Describes a kinetics experiment in which the student measures both a second-order rate constant and an overall third-order rate constant for the oxidation of benzoin to benzil in an alkaline medium. (MLH)

Describes a laboratory exercise involving methylene blue and L-ascorbic acid in a simple clock reaction technique to illustrate the basic concepts of chemical kinetics. If stock solutions are supplied and each type of experiment takes no more than half an hour, the entire investigation can be completed in three practical sessions of three hours…

Discusses research in spatial cognition that uses computer-simulated three dimensional environments and evaluates the use of virtual desktop environments by replicating an experiment which was formerly done in a laboratory or real world setting. Investigates the role of landmarks when acquiring route knowledge in a system of paths. (Author/LRW)

Describes an activity designed for secondary school students that explains the global carbon cycle and the production of CO2 through soil respiration. (YDS)

Presents laboratory experiments to demonstrate the pH properties of different buffer solutions. (YDS)

Presents a tobacco haploid experiment in which students learn the cytogenetic technique of metaphase analysis of chromosomes and experience the basic principles of haploidy, diploidy, and polyploidy. (YDS)

Presents a mystery based on the well-known characters, Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson. Emphasizes qualitative inorganic analysis, laboratory observations, and oxidation-reduction processes. (Author/YDS)

Presents a science activity on consumer chemistry in which students explore artificial flavors that are commonly used in foods, such as isoamyl acetate and methyl salicylate. Includes instructor information and a student worksheet. (YDS)

Reports the use of a heavy duty hacksaw blade and a 1000 turn pick-up coil to form the basis of a mechanical oscillator for a laboratory exercise in mechanical resonance designed for either the elementary undergraduate course or in association with an upper level mechanics course. (LZ)

Describes a sensitive, simple, and inexpensive microrespirator that may be used readily by students. Discusses materials and methods for construction and classroom applications. (LZ)

Twenty-four preschool-age girls repeatedly experienced an initially novel episode in a laboratory setting. Each child's knowledge of the episode was assessed in an effort to examine the development of the children's scripts for a recurring event. (PCB)

Reviews the biological importance of the lipids categorized as waxes and describes some of the organic chemistry of these compounds. Presents a short laboratory exercise on the extraction of plant waxes and their analysis by thin layer chromatography. (Author/CCM)

Investigates procedural understanding of university students at the freshman level, prior to instruction, in the context of experimental work in physics. Proposes two types of reasoning used by students in the laboratory. Indicates a high degree of consistency of these modes of reasoning across experimental phases of data collection and…

Describes an inquiry-based science activity in which students investigate the preferred food sources of sowbugs. Students design their own experiment, perform a first trial, and refine their procedure before conducting a second trial with more accurate results. (SAH)