"Safety Spotlight" encourages the submission of questions from Technology and Engineering (T&E) Educators, and this month's question involves the risks of placing hazardous equipment (e.g., 3D printer, laser cutter, CNC router, etc.) in a non-technology & engineering lab under the supervision of teachers not certified to teach…

National Science Teachers Association (NSTA), led by a panel of K-12 science teachers, has developed a new position statement, "Responsible Use of Live Animals and Dissection in the Science Classroom." This statement examines the issues surrounding the integration of animals into the K-12 science curriculum and highlights key…

Smaller amounts of materials are used in organic chemistry experiments as a means of improving air quality in the laboratory. Presents a preliminary study of the emissions from selected processes and the mixing of these emissions within the laboratory atmosphere. (JN)

Smaller amounts of materials are used in organic chemistry experiments as a means of improving air quality in the laboratory. Outlines benefits from this approach and describes two representative experiments in detail. These experiments are the Cannizzaro reaction and preparation of an aromatic nitrile. (JN)

This article focuses on the changes made in the undergraduate laboratory program of the first degree course in chemical engineering at the University of Bath (England). Describes experiments relating to the Engineering Applications 1 (EA1) requirements set by the Engineering Council. (YP)

Explains a scheme for grading student performance which stresses skills, technique, decision making, and notebook entries. Describes grading system and potential pitfalls. (RT)

Chromium(VI) compounds are classified as oxidizers and must be specially packaged and transported for disposal while Cr(III) compounds are considered nonoxidizers. A process which reduces Cr(VI) to Cr(III) by adding sodium metabisulfite followed by neutralization with magnesium hydroxide is explored. (MVL)

This paper reports on the success of a laboratory teaching technique for teaching undergraduate chemistry. Discussed are the premises of the approach, and the use of the computer, the explorations, and the seminar which are included in the course. (CW)

Discussed are various ways that microcomputers can be interfaced to laboratory equipment to control laboratory applications. A general overview is given including advantages and disadvantages of different interfaces. Different software tools currently available are examined. (CW)

Provided is a model to depict how the development of process skills can be systematically achieved and in turn determine the students' achievement in science practicals. Modified laboratory instruction is compared with conventional laboratory instruction. The results of field testing on 164 ninth grade subjects are described. (MVL)

Discusses a survey of selected undergraduate chemistry laboratory courses. Topics include: who preps the experiment; degree of faculty involvement; instructional loads; types of directions used; satisfaction with materials used; techniques taught; computer use; rating the laboratory; and a self rating. Provides data for each topic. (MVL)

Describes modifications and procedures needed for parasitic lampreys to be kept in a closed system. Presents information dealing with obtaining the organisms, tank modifications, temperature, feeding, disease prevention, and animal welfare. A discussion is included. (RT)

Explains uses of computer hardware when it's no longer needed to teach computer literacy. Describes a mini-lab pilot project which consists of several computers mounted on carts used similarly as audiovisual equipment. Lists advantages, disadvantages, and percentages of time used for instruction, interfacing, word processing, graphing, and…

Explains the use of the microcomputer as a multipurpose analytical instrument which frees students from the mechanics of science and allows for more active learning involvement. Provides the typical data acquisition configuration, advantages, disadvantages, and a brief summary. (RT)

The Prime Minister's Committee on Natural Science in Education in Great Britain reported in 1918 that "...in many schools more time is spent in laboratory work than the results obtained can justify." Seventy years later this conclusion can often still be drawn. This is particularly a problem in open distance education where laboratory practicals,…