Report of
Ninth Biennial Conference on Chemical Education Montana State University Bozeman, Montana July 27-August 2, 1986
Conference Organizing Committee E. H . Alhotr, Montana State Universitv, tLnd Ruialna .John Amrnd. Montana State U n i v e r d y , I.r.r.01 Trnnwortalrorr .....r~~
Keith Berry, Universiiy of Puget Sound, Early Publicity Dave Brooks, University of Nebraska, Program Chair Denny Brown,Montana State University, Special Equipment Arnold Craig, Montana State University, Mailings Ed Eseudero, St. Johns School, High School Chair Ken Emerson. Montana State Universitv. General Chair Ilarriet ~riedstein.Korherter Institute ;fT?ehnologs, C u u / . ~ r m c eReport
Ed Hmrh, Suuthwrst Texas State Cullrge.2YC~
Dlant. Hewitt, Muntana Statr University. Secretarid Chief
('liff Houk, Ohio University, Karl) Publrrrry L a w J3c k w n . Montana Stare Univcmit$,. , Farnth
.
~&ms Steve Mock, Montana State University, Gmduate Labor Force
Brad Mundy, Montana State University, Local Arrangements J. E. Robhins, Montana State University, Housing and Food I.ynn Sansburn, Montana Smw l!niverrrty, rlccountanr Melnnre Storks, Montana Smre University, Cornpus Confercnrr ('ourdtnaror
Introduction
-
The 9th Biennial Conference on Chemical Education was held at Montana State University in Bozeman, Montana, from July 27 to Aumst 2.1986. The two years of planning by the organizers waskvident in the success of theionference. Over 750 participants, students, spouses, friends, and children attended this seven-day conference that took place in one of the most scenic areas of the country. One only had to look outside to take in the breathtaking mountains, cirrus clouds, and crisp fresh air. When one walked into Strand Union. one could see and feel the excitement. enthusiasm, ~ o t and discussion taking place among the onlv were there exhibits. lectures. demonstrations, and posters; but there were al& ideas to he had in almost every conversation. New members and old members of the Division alike shared memories, and both new and experienced instructors from all levels of chemistry instruction shared ideas involving techniques for presentations, grading, demonstrations, and novel approaches to the standard fare. The variety of topics and configurations of presentations could dazzle just about anyone. The choices were there. The number of people on waiting lists for the workshops were evidence of the interest for new ideas. Rooms that were scheduled for 40 soon became crowded not only with the extra chairs but also with standees. I t became evident that demonstrations were coming into vogue again as people asked pointed questions on how to duplicate successfully what was being shown by the presenter. Along with the popularity of demonstrations, both the session on writing within the chemistry classroom, and the one on strategies and ideas for the intergratiou of the real world into the chemistry curriculum were packed. I t could not escape anyone a t the conference that computers are in, and everywhere. Computer workshops, demonstrations, poster sessions. and handouts were a favorite of manv of the participants. The narrow hall for poster sessions were iammed with shoulder-to-shoulder . people . lookine. listening. watching, and asking questions. 98
.lournnl of Chemical Education
Asking questions and getting answers. . .giving and getting information. . .a dialogue between presenter and participant. . .between newcomer and long-time member.. .between secondary school and college teachers.. .early morning to late at night.. .the collegiality and comradeship of all the participants could not he missed. How can the flavor of the conference best he described? Allen Hovland summarized itvery well, the conference was indeedan "Education across the spectrum." Hamlet G. Frledsteln Conference Editor
