Discusses aims of and proposed programs at the Institute for Chemical Education. Aims include developing creative ideas to convey chemical knowledge, improving interdisciplinary links, and addressing critical issues in chemical education. One program proposed is designed to help science teachers at all levels develop K-12 chemistry supplements.…

Describes "Parents and Children for Terrific Science (PACTS)" program sponsored by the American Chemical Society's Education Division for encouraging the development of family science projects at the elementary and intermediate school levels. Discusses some examples and the results of the project. (YP)

Discusses how, in two three-week sessions, the Terre Haute (Indiana) college offers selected students a hands-on approach to all aspects of engineering from design and lab work to technical writing. Describes a group project requiring students to study and experiment with simple research problems. Lists 20 project ideas. (MVL)

Proposes that students learn and do chemistry based on their own beliefs. Expresses concern that the educational system supports and rewards the learning of facts over the learning of concepts and general skills. Offers suggestions for instructional improvement. (TW)

Highlights activities, workshops, and lectures at the seventh Biennial Conference on Chemical Education held at Oklahoma State University (Stillwater) focusing on the current shift from principles and theories to applications in college and high school chemistry courses. (JN)

Reports on a symposium on reforming general chemistry curriculum sponsored by American Chemical Society's Education Division. Presents several discussions including levels of the goals of general chemistry, newly recommended content, and the pros and cons of descriptive chemistry. (YP)

Highlights an educational workshop sponsored by the American Chemical Society's Committee on Chemical Education. Workshop presenters suggested stressing experiment over theory in elementary school science classes and exposing teachers to more science. A list of 20 recommendations resulting from the workshop are listed. (Author/JN)

In a recent reorganization, Purdue's chemistry department has added a new division: chemical education. Its faculty will work closely with members of Purdue's department of education on graduate programs for chemistry teachers and on research in chemical education. The master of science degree program in chemical education is highlighted.…

The Institute for Chemical Education (located on the University of Wisconsin, Madison campus) is offering revised and new courses for chemistry teachers and an expanded "chemistry camp" for middle school students. Teachers' courses will focus on: chemistry demonstrations; descriptive chemistry; chemistry activities; chemical instrumentation; and…

This article focuses on the discussion of teaching chemistry to the handicapped and particular techniques that are useful to the communication process. (SA)

Describes the "Project 1-2-3" levitation kit used to demonstrate superconductivity. Summarizes the materials included in the kit. Discusses the effect demonstrated and gives details on how to obtain kits. Gives an overview of the documentation that is included. (CW)

Examines the reasons why errors occur in chemistry textbooks. Presents examples of the range of errors and proposes measures for addressing the problem. (ML)

Reports on the 9th Biennial Conference on Chemical Education sponsored by the American Chemical Society. The conference theme: "Chemistry: Learning, Instructing, Presenting," was addressed by numerous sessions. Highlighted were presentations calling for an increase in process-oriented chemistry teaching, reduction of "science…

Relates plans for a new electronic supplement to the "Journal of Chemical Education" which will contain computer programs useful to chemistry teachers. Points out that the first issue will highlight programs for the Apple II computer. (ML)

Highlights of the Eighth Biennial Conference on Chemical Education are presented, pointing out current issues, trends, and areas of concern discussed in presentations and symposia. Indicates that university, college, and high school teachers attending showed unity of purpose as the science education reform movement takes hold. (JN)