Discusses some of the new physical dating methods being used by archaeologists and paleoanthropologists to study the material remains of ancient primates. Describes the quaternary physical dating techniques, advances in radiocarbon dating, and the radiocalcium data method. (TW)

Describes a course in chemical instrumentation for high school chemistry teachers, paid for by Union Carbide. Teachers used spectrophotometer, nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer, atomic absorption spectrograph, gas chromatograph, liquid chromatograph and infrared spectrophotometer. Also describes other teacher education seminars. (JM)

Offers suggestions and strategies related to integrating an instrumental approach in high school chemistry. Indicates that the problem-solving process is often clarified using the approach, that the approach improves the quality of the laboratory program, and that it is an effective technique for arousing student interest. (JN)

Describes the quantitative analysis of a gaseous mixture using peak heights and ratios between the peak heights. (MLH)

Describes sensitive and specific methods used to monitor tetrachlorodibenzodioxins and tetrachlorodibenzofurans. The procedures are suitable for detecting and quantifying these substances at the parts-per-trillion levels in complex environmental and biological samples. (Author/JN)

Reported are designs for a colorimeter (absorptiometer) and polarimeter, both of which may be constructed readily with average workshop facilities and whose performance is superior to many commercial instruments commonly used in teaching laboratories. Includes pertinent diagrams, operating instructions, and sample output. (JN)

Some inherent instrument capabilities/limitations can be described in terms of signal to noise ratio (S/N). Two three-hour experiments are described to give students appreciation of the importance of signal strength and noise level in instrument performance and how S/N can be increased by choice of conditions and data manipulation. (Author/JN)

A Fortran IV program is described which calculates relative peak intensities of any molecular or fragment ion and displays them graphically as a bar graph resembling a mass spectrum. Documentation, including listing, sample usage, and sample execution is available free of charge. (Author/JN)

Describes the features and operation of an inexpensive digital pH meter. Includes a schematic diagram of the pH meter and a parts list with cost and source of each part. (SK)

Describes an experiment suitable for an instrumental analysis or quantitative analysis course. (BB)