Discusses the basic principles of baking soda chemistry including the chemical composition of baking soda, its acid-base properties, the reaction of bicarbonate solution with calcium ions, and a description of some general types of chemical reactions. Includes a science activity that involves removing calcium ions from water. (LZ)

Describes a relatively simple method of extraction and purification of bacterial DNA. This technique permits advanced secondary-level science students to obtain adequate amounts of DNA from very small pellets of bacteria and to observe some of its polymer properties. (ML)

This document provides a laboratory manual for an experiment whose objectives are: (1) measure the constant acceleration of a body; (2) calculate the moment of inertia for various symmetrical shape objects; and (3) use the moment of inertia to solve for the constant acceleration of the body. The paper includes a list of materials needed, theory,…

Reviews two videotapes on motion: (1) "Demonstrations of Physics, Volume 1, Motion" and (2) "Center of Mass Motion." Describes the content, strengths, and weaknesses of each video. (YP)

An exercise that uses a common bacterium, E. coli, in great numbers, to detect a demonstrable change in the ability of some cells to become resistant to the common antibiotic streptomycin is presented. The procedure for preparing and pouring the gradient antibiotic plates is provided. The advantages of using the Basic Fuchsin in the agar are…

This selected collection of How-To-Do-It articles published in the American Biology Teacher during the past six years presents experiments that can be conducted safely under properly trained and responsible teacher supervision. Contents include: (1) "General Biology and the Nature of Science"; (2) "Cells and Molecules"; (3) "Microbes and Fungi";…

This teaching module was developed by the project "Recent Developments in Science and Technology with Applications for Secondary Science Teaching." Premises about students and their learning and generalizations about content are described. Chapters included are: (1) "Introduction"; (2) "Monomers into Polymers"; (3) "Natural Polymers"; (4)…

These guidelines are intended to assist high school psychology teachers in safeguarding the rights and welfare of students and experimental subjects while promoting high-quality instruction. There are three sets of guidelines. The first set deals with the use of animals in school science behavior projects. The major goal of such projects should be…

Describes a simple method for measuring respiration, net photosynthesis, and compensation points of plants in relation to light intensity. Outlines how the method can be used in teaching physiological adaptation. Includes a set of the experiment's results. (ML)

A demonstration related to current transport through a superconductor is presented. The principle of the experiment, procedures for the demonstration, and technical data are provided. (CW)

A room-temperature demonstration of a floating magnet using a high-temperature superconductor is described. The setup and operation of the apparatus are described. The technical details of the effect are discussed. (CW)

Discusses the change in pressure as a balloon expands. Describes the pressure change in a spherical soap bubble and a rubber membrane on the tube. Provides demonstrations when two balloons are connected by a tube. Lists five further reading materials. (YP)

Explores a way of analyzing laboratory activities that can help middle and high school science teachers to match their instructional goals with one of three appropriate types of activities: confirmation, generalization, or resolution. Examples and guiding principles for each kind of activity are given. (Contains 23 references.) (MDH)

A procedure for purifying DNA using either bacteria or rat liver is presented. Directions for doing a qualitative DNA assay using diphenylamine and a quantitative DNA assay using spectroscopy are included. (KR)

Small-scale chemistry employs a modern design philosophy and small, inexpensive plastic apparatus to create a learning laboratory that fosters creativity, invention, and problem solving. This article describes the characteristics of the small-scale activities. A n-solutions chemical reaction matrix is provided with examples of classroom use. (YP)