Describes an inexpensive spectrum projector that makes high-dispersion, high-efficiency diffraction gratings using a holographic process. Discusses classroom applications such as transmission spectra, absorption spectra, reflection characteristics of materials, color mixing, florescence and phosphorescence, and break up spectral colors. (MDH)

The heat content of a food at a given temperature can be described by the thermodynamic property of enthalpy. Presents a method to construct a simple calorimeter for measuring the enthalpy changes of different foods during freezing. (MDH)

Describes a take-home experiment in which students measure the diffusion of acid through acid-filled capillary tubes immersed into base solutions and vice versa. Students represent and analyze the effects of ambient temperature, molecular weight, and concentrations of the solutions on that movement. (MDH)

Describes Socratic Dialogue Inducing (SDI) laboratory methods and procedures developed to increase conceptual understanding in introductory physics laboratories. Gives an example of a typical beginning SDI lab manual section and a representative Socratic dialogue. Describes several examples of laboratory experiments developed for the SDI method.…

Discusses a research design course in which undergraduates were taught to program microcomputers for the control of experimental tasks. Describes the teaching approach for the three-hour course unit, along with the experimental tasks that were performed. Reports that students ranked the programing of experimental tasks as important as other…

Described are four musical instruments constructed from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe. The use of computerized synthesizers to play scales and chords is discussed. Suggestions for other illustrations of acoustics are included. (CW)

Explains how Darwin's observations and experiments can be used to show the true nature of science and good scientific methods. (PR)

Describes experiments by Thomas A. Knight on geotropism. These experiments took place about 200 years ago and used a centrifuge. (PR)

Describes using the aquatic plant, duckweed, for open-ended investigations and learning about factors important in photosynthesis. (PR)

Outlines the stages of a cell biology "pulse-chase" experiment in which the students apply autoradiography techniques to learn about the concept of the cell cycle. Includes (1) seed germination and plant growth; (2) radioactive labeling and fixation of root tips; (3) feulgen staining of root tips; (4) preparation of autoradiograms; and…

Describes using the common house plant, "Coleus blumei," to illustrate gravitropic effects, phototrophic effects, and hormonal effects in plants. (PR)

The life history of the Chironomus tentans can be observed in easily established and maintained laboratory cultures. Projects for the classroom include observing hydration of an egg mass; embryonic development, hatching and larval feeding; larval activity; and mating activity. (MDH)

Explains how tradebooks can be used in science instruction. Presents lists of tradebooks for teacher use to (1) lower abstraction, (2) develop skills and talents, (3) enhance self-esteem and social skills, and (4) measure mastery through alternative assessment activities. Also presents lists of tradebooks for student use. (PR)

Describes a study that explored the interplay between students' scientific epistemological views (SEVs) and their learning in school laboratory activities. Finds that students having SEVs oriented to constructivist views of science tend to focus more on negotiating the meanings of experiments with their peers than students with SEVs more in line…

Describes a demonstration that recreates the central features of taste aversion (learning to avoid distinctively flavored food or drink paired with gastrointestinal illness) research. Rats are allowed to drink a saccharine flavored solution and then are given an injection of sodium chloride. They associate the unpleasant effects with the solution.…