Describes a method for the extraction and bioassay of natural germination inhibitors, requiring only inexpensive equipment and minimal experimental skill. The method has been used to demonstrate qualitative/quantitative differences in germination inhibitor levels in a variety of different fruits or in different tissues within a single fruit.…

An autocatalytic reaction is one in which the reaction is catalyzed by its own products. Materials needed and procedures used to demonstrate an autocatalytic reaction with bromethymol blue indicator are provided. (JN)

The Apple II microcomputer program described allows instructors with minimal programing experience to construct computer models of psychological phenomena for students to investigate. Use of these models eliminates need to maintain/house/breed animals or purchase sophisticated laboratory equipment. Several content models are also described,…

Discusses steps to be executed when studying physiological systems with theoretical mathematical models. Steps considered include: (1) definition of goals; (2) model formulation; (3) mathematical description; (4) qualitative evaluation; (5) parameter estimation; (6) model fitting; (7) evaluation; and (8) design of new experiments based on the…

Describes laboratory activities using algae as the organisms of choice. These include examination of typical algal cells, demonstration of alternation of generations, sexual reproduction in Oedogonium, demonstration of phototaxis, effect of nitrate concentration on Ankistrodesmus, and study of competition between two algae in the same environment.…

The San Francisco Exploratorium is an unconventional science museum serving as a science laboratory for the Schools in the Exploratorium (SITE) program. SITE's focus is to work with classes once a week for five to eight weeks. Teachers and students both learn from the innovative hands-on experience and new concepts and new ways to teach are…

Thirteen questions about light and spectra are provided. Although they do not have clearcut answers, the questions highlight matters about scientific methodology, which is educationally important. Suggests that students perform experiments similar to those performed by Newton, Wollaston, and Fraunhofer. (JN)