The synthesis of 1,4-diphenylbutadiene by means of the Wittig reaction is presented as suitable for organic chemistry students at the end of a basic laboratory program to apply laboratory skills and display understanding of the use of phase transfer catalysis and its application in syntheses. (CS)

An experiment is described in which undergraduate students can optimize the relative yield of sec-butylbenzene by varying molar ratio and temperature. (Author/SA)

An account of a teacher's experience in presenting astronomy to 12 to 15 year olds in a summer science program is presented. Observations of planets, meteors, and the sun are the major projects which are discussed. (SA)

Included is information regarding: student construction of Newton's Discs to demonstrate color and of paper helicopters to encourage inquiry; improvising an apparatus demonstrating pressure between two bubbles; animal behavior experiments involving woodlice; two experiments using electronics freezer spray; chromatography of dyes; leaf keys; an…

Presents a classical demonstration of polarization for high school students. The initial state of this model, which demonstrates the important concepts of the optical and quantum problems, was developed during the 1973 summer program on lecture demonstration at the U.S. Naval Academy. (HM)

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)

A technique is described whereby the center of an irregularly shaped object can be determined. Several activities are suggested that require the use of a piece of cardboard mounted at its center of gravity. (SA)

Activities for exploring the school yard with children are suggested. Emphasis is on development of the senses, studying relationships, and conducting experiments. (SA)

This experiment is designed to acquaint the student with a macromolecular synthesis of a crown ether type compound. The starting materials are readily available and the product, a cyclic polyether, belongs to a class of compounds that has aroused the interest of chemist and biologist alike. (Author/BB)

This undergraduate experiment shows that the inclusion of an appropriate additive can have a very marked effect on the physical properties of a polymer. The polymer used is polypropylene and the additives are 2-hydroxy-4-octyloxy-benzophenone and benzophenone. (BB)

Presents nine selected physics notes which could be used in selected physics courses. Each includes the name of the author and a description of activities suggested. (HM)

Describes a short undergraduate experiment which helps in explaining the concept of entropy and in illustrating the second law of thermodynamics. (GA)

Describes a chemistry word elimination game that can be used to provide an instructive student activity. (BT)

Presents a simple way to introduce Direct Methods program systems to solve phase problems in x-ray crystal structure determination. It is intended for the undergraduate chemistry student laboratory. (Author/SA)

Background information on the structure of flowers is given prior to materials, construction, methods, and uses of the dynamic flower model. Several games are described that can be played with the model. (SA)