Describes an eight-module, high school chemistry curriculum (including outline of course content) which encourages students to envision chemistry as a science based on general, related concepts rather than on a discipline composed of segmented, isolated topics. Module 1 objectives, assignments, laboratory experiences, and test are available from…

Describes the specifics of instruction in thermodynamics using a problem-solving technique introduced in a previous issue of this journal. (CS)

This symposium centered on the choice of content in chemistry courses. (BB)

Reports on a study into how the history of chemistry is being taught in colleges and universities. Results indicate that courses on the history of chemistry are hardly ever required of chemistry majors, and they are offered in only 10 percent of American Chemical Society approved chemistry departments. (TW)

Surveyed dietetics directors (N=186) and biochemistry instructors (N=153) on topics emphasized in biochemistry courses for dietetics and nutrition students. Results indicate a consistent pattern of variation in topics emphasized and that this variation is influenced by whether students in other major fields are also in a course. (JN)

Outlines a physical chemistry course which is designed for civil engineering juniors and seniors to solve environmental problems. (CC)

Presents a topical outline for physical chemistry suitable for training both chemistry majors and nonmajors. Suggests that an additional semester beyond the two semester sequence is essential for chemistry majors to achieve the course objectives. (CC)

Describes a forensic-oriented, college-level course in consumer chemistry. Includes course goals, topical outline, and list of chemical ingredients in consumer products useful for student research projects. The first section of the course focuses on mathematics since students in introductory courses may fear doing the most rudimentary mathematical…

Describes the descriptive inorganic chemistry component of a second year course in intermediate general chemistry at Sir Wilfred Grenfall College (Canada). Includes course content, listing of audiovisual aids, and discussion of textbooks used. (Author/JN)

Suggests examining a few subjects in depth rather than covering a whole range of topics superficially. Also discusses how much theory is appropriate in the undergraduate curriculum. (Author/JN)

Describes an experiment in which the density of solutions of known sugar concentrations is measured. Data are then used to determine sugar content in commercial beverages. (DDR)

The attempt to develop the laboratory component of a one-semester quantum chemistry course at Saint Mary's University has led to allowing the students to solve a big problem in quantum chemistry. It is done by subdivision into smaller problems that can be independently tackled by a student with a two-year calculus background.

A research writing course was developed to prepare chemistry majors to conduct and report on their capstone research projects. The course guides students through a multistep process of preparing a literature review and research proposal. Students learn how to identify and avoid plagiarism, critically read and summarize a scientific article,…

Describes a course designed to contribute directly to the teacher's ability to teach chemistry at the high school level with particular emphasis on planning and running a laboratory. Outlines the topics and occurrences in the course week by week. (GS)