Explores the structural behavior of polyenic pi systems such as isomerization and conjugation. Uses the simultaneous spectrophotometric analysis of a beta-carotene and lycopene mixture. Presents an empirical method to determine the number of double bonds in the polyenic carotenoid. (MVL)

Discusses the nature of a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) experiment, the techniques used, the types of structural and dynamic information obtained, and how one can view and refine structures using computer graphics techniques in combination with NMR data. Provides several spectra and a computer graphics image from B-form DNA. (MVL)

Traces the development of bonding theory and notes the influence of preconceived theory upon this development. Considers ideas of alchemy, Newton, Dalton, Lewis, and quantum mechanics. Suggests a move away from conservative descriptive approaches of bonding theory. (ML)

Discusses the teaching of particle physics as part of the A-level physics course in British secondary schools. Utilizes the quark model of hadrons and the conceptual kinematics of particle collisions, as examples, to demonstrate practical instructional possibilities in relation to student expectations. (JJK)

Describes a physical chemistry experiment which uses spectroscopy to measure the heat of formation of Na2SiF6. Discusses the opportunities for students to see the use of a familiar instrument in an unfamiliar application, emphasizing that there are often many ways to attack problems in science. (TW)

Reviews four organic chemistry computer programs and three books. Software includes: (1) NMR Simulator 7--for IBM or Macintosh, (2) Nucleic Acid Structure and Synthesis--for IBM, (3) Molecular Design Editor--for Apple II, and (4) Synthetic Adventure--for Apple II and IBM. Book topics include physical chemistry, polymer pioneers, and the basics of…

Notes two uses of computer spreadsheets in the chemistry classroom. Discusses the general use of the spreadsheet to easily provide changing parameters of equations and then replotting the results on the screen. Presents a molecular orbital spreadsheet calculation of the LCAO-MO approach. Supplies representative printouts and graphs. (MVL)

Treats the development of general stereochemical principles in historical fashion. Discusses work by Pasteur, van't Hoff, and Le Bel. Considers sugars by configuration, anomeric forms, ring forms, and conformational isomers. Presents numerous diagrams and thorough explanations. (MVL)

Presents an exercise to get students more intimately involved in the three dimensional nature of basic units by constructing models. Uses balsa wood, glue, sandpaper, and a square. Studies seven crystals: cubic, hexagonal, monoclinic, orthorhombic, rhombohedral, tetragonal, and triclinic. Plans are available for a Macintosh computer. (MVL)

Considers questions relating to the introduction of particle physics into post-GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) courses. Describes a project that is producing teacher and student materials to support the teaching of particle physics at this level. Presents a proposed syllabus for a particle physics module. (KR)

Understanding the basic principles of structural biology is becoming a major subject of study in most undergraduate level programs in biology. In the genomic and proteomic age, it is becoming indispensable for biology students to master concepts related to the sequence and structure of proteins in order to develop skills that may be useful in a…

This is part of a series on selected areas of science and technology prepared by the Committee on Science, Engineering, and Public Policy, at the request of the Science Advisor to the President of the United States. This volume includes four individual reports. The first is the report of the "Research Briefing Panel on Science of Interfaces…

Lists a program for a simulation of Rutherford's gold foil experiment in BASIC for both Apple II and IBM compatible computers. Compares Rutherford's model of the atom with Thompson's plum pudding model of the atom. (MVL)

Describes an open-ended computer simulation project that can be used to illustrate the growth of solid crystals in different forms at any level from high school physics to graduate physics. Discusses a simple computer program in BASIC language on an IBM personal computer. Gives examples of simulations. (CW)

Reviews two chemistry software packages: (1) "Organic Reaction Chemistry" (organic chemistry, college level, Apple II); and (2) "Chemical Reactions, Reactions in Aqueous Solution, and Oxidation Reduction Reactions" (general chemistry, college level, IBM). (MVL)