Discusses the role of the laboratory in teaching chemistry, describing and differentiating between empirical laboratory investigations and discovery laboratory investigations. Also points out that if a laboratory is designed to illustrate something, it should be the scientific method. (JN)

Topics and issues related to toxic wastes in academic laboratories are addressed, pointing out that colleges/universities are making efforts to dispose of hazardous wastes safely to comply with tougher federal regulations. University sites on the Environmental Protection Agency Superfund National Priorities List, costs, and use of lab packs are…

Discusses precaution in handling laboratory chemicals and research animals. Gives references, suggested readings, and a table showing fire hazard properties of some flammable liquids. (MLH)

Universities and colleges are a critical component of the nation's research system. The condition and availability of research facilities at these institutions influence the work of current and future scientists. Recognizing the need for information on the amount and quality of scientific and engineering (S&E) research space, Congress mandated…

Based on concern for the equality of learning opportunities in laboratory work, this study aims to explore the meanings of learning opportunities from a theoretical literature review, and to investigate the distributions of learning opportunities from practical laboratory instruction. Considering both the nature of science activities and the…

This book presents multiple assessment formats and strategies appropriate for inquiry activities for both indoor and outdoor education. Chapters 5-8 feature examples of disciplinary assessment practices for biology, chemistry, physics, and earth sciences. Other contents include: (1) "A Rationale for Assessment"; (2) "Developing New Assessment";…

This paper focuses on the process of knowledge formation and scientific inquiry. Science laboratory settings may provide opportunities for students to participate in scientific inquiry. With scientific inquiry, students develop their beliefs according to experiences in which they use their prior knowledge, experimentation, and problem solving…

Summarizes information on the properties of synchrotron radiation and describes laboratories in the United States specializing in this science, including facilities at the National Bureau of Standards, University of Wisconsin, Stanford, and Brookhaven. (CS)

Discusses the practical problems accompanying the teaching of chemistry to visually impaired students, including communication problems, improvement of lecturing, laboratory orientation, and safety considerations. (CS)

Reviews factors specific to hearing impairment, special potential teaching problems and how they may be resolved, and problems involved with lecture and laboratory experiences in chemistry for hearing impaired students. (CS)

Discusses the role of the Francis Bitter National Magnet Laboratory of the Massachusetts of Technology, and its significance in the world of research. Applications of research on magnetism to medicine are emphasized. (SA)

Discusses characteristics of materials and labels used by the Department of Transportation, including label design and color: red (flammable and spontaneously combustible), white/yellow (radioactives), orange (explosives), white (poisons), yellow (oxidizers), green (non-flammable gas), black/white (corrosive), blue (dangerous when wet). Includes…