Classroom experiments on atmospheric pressure focus largely on demonstrating its existence, often in a most impressive way. A series of amusing physics demonstrations is widely known and practiced by educators teaching the topic. However, measuring the value of atmospheric pressure(P[subscript atm]) is generally done in a rather mundane way,…

This training manual presents material on the theoretical concepts involved in the methods listed in the Federal Register as approved for determination of trace metals. Emphasis is on laboratory operations. This course is intended for chemists and technicians with little or no experience in analytical methods for trace metals. Students should have…

Presents the idea that cloud chambers can be used by students as an experimental tool enabling them to conduct their own investigations on radiation. Provides detail regarding the construction of a cloud chamber and suggestions for student assignments that involve the cloud chamber. (DDR)

This book is written for people who tend to sit toward the back of the classroom during scientific lectures. It assumes that students remember nothing of what happened in their science classes. The book is divided into seven sections: (1) Magnetism; (2) Bending Light Waves; (3) Bacterial Stories; (4) Light Wave Craziness; (5) Homemade Science; (6)…

This book contains hands-on science laboratory activities for grades 4 through 9 that use discrepant events to challenge students. All of the "puzzlers" are based upon science principles and include directions for building gadgets that explain the "puzzlers." Topics covered include: volume conservation, magnetic phenomena,…

While the new movement in the teaching of physics--the study of the physics of daily life--is the keynote of the recent text-books, yet the laboratory manuals still adhere to the old method, leaving the presentation of material from everyday life to the text-book alone. It is the authors' belief that the manual as well as the text-book should be…

A technique is presented for producing holograms using equipment which is already in the possesion of the majority of college physics departments, which includes a slightly modified Michelson interferometer, a helium-neon laser, and a long focal-length lens. Production of high quality holograms has been achieved by inexperienced undergraduates…

Describes briefly three experiments, which are presented by three physics teachers to share their ideas with other teachers and readers. These experiments are: (1) a simple hazemeter for window pollution assessment; (2) the speed of light; and (3) the ball-bearing electric motor. (HM)

Provides construction details for a simple reflectometer that can be utilized for the observational technique known as reflectance spectroscopy. Includes background discussion, applications, calibrating techniques, and typical results. (JJK)

Developed as part of the Day on the Bay Cruise Program, funded by the National Sea Grant Program, this learner's manual outlines ocean studies conducted on a seven-hour cruise of the Galveston Bay area. A description of the geology and human use of Galveston Bay follows a general introduction to coastal and estuarine ecology. Line drawings…

Shows how a baseball having a built-in clock can be used for measuring ceiling height. Suggests other questions to investigate. (YP)

Provides the electronic circuit schematic for the construction of a green vegetation sensor, the directions for its use, and suggestions for student projects. (JJK)

Presents an experiment to demonstrate Charles's Law of Ideal Gases by creating a constant-pressure thermometer from materials that can be found in the kitchen. Discusses the underlying mathematical relationships and a step-by-step description of the experiment. (MDH)

This laboratory guide for college chemistry students illustrates scientific equipment used in introductory chemistry courses. Common laboratory procedures are diagrammed with the intention of promoting the safe use of equipment. An index is included to facilitate finding the necessary information. (SA)

This document contains 20 devices which can be made by junior high and high school students. The products of these student projects can be employed in the study of the environment and range in topic from the study of biochemical oxygen demand in water to the construction of a back pack. Materials used in each project are generally readily…