizing the course for this audience. (TW)

Discusses some interesting kitchen chemistry experiments. Describes the use of baking aerators and baking powders in an inexpensive experiment. Outlines several demonstrations to follow up the experiment and to illustrate other chemical principles. (TW)

Outlines an approach to chemistry experiments designed to help students appreciate the importance of each step in an experimental procedure. Describes an experiment involving Charles's Law to illustrate this idea. (TW)

Describes an inservice teacher workshop conducted in Pennsylvania which was designed to encourage the introduction of chemistry at the elementary school level. Discusses the organization and content of the workshop, the materials used, and some evaluative information provided by workshop leaders, teachers, and their students. (TW)

Discusses the potential of experiments as a vehicle and to motivate students to use text references to look up further information such as nomenclature, molecular geometry, properties and reactivities for various ions and molecules. Describes the procedures and discussion for three such experiments. (TW)

Discusses the benefits of thermochromic transformations for studying thermodynamic properties. Describes an experiment that uses a commercially available dye, attains equilibrium rapidly, employs a simple, single-beam spectrophotometer, and is suitable for both physical chemistry and introductory chemistry laboratories. (TW)

Reviews trends in laboratory safety found in both industrial and academic situations. Reports that large industrial labs generally have excellent safety programs but that, although there have been improvements, academia still lags behind industry in safety. Includes recommendations for improving lab safety. (ML)