teaching aids Evergreen State College Olympia, W e l i n g t o n 98501
Instructional materials utilizing audiovisual methods are increasing greatly in number and kind. These include slides, teacher produced 5-8 and 16-mm films, and television tapes. As use of the diversified methods for instruction and self-education grows, there is a correspondingly more pressing need to define the educational objectives of these instructional materials, and to identify the audience for which they were designed. Appraisal of their educational value becomes essential. A critical review of instructional materials appears to be a necessary step for assisting the teacher of chemistry in evaluating the potential uses of materials already available or to be produced in the future. Important contributions to this appraisal can be made by faculty members and students. Contributions of film titles for review are solicited. Interested faculty and student groups who may wish to evaluate these important teaching aids can make an important contribution to chemical education. Readers are encouraged to contact the editor of this column if they are interested in reviewing films.
New Films in Chemical Education, 11 demonstrated conveniently with a laser source, but it is not made clear that any light source would have produced the same result. The concept and difficulty of obtaining the ~ o ~ u l a t i oinversion n necessary ior laser action is very d&loped. I t might have been instructive to mention the historically interesting ammonia. maser where the inversion was obtained by physically separating the desired molecules. As a result of these omissions many viewers may not appreciate the initial difficulties in developing laser systems and the low efficiencies characteristic of so many laser systems. The connection between coherent radiation, interferometry, holography, and information storage is not developed adequately although each of the topics is discussed individuallv. The most serious shortcomings of the film me in its failure to emphasize the necessity of using adequate safety procedures when using lasers. Several scenes are presented where the operator inserts his hand into the laser beam far various colorful photographic effects. The procedure is conspicuously omitted in the photographs of the high-power GO1 lmer which is shown boring a. hole in a. meat clerwer. Fortunatelv. the ooerators in the film
Film Reviews Laser Light Scientific American, 415 Madison Avenue. New York, New York 10017. 16 mm, Color, 37'1%mi?.
It was a pleasure to learn that the editors of ScientificAmerican are now applying their expertise to the production of motion pictures such as the one entitled "Laser Light" (see Fig. 1). The superb color photography and broad coverage of the topic are consistent with their usual high standards. The combination of material on fundamental principles, current and anticipated applications, and spectaculnr demonstrations of advanced research projects should attract and hold the interest of those unfamiliar with the topic as well as those who have a good working knowledge in the field. Unfortunately, the film may present some difficulties to the teacher or student who wants to develop a more thorough understanding of lasers. The difficulty will not be with the number of tonics covered in the film since this is an impreAre one, inclu(lmC: ray-wr.w-wwe I A ~ v i o rof light f t r n k ruyrriOt~cluding -omc cxrel1et.t p h ~ t ~ g r a p l
