During the coronavirus pandemic, there have been significant challenges in the remote teaching and demonstration of experiments, especially those that require laboratory testing equipment. With a desire to give students a feel for our materials laboratory on open days and allow them to gain a deeper understanding of what materials science and…

This work presents experiments to teach fundamentals of automation through a sequence of laboratory practices that naturally guide to development of an on/off control system. It focuses on the integration of technological and scientific concepts, based on an educational approach associated with a problem-solving technique.

A lab activity for teaching physics students the fundamentals of statistical analysis during the first few weeks of instruction is described. This activity involves students timing a pulse of light generated by an Arduino device of fixed duration with individual timers (e.g. stopwatch, iPhone timer). To select the most precise timing methods and…

Radiocarbon dating has been central to the construction of archaeological chronologies for over 50 years. The archaeological, scientific and (increasingly) statistical methods for interpreting radiocarbon measurements to produce these chronologies have become ever more sophisticated. The accurate measurement of the radiocarbon content of an…

Describes simple speckle photography experiments which are easy to set up and require only low cost standard laboratory equipment. Included are procedures for taking single, double, and multiple exposures. (JN)

A low-cost procedure for metallizing a silicon p-n junction diode by electroless nickel plating is reported. The procedure demonstrates that expensive salts can be excluded without affecting the results. The experimental procedure, measurement, results, and discussion are included. (Author/KR)

Suggests experiments to help develop understanding of photoconductivity, photometry, and the inverse square law in optics. The design of a simple absorption colorimeter is also described. (DH)

Presents a research project for secondary school students in the fields of archaeophysics (archaeology) and geophysics using gamma spectroscopy. Describes investigations in mineralization and in dating of potsherds. (LS)

Discusses a method for viewing the square of a curve directly. Results are seen immediately and the curve can be manipulated to show, for example, the continuous effect of changing the zero level. The method is useful in studying the effect of squaring a curve or waveform in optics/electronics courses. (JN)

Discusses when alternating and magnetic fields are independent. Provides examples of experiments involving mains hum and the detection of induced signals. Describes electric circuits and oscilloscope displays. (Author/YP)

Describes some experiments for investigating the speed of atomic gas beams and displaying their atomic character. Discusses the experimental apparatus and the time-of-flight method. (YP)

Continues a discussion of magnetic fluids by providing background information on and procedures for conducting several demonstrations. Indicates that, with a little patience and ingenuity, only modest magnetic fields and about 20 ml of low-viscosity, commercial magnetite-water-based magnetic fluid are required. (JN)