Learning cycles (exploration, invention, application) are used to introduce general chemistry principles while giving students concrete experiences with descriptive chemistry. Principles taught in the laboratory, laboratory experiments, instructional strategies, and evaluation of the approach are discussed. (Author/JN)

Five papers presented at the Seventh Biennial Conference on Chemical Education (Stillwater, Oklahoma 1982) focused on qualitative analysis curricula and instruction. Topics included benefits of qualitative analysis, use of iodo/bromo-complexes in qualitative analysis schemes, lecture demonstrations, and brief descriptions of three courses. (JN)

Suggests stressing the humanistic dimensions of science as a way to bridge the gap between sciences and the humanities. Provides a rationale for focusing on the humanistic side of science and briefly describes a freshman seminar at Macalester College (St. Paul, Minn.) conducted by science, social science, and humanities faculty. (JN)

Describes a chemistry course designed to meet needs of students who score well on Advanced Placement Chemistry examinations but who might experience difficulty if placed directly into a second-term course. The one-semester course includes substantially all work in Chemistry 1 and 2 (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute) and features a flexible,…

Discusses a formal course designed to acquaint students with major sources of chemical information and with procedures for their efficient use. In addition, the place that such a course has in the chemistry curriculum is considered. (Author/JN)

A loosely structured high school chemistry course with semester deadlines was modified into a self-paced course with unit deadlines (nine units/semester). Course structure, laboratory work, classroom management, testing/grading, teacher role, and student attitude toward the course are discussed. A sample unit (solubility equilibrium) is included.…

Describes the use of personalized instruction in an introductory biology course for nonmajors at the University of Wisconsin-Superior. (CS)

Briefly describes a module on the origin of life formulated for inclusion in introductory biology, geology, and astronomy courses. The authors are preparing a concise monograph on the topic to complement the three-week module. (Author/SK)

Suggests that a course in cultural science be adopted throughout high schools, where the majority of citizens finished their education. Discusses rationale for such a cultural or multidisciplinary course, teacher training, current practices, and changing from specialized science to a cultural approach. (SK)

Summarizes 10 findings of a national survey of the status of introductory astronomy courses for nonscience majors. Findings focus on instructors, course length, laboratory components, laboratory equipment and exercises, texts, enrollment, mathematics prerequisites, and instructors' needs to enhance their teaching capabilities. (SK)

Describes "chemometrics" courses which focus on statistical and mathematical approaches for interpreting complex chemical data. (SK)

Summarizes the experiences of a zoology professor attempting to construct a student-centered course in neurophysiology. Various aspects of the organization and conduct of the course are described, including the beginning experience, topics of interest, lecture, laboratory, computer simulation, examinations, student lectures. Evaluation of the…

Announces the introduction of a refresher course designed to expose senior chemists to modern organic chemistry, delving into such topics as new synthetic methods, molecular orbital theory, heterocyclic and organometallic chemistry, and C-13 nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry, offered at the University of Florida in Gainesville in March 1981.…

Describes the development of a course for pupils of low educational achievement aged 14-16 years, in an urban comprehensive school in the United Kingdom. (HM)

Described is the course of study for a physics major at Eastern Illinois University, Charleston, Illinois. The program varies from the typical physics curriculum in that classical mechanics is taught in the sophomore year rather than waiting until the junior year as seen in the typical physics major's curriculum. (DS)