Describes a laboratory experiment designed for use in a freshman chemistry course. Considers the use of a set of known "training reactions" with a "training set" of solutions. (CW)

A discussion is given of the ways in which thermal conductivity, velocity, and viscosity of sound propagation of gases can be measured by freshmen college students. (Author/SA)

The use of microcomputers in the undergraduate chemistry laboratory is presented. Examples are included which can be implemented in the PET 2001. (SA)

Describes a spot test experiment, designed for use in the undergraduate laboratory, that has been adopted to follow the progress of coupling reactions. (BT)

Follows the increase of the pH in a solution of vinegar during neutralization with commercial antacid tablets. Provided are background information, equipment details, procedures, and details of the data analysis. (MVL)

Models which demonstrate the concept of moment of force in two- and three-dimensional cases and have been well received by students are described. Photographs and instructions for each model are provided. (MVL)

Describes a laboratory explosion involving 30 percent hydrogen peroxide being heated on a ceramic-top hotplate. Gives three safety suggestions: peroxides should be treated as potential explosion hazards; alternatives to the ceramic-top hotplate for these reactions should be considered; and lab workers should be prepared for the worst possible…

Describes a crystallography experiment using both diffraction-angle and diffraction-intensity information to determine the lattice constant and a lattice independent molecular parameter, while still employing standard X-ray powder diffraction techniques. Details the method, experimental details, and analysis for this activity. (CW)

Discusses role of computer simulation in complementing and extending conventional components of undergraduate engineering education process in United Kingdom universities and polytechnics. Aspects of computer-based learning are reviewed (laboratory simulation, lecture and tutorial support, inservice teacher education) with reference to programs in…

Describes six laboratory procedures for preparing polymers which have been used in a course for undergraduate industrial arts students, who have a concentration in plastics technology but have not taken more than one year of college chemistry. (BT)

Maintains that having students estimate the size and width of a class waste paper can (placed on a desk) is a simple and effective way of illustrating perceptual distortion. Tests show that people will consistently overestimate the height of the can, allowing for a useful discussion on sensory distortion. (MJP)

Described is an experiment in which the student can ascertain the meaning of a negative result from a qualitative test by performing a more sensitive quantitative test on the same sample. Methodology for testing urinary glucose with a spectrophotometer at 630 nm and with commercial assaying glucose strips is presented. (MVL)

Concentrates on the semiempirical methods MINDO/3, MNDO, and AMI available in the program AMPAC from the Quantum Chemistry Program Exchange at Indiana University. Uses charged ions in the teaching of computational chemistry. Finds that semiempirical methods are accurate enough for the general use of the bench chemist. (MVL)

Describes a number of student-focused laboratory exercises that are inexpensive, yet show the scientific character of archaeology. Describes the environmental laboratory exercise which includes the following analysis topics: (1) pollen; (2) earth core; (3) microfaunal; and (4) microwear. Describes the ceramic laboratory which involves…

The authors describe a one-quarter, undergraduate teacher education experience that involved a high level of personal freedom and synergy in an attempt to develop humanistic teachers. Twenty-three juniors and seniors were involved in the program, which took the form of an unstructured block of courses in mathematics, science, and social studies.…