Presents an exercise for high school students on filling orbitals to help them gain an understanding of theoretical basis for the shape of periodic table. Preliminary instructions are outlined and followed by instructions to the teacher and questions and problems for the students. (Author/SA)

Illustrates how a qualitative description of the geometry and electronic characteristics of homogeneous metal clusters can be obtained using semiempirical MO (molecular orbital theory) methods. Computer applications of MO methods to inorganic systems are also described. (CS)

Presents a method for obtaining all mass conservation conditions implied by a given mechanism in which the conditions are used to simplify integration of the rate equations and to derive stoichiometric relations. Discusses possibilities of faulty inference of kinetic information from a given stoichiometry. (CS)

This paper describes the use of information mapping in chemistry and in other related sciences. Information mapping is a way of presenting information without paragraphs and unnecessary transitional phrases. (BB)

Highlights the connection between the achievements of Moseley and the spectrum of the hydrogen atom, the Bohr theory, and Slater's rules for screening constants. Uses modern data to show that Moseley's equation is actually an approximation and discusses the significance of this fact. (JRH)

Chemical reactions induced by light have been utilized for synthesizing highly strained, thermodynamically unstable compounds, which are inaccessible through non-photochemical methods. Photochemical cycloaddition reactions, especially those leading to the formation of four-membered rings, constitute a convenient route to compounds that are…

Discusses the development of the periodic table of the elements, in particular, the idea that the elements could be ordered according to atomic number. (BB)

Describes a bonding theory which provides a framework for the description of a wide range of substances and provides quantitative information of remarkable accuracy with far less computational effort than that required of other approaches. Includes applications, such as calculation of bond energies of two binary hydrides (methane and diborane).…

Discusses the phsico-chemical principles underlying fish gas bubble disease and the methods of treating supersaturated water. (CC)

Describes how the isometric projection with a transparent grid showing the x, y, and z axes drawn at 120 degrees each other is used. This method of presenting atomic orbitals was developed using the Cambridge University Titan computer and has the advantage over contour maps in that there is no distortion. (LS)

Current ideas of philosophy of science are applied to issue of descriptive versus theoretical material in introductory chemistry courses, introducing Kuhn's definitions of "exemplars," connecting these to problems with teaching students theories at the abstract level, and arguing that the theoretical/descriptive controversy is about…

Describes a method for adapting Piagetian theory to the teaching of chemistry by increasing active student thinking in lectures. Laboratory demonstrations are supported as encouraging Piagetian self-regulations. (CS)

States that science courses present modern derived knowledge to be learned and applied to exercises. Proposes looking at the process of problem solving as an exercise in the scientific method against a historical background in social context with information about personalities involved. Uses an example moving from vague concept of element to a…

High School students' understanding about the particulate theory of matter and their use of particulate terminology is investigated. The Physical Changes Concepts Test (PCCT) was administered in two forms, an applied version and a theoretical version, to determine whether students scientifically understood the concepts well enough to apply them to…

Outlines the constructivist model of knowledge and describes how this model relates to Piaget's theory of intellectual development. Contrasts the constructivist model with the traditional views of knowledge. Discusses how this model can help explain some of the things that happen in chemistry classrooms. (TW)