Laboratories are an indispensable part of the fundamental sciences. Laboratories are important learning environments that enable students to relate events to daily life as well as being places where theoretical knowledge is implemented. The present study investigated the knowledge and usage level of preservice biology teachers regarding lab…

Developments in analytical chemistry were made using acoustically levitated small volumes of liquid to study enzyme reaction kinetics and by detecting volatile organic compounds in the gas phase using single-walled carbon nanotubes. Experience gained in engineering, electronics, automation, and software development from the design and…

Provides additional recommendations as the Health and Safety at Work Act of 1974 applies to the storage of flammable liquids, provision of safety equipment, responsibility for technicians and faulty apparatus. (GS)

Examines the controversy surrounding the validity and interpretation of electron microscope images. (DS)

Reports new equipment, techniques, or materials of interest to teachers of physics. (Editor/CP)

Describes a means of collecting evolved gases which overcomes the usual disadvantages experienced in covering the electrodes with test tubes full of electrolyte solution. (GS)

The design and use of an inexpensive thermistor thermometer is described. In addition to providing a rugged thermometer, using the instruments offers an opportunity to have students become familiar with new principles and techniques, such as principles of thermistors, the Wheatstone bridge, and the concept of calibration. (JN)

Background information, procedures, and results are provided for an experiment in which students: (1) construct an immobilized penicillinase electrode; (2) evaluate electron response as a function of penicillin concentration; and (3) study effects of solvent compositions, ionic strength, and equilibrium time upon electrode response. (JN)

Reviews trends in liquid chromatography including apparatus, factors affecting efficient separation of a mixture (peak sharpness and speed), simplified problem-solving, adsorption, bonded phase chromatography, ion selectivity, and size exclusion. The current trend is to control chemical selectivity by the liquid phase. (Author/JN)

Use of gradient elution techniques in high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) is often essential for direct separation of complex mixtures. Since most commercial controllers have features that are of marginal value for instructional purposes, a low-cost controller capable of illustrating essential features of gradient elution was developed.…

Describes an inexpensive means for determining proximate analysis of coal, and by use of this data, its energy content. Pyrite content is also obtained by utilizing magnetic properties of iron. The simple device used makes the experiment suitable for the undergraduate laboratory. (Author/JN)

Suggested specifications for microscopes for various applications are given. A discussion of the ways of meeting these specifications in practice is illustrated by current models from British and foreign manufacturers. (BB)