Policies for science education (Fitzpatrick, Frederick L., ed.) - Journal

Policies for science education (Fitzpatrick, Frederick L., ed.) John S. Richardson. J. Chem. Educ. , 1961, 38 (6), p 331. DOI: 10.1021/ed038p331.2. Pu...
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papers of the Chemical Physics Institute of the Academy of Sciences of the USSR pertaining to the hydrodynamics of flames and detonation waves. The first chapter of the book deals with the elements of gas dynamics as applied to strong and weak shock waves. The second part deals with detonations and lossless comhustion in which there is energy release from chemical reaction to support the propagation of the wave. The propagation of flames under varying boundary conditions suoh as in open and closed end pipes, and stationary combustion in s flow system are discusaed. The third part of the book discusses boundary losses and the effects of friction and heat transfer on the propagation of detonation waves. Chapter Four takes up the topic of detonations in condensed explosives and describes some attempts to work towards the experimental data with simple models. The Fifth and final chapter of the bwk deals with motion of detonation products in the rarifaction waves which follow the reaction zone. The problem is discussed in one and two dimensions and for the spheriortl case. This hook is a valuable contribution as a key to the Russian literature on combustion hydrodynamics which is too freauentlv . . overlooked. Fewer than six references are given to non-Russian work, 80 the hook is less tban a general reference. The relatively early first puhlicatian date prevented any inclusion of muoh recent work. For these reasons there is no reference to the experimental work of Kistiakowsky or that of the workers s t Los Alamos. The theoretical papers of Kirkwood and their irnplications are not included, and the contrihutians of von Nenmann and Doering are absent. The book is concerned almost entirely with hydrodynamics, and there is none of the recent work cited dealing with chemical species, chemical kinetics and energy transfer in combustion phenomena. The specialist in gas dynamics and combustion will be interested in this book, but the general reader will probably be more satisfied with a coverage such as is found in Lewis and von Elbe, "Combustion Flames, and Explosions of Gases."

examimtion of science program. In a general way curriculum and method are described with suggestions far improvement. Then the spotlight is placed on the science teacher-his background and his work. The preparation and certification of the teacher came under scrutiny. The concluding chapter prcposes a school program in science that will take into socount science manpower needs, general community factors, and general school factors. Certain outlines for programs for teacher preparation are provided. F i n d y , a summary composed of statements of principles, recommendations, beliefs, and facts is provided. The monograph draws obviously upon a broad range of the experience of science teachers. In many places reference is made to facts and figures pertinent to the topic a t hand. For readers well informed in the field of science education this contribution summarizes and integrates very well a functional philosophical position, the results of some research, and common knowledge of the field. Those less a* quainted with the field will look for greater documentation than is provided in this report; but if such persons will read with care, they will surely come to agree with the science educator that perhaps the ROGERV. KRUMM greateat need of science education today is University of Flwida fundamental research on suoh problems Gainffiville as how people learn, how science can he taught effectively, and how science teachers should be prepared.

Included in the general bihliography is a list of abbreviations d laboratories of the United States, Canada, Great Britain, France, and Italy frqm which atomic energy research reports originated. The general introduction is by M. Salesse, Chief of the Department of Metallurgy of the Commissariat far Atamio Energy, and the greatest emphasis is placed upon the aspect of radioactivity and atomic energy. The work hzs been written by many, rather than a. few, authors. It is recognised that uranium is so intimately connected with atomic energy that much emphasis must be placed upon it in any treatise which deals with the element, but it is felt that this section of the volume has placed much more emphasis an piles, reactors, and atomic and nuclear energy than necessary on a work which should be concerned with the element uranium as such. These parts appear to have been written more for the engineer than for the theoretical and physical chemist. This part of the volume is well illustrated and has reasonably up to date bibliographies. The parts devoted to isotopes and minerals of uranium are excellent.

Edited by Fvederick L. Fitzpalrtck, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York. Bureau of Publications, Teachers CoUege, Columbia University, New York, 1960. xiii 219 pp. 53.95.

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Thia volume is one of a series of monographs produced by The Science Manpower Project. The monographs already published have dealt, in general, with specific courses in science and with the people who may he students in them. The present volume attempts to accomplisha most laudablegoal-that of pointing the way to the formulation d a muchneeded statement of general policy for the field. The approach deals appropriately with such background factors as the nature J O H N P. CHE~ICK and extent of the need for scientists, Yale University engineers, and technicians, the expanding New Haven. Connecticut economy, the functions of science education, and the quantity and quality of those persons who teach science. Early in the volume the groundwork is neatly delineated for the solution of certain current Nouveau Tmid de Chimie Min&mle. problems: public support and underVolume 15 standing must be gained. The writers of the volume ask a. pertinent Edited by Paul Pascal, Sorbonne, question: "Who s h a l d determine policies France. Masson et Cie, Paris, 1960. for science education?" Their answer xix 734 pp. Figs. and tables. 18 is "~cienceeducators in schools and colleges X 26 em. Brocht5 115 NF, Cartonne ~hould take the major responsibility." toile 127 NF. Many readers will not be certain of the The fifteenth volume of Pascal's new identity of the "science educator" as the term is used here. Some who choose a limtreatise deals with uranium and the ited definition will disagree; perhaps others transuranium elements. It will appear with a broader definition will entbusiastiin two sections, with the first devoted to cally endorse the position. uranium and the second to the transuranium elements. The volume is being After a sunrey of school administration, the work of science teachers, and puhlic published with the collaboration of the Frmrh Commissariat for Atomic Energy. relstions, the volume proceeds to an

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JOHN S. RICHARDSON Ohio State Uniuersity Colz~mbus

Policies for Science Education

Inorganic Chemistry: Advanced Study

A

Guide

to

R. B. Heslop, Manchester CoUege of Science and Technology, and P. L. Robinson, Atomic Energy Research Establishment, Harwell, England. Elsevier Publishing Co., Amsterdam, 1960; sole distributors for the US., D. Van Nostrend Co., Inc., New York. 5.55 pp. Figs. and tables. 16 viii X 23cm. $9.

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In the preface the authors state that "a point has been reached in the development of the subject (inorganic chemistry) from which it is easier and less confusing to enter it a t the level of present theoretical and phyysicd-chemical knowledge. This book attempts to provide such an entry." In this the authors partially succeed, although in the presentation of the descriptive chemistry of the elements a minimum of physical-chemical data are presented. Like its predecessors, the book is essentially written in two parts. The first half covers the theoretical.material in 10 chapters, and 206 pages, while the second part covers the descriptive chemistry of the elements in 26 chapters and 324 pages. After a brief introductory chapter, chapters on the Atomic Nucleus and Radiochemistry are introduced, followed by the chapter on the Electronic Structure of Atoms-The Periodic Table. This includes a brief mathematical description of the wave mechanical hydrogen atom, Volume 38, Number 6, June 1961

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