Focuses on three habits associated with personal values and attitudes, and one habit associated with social skills of doing science. Illustrates four habits of mind, first through a story of modern scientific investigation, then as the basis of school laboratory science experience. Discusses implications related to integration of these four habits…

Introduces a laboratory activity designed for an undergraduate developmental biology course. Uses Play-Doh (plastic modeling clay) to build a multicellular embryo in order to provide a 3-D demonstration of cleavage. Includes notes for the instructor and student directions. (YDS)

Defines dichotomous keys as common learning tools based on identification rather than memorization. Provides an example of a dichotomous key developed for introducing histology in human anatomy and physiology (A&P) courses and explains how students can use the dichotomous key. Discusses the goals of the exercises and the process of…

Presents a creative set-up that allows students with latex allergies full participation in chemistry labs. Discusses how one student having a latex allergy is turned into a learning experience for all and how this challenged lab safety. (ASK)

Introduces a series of molecular genetics laboratories where students pick a single colony from a Drosophila melanogester embryo cDNA library and purify the plasmid, then analyze the insert through restriction digests and gel electrophoresis. (Author/YDS)

Presents the results of a wide-ranging survey of science technicians in schools and colleges that sought the views of heads of science via a telephone survey. Examines comments regarding technicians and the existing technician job structures. (Author/YDS)

Discusses design and architectural features of two new science facilities at the Florida Institute of Technology in Melbourne, Florida, and a new graduate research tower the University of Wisconsin at Madison. Notes the important convenience associated with interior windows in these facilities, which allow researchers, faculty, and students to see…

Examines motivational methods among undergraduate chemistry students and identifies differences between methods of persuading students to prepare for laboratories. Methods include quizzes, scheduled presentations, unscheduled presentations, and a control method. (YDS)

Uses concept-based laboratory reports to incorporate technical writing into teaching. Features three paragraphs in the writing format: introductory paragraph, data paragraph, and conclusion. Recommends using this teaching method, especially in chemistry laboratories, because of the difficulties students have in understanding. (YDS)

Think about making something as basic as hard candy. The ingredients are simple--sugar, water, and flavoring--yet the changes that occur are chemically amazing. Drop by drop, small portions of the syrup placed in ice water indicate how saturated the solution is becoming, until a "crack" sound occurs when the candy is at hard-crack stage, its most…

Science laboratory activities and classroom demonstrations can be both fun and serious. "Fun" in that the students get nature to expose a few of its secrets in interesting ways. "Serious" in that there needs to be respect for the equipment and materials used in experiments and demonstrations in order to stay out of harm?s way. Laboratory accidents…

As heat sources go, the old standby for elementary and middle school science laboratories has been the centuries old alcohol lamp. Unfortunately, this inexpensive heat producer has been a continuous source of accidents--many of which are relatively serious. Hot plates are emerging as the most popular source of heat for science experiments. The…

Planning and prevention is the best defense against fires in school. This is particularly true in the science laboratory due to the presence of flammable gases, liquids, combustibles, and other potential sources of fire. Teachers can prevent fires from starting by maintaining prudent lab practices when dealing with combustible and flammable…

Experiments are conducted for spectroscopic analysis of the allyl esters of some aromatic carboxylic acids. It is understood that these experiments allow the students to monitor the effect of hydrogen bonding on the IR stretching frequencies for the hydroxyl and carbonyl groups and also provide them with an excellent opportunity to examine the…

The unique experience of designing and conducting a reaction are afforded to the students in a similar way to what one would do in a research lab. It encouraged them to think about each procedural step and its purpose, by the discovery-based procedure.