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)

Presents evidence which indicates that standard sodium chloride and zinc chloride solutions should not be stored in polyethylene containers. (GS)

Described are some new uses and procedures of titration procedures. Topics included are titration in non-aqueous solvents, thermometric titration and catalytic methods for end-point detection, titration finish in organic elemental analysis, and sub-micro analysis and automatic titration procedures. (CS)

Use in research, natural history, behavior and characteristics, care and maintenance, breeding, and classroom use of the Mongolian gerbil are discussed. (BB)

This booklet outlines general safety procedures in the areas of: (1) student supervision; (2) storage safety regulations, including lists of incompatible chemicals, techniques of disposal and storage; (3) fire; and (4) first aid. Specific sections exist for elementary, junior high school, senior high school, in which special procedures are…

This series of experiments seeks to provide laboratory exercises which demonstrate concepts in Earth Science, particularly oceanology. Materials used in the experiments are easily obtainable. Examples of experiments include: (1) comparison of water hardness; (2) preparation of fresh water from sea water; (3) determination of water pressure; (4)…

Includes methods for determining melting and boiling points, illustrating the Finkelstein reaction, choosing acid-base indicators, growing perfect NaC1 cubes and "whiskers," bromination of alkenes, using vanadium in the laboratory, preparing phenylamine-copper (II) sulfate (VI) complex, simulating first-order chemical kinetics on a programmable…

Includes methods for demonstrating Schlieren effect, measuring refractive index, measuring acceleration, presenting concepts of optics, automatically recording weather, constructing apparaturs for sound experiments, using thermistor thermometers, using the 741 operational amplifier in analog computing, measuring inductance, electronically ringing…

Includes methods for using harmonographs in demonstrating motion of pendulums, constructing an electrostatic "bell," inverting mirror images, demonstrating the corrosion rate of steel, demonstrating expansion, studying rate of reaction between magnesium and hydrochloric acid, using matchboxes in science for containers, problem boxes, building…

Described is the life cycle of the cellular slime molds Acrasiales. Experiments that can be used to explore the aggregation, migration, and culmination activities of the organism are suggested. Laboratory procedures for culturing these slime molds and listings of biological supply houses and literature references are also given. (MA)