Sample records for berkelium
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METHOD FOR THE RECOVERY AND PURIFICATION OF BERKELIUM
Hulet, E.K.
1959-10-20
A solvent extraction process is described for the separation of berkelium from a mixture of elements in the lanthanum and actinium series of the periodic table. In particular, the mixture of elements is dissolved in 1.0N nitric acid, and the resulting solution is extracted with n-tributyl phosphate containlng a stoichiometric excess of solid sodium bismuthate. The berkelium present in the nitric acid solution is oxidized to the IV oxidation state and is preferentially- extracted into the n-tributyl phosphate. The organic phase, containing berkelium in an oxidized state, is extracted with 0.1N hydrochloric acid solution containing a small quantity- of a reducing agent such as yvdrazine hydrochloride. The berkelium is reduced to the III oxidation state and is extracted into the aqueous phase. The berkelium is then recovered from the aqueous phase.
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Chemistry of berkelium: A review
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Hobart, D. E.; Peterson, J. R.
Element 97 was first produced in December 1949, by the bombardment of americium-241 with accelerated alpha particles. This new element was named berkelium (Bk) after Berkeley, California, the city of its discovery. In the 36 years since the discovery of Bk, a substantial amount of knowledge concerning the physicochemical properties of this relatively scarce transplutonium element was acquired. All of the Bk isotopes of mass numbers 240 and 242 through 251 are presently known, but only berkelium-249 is available in sufficient quantities for bulk chemical studies. About 0.7 gram of this isotope was isolated at the HFIR/TRU Complex in Oak Ridge, Tennessee in the last 18 years. Over the same time period, the scale of experimental work using berkelium-249 has increased from the tracer level to bulk studies at the microgram level to solution and solid state investigations with milligram quantities. Extended knowledge of the physicochemical behavior of berkelium is important in its own right, because Bk is the first member of the second half of the actinide series. In addition, such information should enable more accurate extrapolations to the predicted behavior of heavier elements for which experimental studies are severely limited by lack of material and/or by intense radioactivity.
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The New Element Berkelium (Atomic Number 97)
DOE R&D Accomplishments Database
Seaborg, G. T.; Thompson, S. G.; Ghiorso, A.
1950-04-26
An isotope of the element with atomic number 97 has been discovered as a product of the helium-ion bombardment of americium. The name berkelium, symbol Bk, is proposed for element 97. The chemical separation of element 97 from the target material and other reaction products was made by combinations of precipitation and ion exchange adsorption methods making use of its anticipated (III) and (IV) oxidation states and its position as a member of the actinide transition series. The distinctive chemical properties made use of in its separation and the equally distinctive decay properties of the particular isotope constitute the principal evidence for the new element.
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Trabesinger, Andreas
2017-09-01
The first new element produced after the Second World War has led a rather peaceful life since entering the period table -- until it became the target of those producing superheavy elements, as Andreas Trabesinger describes.
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Chelation and stabilization of berkelium in oxidation state +IV
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Deblonde, Gauthier J. -P.; Sturzbecher-Hoehne, Manuel; Rupert, Peter B.
Berkelium (Bk) has been predicted to be the only transplutonium element able to exhibit both +III and +IV oxidation states in solution, but evidence of a stable oxidized Bk chelate has so far remained elusive. Here, in this work, we describe the stabilization of the heaviest 4+ ion of the periodic table, under mild aqueous conditions, using a siderophore derivative. The resulting Bk(IV) complex exhibits luminescence via sensitization through an intramolecular antenna effect. This neutral Bk(IV) coordination compound is not sequestered by the protein siderocalin - a mammalian metal transporter - in contrast to the negatively charged species obtained withmore » neighbouring trivalent actinides americium, curium and californium (Cf). The corresponding Cf(III)-ligand-protein ternary adduct was characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis. Finally, combined with theoretical predictions, these data add significant insight to the field of transplutonium chemistry, and may lead to innovative Bk separation and purification processes.« less
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Chelation and stabilization of berkelium in oxidation state +IV
Deblonde, Gauthier J. -P.; Sturzbecher-Hoehne, Manuel; Rupert, Peter B.; ...
2017-04-10
Berkelium (Bk) has been predicted to be the only transplutonium element able to exhibit both +III and +IV oxidation states in solution, but evidence of a stable oxidized Bk chelate has so far remained elusive. Here, in this work, we describe the stabilization of the heaviest 4+ ion of the periodic table, under mild aqueous conditions, using a siderophore derivative. The resulting Bk(IV) complex exhibits luminescence via sensitization through an intramolecular antenna effect. This neutral Bk(IV) coordination compound is not sequestered by the protein siderocalin - a mammalian metal transporter - in contrast to the negatively charged species obtained withmore » neighbouring trivalent actinides americium, curium and californium (Cf). The corresponding Cf(III)-ligand-protein ternary adduct was characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis. Finally, combined with theoretical predictions, these data add significant insight to the field of transplutonium chemistry, and may lead to innovative Bk separation and purification processes.« less
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Directed evolution of the periodic table: probing the electronic structure of late actinides.
Marsh, M L; Albrecht-Schmitt, T E
2017-07-25
Recent investigations of the coordination chemistry and physical properties of berkelium (Z = 97) and californium (Z = 98) have revealed fundamental differences between post-curium elements and lighter members of the actinide series. This review highlights these developments and chronicles key findings and concepts from the last half-century that have helped usher in a new understanding of the evolution of electronic structure in the periodic table.
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BAG PASSOUT SEALER FOR WATER-SHIELDED CAVE FACILITY (Engineering Materials)
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
None
1963-10-31
The water-shielded cave facility is used in processing irradiated slugs for recovery of americium, curium, berkelium, californium, einsteinium, and fermium. The remotely operated, plastic-bag passout sealer is used in removing isotopic fractions for storage in the rear or for removing radioactive waste for placement in the waste storage containers. The unit is accessible by both the primary inclosure master-slaves and the service area master-slaves. (F.L.S.)
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Haire, Richard G.
The discovery of californium came in the era of the syntheses and identifications of other transplutonium elements, following the end of World War II. The discovery of the element californium, like many of the other actinide elements, hinged on the development of new experimental techniques in conjunction with predictions based on nuclear systematics. Californium was named after the University and State of California where many of the transuranium elements were first identified. This element was discovered by Thompson, Street, Ghiorso, and Seaborg (Hyde et al., 1971; Seaborg and Loveland, 1990) in February, 1950. The discovery of californium came only 2 months after the preparation and identification of the first isotope of berkelium, element 97 (see Chapter 10). An account of the discovery and reminiscences about the early work on californium has been given by Ghiorso (1983).
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Characterization of a Viking Blade Fabricated by Traditional Forging Techniques
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Vo, H.; Frazer, D.; Bailey, N.; Traylor, R.; Austin, J.; Pringle, J.; Bickel, J.; Connick, R.; Connick, W.; Hosemann, P.
2016-12-01
A team of students from the University of California, Berkeley, participated in a blade-smithing competition hosted by the Minerals, Metals, and Materials Society at the TMS 2015 144th annual meeting and exhibition. Motivated by ancient forging methods, the UC Berkeley team chose to fabricate our blade from historical smithing techniques utilizing naturally-occurring deposits of iron ore. This approach resulted in receiving the "Best Example of a Traditional Blade Process/Ore Smelting Technique" award for our blade named "Berkelium." First, iron-enriched sand was collected from local beaches. Magnetite (Fe3O4) was then extracted from the sand and smelted into individual high- and low-carbon steel ingots. Layers of high- and low-carbon steels were forge-welded together, predominantly by hand, to form a composite material. Optical microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, and Vickers hardness mechanical testing were conducted at different stages throughout the blade-making process to evaluate the microstructure and hardness evolution during formation. It was found that the pre-heat-treated blade microstructure was composed of ferrite and pearlite, and contained many nonmetallic inclusions. A final heat treatment was performed, which caused the average hardness of the blade edge to increase by more than a factor of two, indicating a martensitic transformation.
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Dau, Phuong D; Vasiliu, Monica; Peterson, Kirk A; Dixon, David A; Gibson, John K
2017-12-06
Actinyl chemistry is extended beyond Cm to BkO 2 + and CfO 2 + through transfer of an O atom from NO 2 to BkO + or CfO + , establishing a surprisingly high lower limit of 73 kcal mol -1 for the dissociation energies, D[O-(BkO + )] and D[O-(CfO + )]. CCSD(T) computations are in accord with the observed reactions, and characterize the newly observed dioxide ions as linear pentavalent actinyls; these being the first Bk and Cf species with oxidation states above IV. Computations of actinide dioxide cations AnO 2 + for An=Pa to Lr reveal an unexpected minimum for D[O-(CmO + )]. For CmO 2 + , and AnO 2 + beyond EsO 2 + , the most stable structure has side-on bonded η 2 -(O 2 ), as An III peroxides for An=Cm and Lr, and as An II superoxides for An=Fm, Md, and No. It is predicted that the most stable structure of EsO 2 + is linear [O=Es V =O] + , einsteinyl, and that FmO 2 + and MdO 2 + , like CmO 2 + , also have actinyl(V) structures as local energy minima. The results expand actinide oxidation state chemistry, the realm of the distinctive actinyl moiety, and the non-periodic character towards the end of the periodic table. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.
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Electronic Structure of Actinides under Pressure
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Johansson, Borje
2006-03-01
The series of heavy radioactive elements known as the actinides all have similar elemental properties. However, when the volume per atom in the condensed phase is illustrated as a function of atomic number, perhaps the most dramatic anomaly in the periodic table becomes apparent. The atomic volume of americium is almost 50% larger than it is for the preceding element plutonium. For the element after americium, curium, the atomic volume is very close to that of americium. The same holds also for the next elements berkelium and californium. Accordingly from americium and onwards the actinides behave very similar to the corresponding rare-earth elements - a second lanthanide series of metallic elements can be identified. This view is strongly supported by the fact that all these elements adopt the dhcp structure, a structure typical for the lanthanides. The reason for this behavior is found in the behavior of the 5f electrons. For the earlier actinides, up to and including plutonium, the 5f electrons form metallic states and contribute most significantly to the bonding. In Np and Pu they even dominate the bonding, while all of a sudden they become localized in Am, very much like the 4f electrons in the lanthanide series, and contribute no longer to the cohesion. This withdrawal of 5f bonding gives rise to the large volume expansion between plutonium and americium. This difference between the light and heavy actinide suggests that it would be most worthwhile to strongly compress the transplutonium elements, thereby forcing the individual 5f electron wave functions into strong contact with each other (overlap). Recently high pressure experiments have been performed for americium and curium and dramatic crystal structure changes have been observed. These results and other high pressure data will be discussed in relation to the basic electronic structure of these elements.
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Electronic Structure and Properties of Berkelium Iodates.
Silver, Mark A; Cary, Samantha K; Garza, Alejandro J; Baumbach, Ryan E; Arico, Alexandra A; Galmin, Gregory A; Chen, Kuan-Wen; Johnson, Jason A; Wang, Jamie C; Clark, Ronald J; Chemey, Alexander; Eaton, Teresa M; Marsh, Matthew L; Seidler, Kevin; Galley, Shane S; van de Burgt, Lambertus; Gray, Ashley L; Hobart, David E; Hanson, Kenneth; Van Cleve, Shelley M; Gendron, Frédéric; Autschbach, Jochen; Scuseria, Gustavo E; Maron, Laurent; Speldrich, Manfred; Kögerler, Paul; Celis-Barros, Cristian; Páez-Hernández, Dayán; Arratia-Pérez, Ramiro; Ruf, Michael; Albrecht-Schmitt, Thomas E
2017-09-27
The reaction of 249 Bk(OH) 4 with iodate under hydrothermal conditions results in the formation of Bk(IO 3 ) 3 as the major product with trace amounts of Bk(IO 3 ) 4 also crystallizing from the reaction mixture. The structure of Bk(IO 3 ) 3 consists of nine-coordinate Bk III cations that are bridged by iodate anions to yield layers that are isomorphous with those found for Am III , Cf III , and with lanthanides that possess similar ionic radii. Bk(IO 3 ) 4 was expected to adopt the same structure as M(IO 3 ) 4 (M = Ce, Np, Pu), but instead parallels the structural chemistry of the smaller Zr IV cation. Bk III -O and Bk IV -O bond lengths are shorter than anticipated and provide further support for a postcurium break in the actinide series. Photoluminescence and absorption spectra collected from single crystals of Bk(IO 3 ) 4 show evidence for doping with Bk III in these crystals. In addition to luminescence from Bk III in the Bk(IO 3 ) 4 crystals, a broad-band absorption feature is initially present that is similar to features observed in systems with intervalence charge transfer. However, the high-specific activity of 249 Bk (t 1/2 = 320 d) causes oxidation of Bk III and only Bk IV is present after a few days with concomitant loss of both the Bk III luminescence and the broadband feature. The electronic structure of Bk(IO 3 ) 3 and Bk(IO 3 ) 4 were examined using a range of computational methods that include density functional theory both on clusters and on periodic structures, relativistic ab initio wave function calculations that incorporate spin-orbit coupling (CASSCF), and by a full-model Hamiltonian with spin-orbit coupling and Slater-Condon parameters (CONDON). Some of these methods provide evidence for an asymmetric ground state present in Bk IV that does not strictly adhere to Russel-Saunders coupling and Hund's Rule even though it possesses a half-filled 5f 7 shell. Multiple factors contribute to the asymmetry that include 5f electrons being present in microstates that are not solely spin up, spin-orbit coupling induced mixing of low-lying excited states with the ground state, and covalency in the Bk IV -O bonds that distributes the 5f electrons onto the ligands. These factors are absent or diminished in other f 7 ions such as Gd III or Cm III .
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The discovery of plutonium reorganized the periodic table and aided the discovery of new elements
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Clark, David L
2009-01-01
The modern Periodic Table derives principally from the work of the great Russian scientist Dimitri Mendeleev, who in 1869 enunciated a 'periodic law' that the properties of the elements are a periodic function of their atomic weights, and arranged the 65 known elements in a 'periodic table'. Fundamentally, every column in the main body of the Periodic Table is a grouping of elements that display similar chemical and physical behavior. Similar properties are therefore exhibited by elements with widely different mass. Chemical periodicity is central to the study of chemistry, and no other generalization comes close to its ability tomore » systematize and rationalize known chemical facts. With the development of atomic theory, and an understanding of the electronic structure of atoms, chemical periodicity and the periodic table now find their natural explanation in the electronic structure of atoms. Moving from left to right along any row, the elements are arranged sequentially according to nuclear charge (the atomic number). Electrons counter balance that nuclear charge, hence each successive element has one more electron in its configuration. The electron configuration, or distribution of electrons among atomic orbitals, may be determined by application of the Pauli principle (paired spin in the same orbital) and the aufbau principle (which outlines the order of filling of electrons into shells of orbitals - s, p, d, f, etc.) such that in a given atom, no two electrons may have all four quantum numbers identical. In 1939, only three elements were known to be heavier than actinium: thorium, protactinium, and uranium. All three exhibited variable oxidation states and a complex chemistry. Thorium, protactinium and uranium were assumed to be d-transition metals and were placed in the Periodic Table under hafnium, tantalum, and tungsten, respectively. By 1940, McMillan and Abelson bombarded uranium atoms with slow neutrons and successfully identified atoms of element 93, which they named neptunium after the planet Neptune. This rapidly set the stage for the discovery of the next succeeding element, plutonium (Seaborg, McMillan, Kennedy, and Wahl, 1940), named after the next planet away from the Sun, Pluto. The newly discovered elements were presumed to fit comfortably in the Periodic Table under rhenium and osmium, respectively. However, subsequent tracer chemical experiments showed that neptunium and plutonium were closer in their chemical properties to uranium than their presumed homologues, rhenium and osmium. Spectroscopic evidence also indicated that the new elements were not typical transition elements, but had f-electrons in their valence shell. Thus, several researchers, including McMillan and Wahl, and Zachariasen at Los Alamos, suggested that these elements might be part of a second inner-transition series in which the 5f-electron subshell was being filled. It was not clear, however, where the new series would begin. McMillian had proposed a 'uraninide series' that started with neptunium, but attempts to isolate elements with atomic numbers 95 and 96 based on assumed similarities to uranium were unsuccessful. Both Wahl and Zacharias en had proposed a thoride series that started with protactinium. In 1944, Seaborg proposed that the series started with thorium, and that all of the elements heavier than actinium constituted an 'actinide' series similar to the lanthanides. Because the 5f-shell began filling in the same relative position as the 4f-shell, the electronic configuration of elements in the two series would be similar. Guided by the hypothesis that elements 95 and 96 were homologues of europium and gadolinium, new experiments were designed and the elements were uniquely synthesized and separated from all others. The new elements were subsequently named americium and curium. Seaborg's 'Actinide Concept' thus played a major role in the discovery of the transplutonium elements. It provided the framework that supported synthesis, isolation, and identification of the succeeding actinide elements berkelium through lawrencium and beyond to the element with Atomic Number 118. But as research has progressed in the study of the actinide elements, it has become clear that the 5f series has a unique chemistry that is distinct from the lanthanides. One of the focal points of study in actinide research has been to better define the scope and limitations of the actinide concept. Seaborg's actinide concept of heavy element electronic structure, prediction that the actinides form a transition series analogous to the rare earth series of lanthanide elements, is now well accepted in the scientific community and included in all standard configurations of the Periodic Table.« less
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2010 Neutron Review: ORNL Neutron Sciences Progress Report
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Bardoel, Agatha A; Counce, Deborah M; Ekkebus, Allen E
2011-06-01
During 2010, the Neutron Sciences Directorate focused on producing world-class science, while supporting the needs of the scientific community. As the instrument, sample environment, and data analysis tools at High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR ) and Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) have grown over the last year, so has promising neutron scattering research. This was an exciting year in science, technology, and operations. Some topics discussed are: (1) HFIR and SNS Experiments Take Gordon Battelle Awards for Scientific Discovery - Battelle Memorial Institute presented the inaugural Gordon Battelle Prizes for scientific discovery and technology impact in 2010. Battelle awards the prizesmore » to recognize the most significant advancements at national laboratories that it manages or co-manages. (2) Discovery of Element 117 - As part of an international team of scientists from Russia and the United States, HFIR staff played a pivotal role in the discovery by generating the berkelium used to produce the new element. A total of six atoms of ''ununseptium'' were detected in a two-year campaign employing HFIR and the Radiochemical Engineering Development Center at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and the heavy-ion accelerator capabilities at the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research in Dubna, Russia. The discovery of the new element expands the understanding of the properties of nuclei at extreme numbers of protons and neutrons. The production of a new element and observation of 11 new heaviest isotopes demonstrate the increased stability of super-heavy elements with increasing neutron numbers and provide the strongest evidence to date for the existence of an island of enhanced stability for super-heavy elements. (3) Studies of Iron-Based High-Temperature Superconductors - ORNL applied its distinctive capabilities in neutron scattering, chemistry, physics, and computation to detailed studies of the magnetic excitations of iron-based superconductors (iron pnictides and chalcogenides), a class of materials discovered in 2008. This research is yielding new insights into the relationship between magnetism and superconductivity and has established several key features of this family of high-temperature superconducting (HTS ) materials: the maximum magnetic field at which they can function, the nature of the electrons involved in the superconductivity, the dependence of the properties upon chemical substitution, and the character of the magnetic fluctuations in the material. The results suggest that despite important differences between these materials and the HTS copper oxides, a universal mechanism may be responsible for the unconventional superconductivity. (4) Coal Sequestration Research: A New Home for Greenhouse Gases - One possibility for slowing down the increasing levels of carbon dioxide (CO{sub 2}) in the atmosphere is to capture the gas in natural underground features such as coal seams. Critical to the feasibility of this technology is determining how much CO{sub 2} can be stored, no method for which has been found - until now. (5) Accelerator Reliability Passes 92% - In December 2010, SNS set a new record for itself when the accelerator ran at 1 MW with 100% reliability. Target Performance Exceeds All Expectations - The mercury target used at SNS is the first of its kind. During the design and planning for SNS, many people were skeptical that the target would work. In 2010, it was confirmed that the target was working not only well but much better than anyone would have imagined. (6) Changing the World of Data Acquisition - Researchers at SNS are starting to benefit from event-based data analysis. Event data mode captures and stores an individual data set for every single neutron that strikes a detector - precisely when and where the neutron is detected. This technique provides numerous advantages over traditional methods. Event data mode allows researchers to process their data at the highest resolution possible with no loss of data. This method of data collection provides a much more efficient way for users to gather data and get the most from their beam time. (7) New Laboratories for Users - The HFIR and SNS user communities continue to grow dramatically. In 2010, HFIR hosted 862 users and SNS 796, outpacing projections for both facilities. To meet the needs of those users, a new complex of 13 laboratories is now open for users at SNS. (8) Innovative Detectors Provide Relief from Helium-3 Shortage - Helium-3 ({sup 3}He) has been the gas of choice for gaseous detectors since the early days of neutron science. About two years ago, detector scientists worldwide faced the reality that stockpiles of {sup 3}He are dwindling rapidly, while demand for it has risen by a factor of five. The Neutron Sciences Detectors Group has developed two new types of detectors that don't rely on {sup 3}He: the Anger camera and the wavelength shifting fiber neutron detector, both of which use lithium ({sup 6}Li).« less
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Especially for High School Teachers
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Howell, J. Emory
2000-01-01
Ideas and Resources in This Issue This issue contains a broad spectrum of topics of potential interest to high school teachers, including chemical safety, history, demonstrations, laboratory activities, electrochemistry, small group learning, and instructional software. In his report on articles published recently in The Science Teacher, Steve Long includes annotated references from that journal, and also from JCE, that provide timely and practical information (pp 21-22). The chemical significance of several anniversaries that will occur in the year 2000 are discussed in an article by Paul Schatz (pp 11-14). Scientists and inventors mentioned include Dumas, Wöhler, Goodyear, Joliot-Curie, Krebs, Pauli, Kjeldahl, and Haworth. Several discoveries are also discussed, including development of the voltaic pile, the use of chlorine to purify water, and the discovery of element 97, berkelium. This is the fourth consecutive year that Schatz has written an anniversaries article (1-3). Although most readers probably do not plan to be teaching in the years 2097-3000, these articles can make a nice addition to your file of readily available historical information for use now in meeting NSES Content Standard G (4). In contrast to the short historical summaries, an in-depth account of the work of Herman Boerhaave is provided by Trinity School (NY) teacher Damon Diemente. You cannot recall having heard of Boerhaave? Diemente explains in detail how Boerhaave's scientific observations, imperfect though they were, contributed significantly to the understanding of temperature and heat by scientists who followed him. Chemical demonstrations attract the interest of most of us, and Kathy Thorsen discusses several that appeared in Chem 13 News during the past year (pp 18-20). Included are demonstrations relating to LeChâtelier's principle, electronegativity, and the synthesis and reactions of carbon monoxide. Ideas for investigating the hydrophobic nature of Magic Sand are given in JCE Classroom Activity #23 (pp 40A-40B) and in an article by Robert Goldsmith (p 41). The 1999 Nobel Prize in chemistry and the research that led to the awards are discussed in an article beginning on p 14. An account of the 1998 winners appeared in last January's issue (5), providing the basis for another convenient resource file. Water droplets on a surface of Magic Sand. For many students electrochemistry is among the least favorite of the topics included in first- or second-year high school chemistry - despite the many interesting applications that students encounter every day. There are many reasons why students find the topic difficult, but misconceptions about current flow seem to present the largest obstacle to developing a conceptual understanding of electrochemical processes. Two university faculty members and a high school teacher, Huddle, White, and Rogers, have developed a teaching model to help students confront and overcome their misconceptions (pp 104-110). They have conducted studies of the impact of the model's use on student learning in both high school and introductory college chemistry courses. Particularly encouraging were the learning gains made by students with weak academic backgrounds. An action research project focused on student perspectives of small-group learning is described by Towns, Kreke, and Fields (pp 111-119). Although the project involved upper-division undergraduate university students, action research can be useful to any chemistry teacher who wishes to systematically examine and improve instructional methods and strategies. This article may be especially interesting to readers who frequently employ small-group learning techniques in their classroom. Advances in the technology of multimedia delivery are having an impact on the format in which new JCE Software releases are available. In particular, CD-ROM and Internet browsers are becoming increasingly important as the medium and method of access respectively. To better understand what is available for use in your classroom, read the article by Jon Holmes and Nancy Gettys (pp 135-136). Congratulations to Winners of ACS Regional Awards The winners of the 1999 regional awards in high school chemistry teaching are listed on page 26. Our congratulations go to each of these individuals who, as stated in the announcement, have "demonstrated excellence in teaching, exceptional ability to challenge and inspire students, extracurricular work, and willingness to keep up-to-date in the field". Additional information about the awards and the nomination process through which the regional awards and the national James Bryant Conant Award are selected can be found at http://www.acs.org/awards. High School Day Program at San Francisco in March If you live in the San Francisco Bay Area be sure to circle Monday, March 27, on your calendar now. Carolyn Abbott and her organizing committee have planned a full day of interesting activities. The full schedule of the day's activities will be published in the March issue of JCE. Literature Cited
- Schatz, P. F. J. Chem. Educ. 1997, 74, 12.
- Schatz, P. F. J. Chem. Educ. 1998, 75, 23-25.
- Schatz, P. F. J. Chem. Educ. 1999, 76, 8-11.
- National Science Education Standards, National Academy Press: Washington DC, 1996; pp 200-204.
- Miller, J. J. Chem. Educ. 1999, 76, 12.