Plant material can be used for classroom investigations of factors influencing infection. Plant responses to infection can be used as teaching models for animal as well as plant diseases. Three activities are discussed. (Author/CW)

Presents an introduction to the Biochemical and Biomedical Engineering program at Rice University. Describes the development of the academic and enhancement programs, including organizational structure and research project titles. (YP)

Discusses ways to provide good computer laboratory facilities for elementary and secondary schools. Topics discussed include establishing the computer lab and selecting hardware; types of software; physical layout of the room; printers; networking possibilities; considerations relating to the physical environment; and scheduling methods. (LRW)

Describes the New Jersey Chemistry Olympics involving events such as library research, laboratory experimentation, model building, and computer programing. The goals, operational plan, competition events, and evaluation of the Olympics are discussed. (YP)

Discusses a heavy-duty KBr press that will allow undergraduate students to prepare KBr windows in room-temperature conditions. Described are the essential components and the procedures for the KBr window preparation. (YP)

Several modifications that improve upon the assay of photosynthesis are suggested. Described are the apparatus, materials, light intensity and photosynthesis measurements, and results. A table of the average light intensity values versus the screen number and a sketch of the experimental set-up is included. (RT)

Describes a technique for making reflectance measurements of opaque minerals in polished thin sections. Provides a calibration procedure, reflectance values for common opaque minerals, and a graph showing an example calibration curve of minimum shutter speed of opaque minerals versus published reflectance data. (RT)

A field-based exercise which illustrates one aspect of how leaves in multilayered trees take advantage of light microenvironments is presented. Procedures, tree selection and data analysis are discussed. (CW)

Reviews the research regarding the use of laboratories in the teaching of science. Discusses the traditional process skills and adaptations of the learning cycle. Describes the four distinct characteristics of a Guided Inquiry Laboratory. Thirty-seven references are listed. (CW)

Discusses a tutorial slide package for oscilloscope operation. Provides source address and price for obtaining it. (YP)

Discusses magnetic polarity stratigraphy as a tool for correlation of fossiliferous terrestrial deposits. Explains the strengths, weaknesses, limitations, preferred conditions, sampling, laboratory analysis, and applications of this technique. A table of paleomagnetic studies on vertebrate-bearing terrestrial sections arranged by age and locality…

Provides a calendar for the month of November on which are placed directions and pictures for different activities that can be performed each day. Outlines materials and procedures for an experiment. Includes information on an acid rain teachers kit, availability, and price. (RT)

Describes the various stages of instructor-basic writer conferences at a writing laboratory. Stresses the importance of minimizing the teacher's role, and of posing questions as informed readers to stimulate student writing and revision. (MM)

A study of 61 high school biology students found that Interactive Video Disk (IVD) simulation was as effective as actual frog dissection in promoting student learning of frog anatomy and dissection procedures. When used as a preparation for dissection, IVD simulation helped students perform better dissections and learn more from doing dissections.…

The Center for Occupational Research and Development (CORD) developed an applied mathematics course that integrates algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and other strands; centers around hands-on laboratory experiences; and uses real-world problems found in the world of work. (MKR)