In this work, we described an image processing procedure for the measurement of surface tension of the air-liquid interface using isothermal capillary action. The experiment, designed for an undergraduate course, is based on the analysis of a series of solutions with diverse surfactant concentrations at different ionic strengths. The objective of…

In this practice-based lab, students are provided with four Olympic athlete profiles and simulated blood and urine samples to test for illegal substances and blood-doping practices. Throughout the course of the lab, students design and conduct a testing procedure and use their results to determine which athletes won their medals fairly. All of the…

Many biology educators at the undergraduate level are revamping their laboratory curricula to incorporate inquiry-based research experiences so that students can directly participate in the process of science and improve their scientific reasoning skills. Slugs are an ideal organism for use in such a student-directed, hypothesis-driven experience.…

To involve students in thinking about the problem of AIDS (which is important in the view of nondecreasing infection rates), we established a practical lab using a simplified adaptation of Thomas's (2004) method to determine the polymorphism of HIV co-receptor CCR5 from students' own epithelial cells. CCR5 is a receptor involved in inflammatory…

This section presents new ideas with regard to apparatus for teaching physics. The following four ideas are presented: (1) measuring speed of light (2) a poor man's barometer, (3) center of mass of a rotating object, and (4) minimizing glass breakage. (HM)

Recommendations are made for handling and growth of Beneckea natriegens, a rapidly growing, nonpathogenic marine bacterium which can be used with advantage to replace Escherichia coli in many undergraduate microbiology experiments. Examples of experiments and the potential value of this organism as a subject for student research projects are…

Presents three ideas to help hold costs down in purchasing and using science equipment. These include (1) use of pencils and other graphite rods as sensors in potentiometric titrations, (2) rubber bulb modification for pipetting, and (3) a heater for a glassware bath. (JM)

Describes some experiments showing both qualitatively and quantitatively that aerodynamic lift is a reaction force. Demonstrates reaction forces caused by the acceleration of an airstream and the deflection of an airstream. Provides pictures of demonstration apparatus and mathematical expressions. (YP)

Explains the lifting force based on Bernoulli's law and as a reaction force. Discusses the interrelation of both explanations. Considers accelerations in line with stream lines and perpendicular to stream lines. (YP)

The Moire pattern is the shimmering pattern which looks like an odd interference pattern in window screens or folds of nylon shower curtain. Illustrates some of the ways the effect may be used, including demonstration of wave interference, detection of small displacement, persistence of vision, contour measurement, beats, and optical clearness.…

Describes ways to use nomographs, including solving equations for equivalent resistance of a parallel circuit, focal length of a thin lens, parallel combinations of standard resistance, average speed, refraction problem, and height of a vertically projected object. (YP)

A procedure is described for providing preparations of dividing cells from root apical meristems, requiring only inexpensive equipment and minimal experimental skill, and using 8-Hydroxyquinoline and Toluidene-blue as a chromosome stain. The method has been sucessfully tested in schools and yields permanent preparations of adequate quality for…

Discusses the change in pressure as a balloon expands. Describes the pressure change in a spherical soap bubble and a rubber membrane on the tube. Provides demonstrations when two balloons are connected by a tube. Lists five further reading materials. (YP)

Discusses a group project for a physics laboratory using various pendulums. Presents diagrams of pendulums, describes how to make a pendulum, and provides suggestions for guiding students in the laboratory. (YP)

Presents two demonstrations: heatwave focusing by concave reflectors and wave speed on a string. Describes the apparatus, and procedures for the demonstrations. (YP)