Describes an experiment for the measurement of the reflectances of dielectric surface. The experiment is analyzed in terms of the Stokes parameters and the Mueller calculus, and Malus law is derived. The experiment also provides an introduction to the properties of real linear polarizers. (Author/GA)

Describes how astrophysics can be a do-it-yourself project within a school boy's budget and background, by giving detailed instruction on equipment construction. In addition, this article describes many experiments to undertake, with the equipment, such as determining color temperature, star spectra, chemical composition and others. (BR)