edited by G. FRIEDSTEIN HARRIET Rochester Institute of Technology P.O. Box 9887 Rochester, NY 14623
medk exchange The Story of Radiatlon
workers or the general public. These rmides include new terms. suggested actiGities foi before and Z t e r viewing, a hihliogra: phy, and local resources. T o ~ i c are s presented in an inter&ting, understandable, and objectiveway. The film, which is of very good quality, has both outdoor and laboratory scenes. The people pictures-both the radiation experts and the ordinary citizenbinclude men and women of various races and nationalities. The continuity of the series is attained by beginning with a reference to the previous topic and by concluding with a suggestion of the next subject. While there are continual advances in the field of radiation, the basic concepts presented in this program would make i t timely for a number of years. The purchase of this series would he warranted for those with a substantial hudget, a large audience, or a program where "The Story of Radiation" would he told often. With a limited hudget, the prospective purchaser might want to look for some less costly presentation of this essential topic.
The: Format:
15 minutes for each part 16 mm film 3/4" U-Matic videocassette 'I2" VHS videocassette 1/2" Beta videocassette Price: $4.000 for the 10-part set (Programs are not sold individually.) Producer: Training Resources 9150 Rumsev Center, Suite &3 Columbia, MD 21045 301-730-2300 "The Story of Radiation" is a ten-part audiovisual program designed to assist the student in gaining a background knowledge of radiation. With this background, the individual will he better equipped to evaluate information about radiation and to mnke b&isions nhout radiation as it affects one personally and soriets as a whole. The subtitles referrina to the topicsof the ten parts are Energy in Motion, Particles &d Waves, Interaction with Matter, Measurement and Detection, Biological Effects, Human Effects, Interpretation of Dose, Risk Vs. Benefit, Safety Precautions, and Issues. "What is It?" (Part l-Energy in Motion) and "Where Is It?" (Part 4Measurement and Detection) will he reviewed in this article. Part 1begins with a discussion of the sun and an overview of the development of the universe,Then the film focuses on nuclear energy and its role in the universe. Person-on-thestreet interviews hiehlieht common misconcentions and incomplete knowledge ah&t radiation. The vital changes produced hv radiation from the sun are oictured. Examples of the various types of radiation are presented. The sources of radiation for the average person will he enlightening for most viewers. I t will he surprising for most that two-thirds of the radiation that each person absorbs is natural background radiation. For decision making i t is valuahle to know that small Dercentaees of radiation are received from medical uses. nuclear testing fallout, industrial uses, and nuclear power plants. "What Is It?" featured mostly outdoor film with some indoor scenes and a small amount of animation. The material discussed was elementary and suitable only for an introduction to the subject. At times the film was slow movina- and contained littl'information. Part 4 presents the purposes and methods for detecting and measuring radiation. Historical photographs and illustrations give the background for the topic. Currently-used radiation survey instruments are demonstrated by scientists and technicians. Those who actually use the detectors give simple explanations of how they work and what information they give. Other procedures and instruments which tell the type of radionuclide are also demonstrated. The procedures hrieflv shown include radiochemical analysis, hioassays, and environmental studies. A nortion of the tape was also devoted to personnel monitoring devices-the various types and how thev work. "The Story of Radiation" is appropriate for the high school student in either a science class or a social studies class. Each part of the series comes with two instructor's guides: one for a science class and the other for an adult group of radiation ~~~
804
Journal of Chemical Education
~~~
~~
S.N.D. SISTERMARYJOANSCHLOTFEWT. La Reina High Schwl Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
Occasionally a hook is published that becomes a standard in everyone's library. Although the hookis not a t+xt,it contains a wealth of information that a classroom teacher cannot do without. One such self-contained reference book that should be on every chemistry classroom shelf is "The Merck Index" whose 14th Edition will appear soon. The Merck Index-An Drugs
Encyclopedia of Chemicals and
Martha Windholz, editor et al., Merck 8 Co.. 1976, 9th Ed.
Rahway. New Jersey.
"The Merck Index," like the equally valuable "Handbook of Chemistry and Physics," is primarily a listing of compounds with information about their physical and chemical properties. However, "The Merck Index" takes a more detailed look at each item (though fewer substances are listed).It contains 9856 monographs on the mast important chemicals, drugs, pesticides, and biologically active substances known. Each monograph begins with a listing of synonyms including common or generic name, trademark (if any), and "Chemical Abstracts" name. While few, if any, high schools subscribeto "Chemical Abstracts," a cooperative area college might provide your students
I
I
This feature will allow for extended coverage which wlll include all instructional aids (8.g.. games,madeb, kits, charts, bwklets, brochures, and. 01 course. the standard audiovisual items>.With the laroe volumeof prm and A-V materia s waslab e and the im led oudgelr of most Chemlslv depanments,thls excmnga offersa valuable sewice. It you are imererted ;in asststing in tho9 process, send your name and address to the feature editor.
~~-~
I
~~
I
