A procedure for extracting DNA from yeast using common reagents and equipment is given. Suggestions for variations are provided. A second activity for building a model of DNA from toothpicks is included. (CW)

Described is a demonstration in which the reaction sequence can be easily followed since the reactant, intermediates, and the final product have intense and different colors. Materials and procedures for this demonstration are discussed. (CW)

Described is the sequence of topics, learning activities, materials and demonstrations for the course. It is stressed that students can learn these skills in less than 30 hours of instruction. (CW)

Three uses of this method with sandstone, desert varnish, and granite weathering are described. Background information on this technique is provided. Advantages of this type of microscopy are stressed. (CW)

Discusses a research project of testing detergents that resulted from students' classroom observations of and questions about water pollution and suds. Outlines procedures and responsibilities necessary for conducting the experiment. A sample student data sheet is included. (RT)

Discusses the missing water on Mars. Describes five experiments simulating conditions on Mars: (1) behavior of dry ice; (2) low-pressure vacuum; (3) freezing point depression; (4) water in hydrated minerals and clay; and (5) properties of carbon dioxide. (YP)

Discusses simple analysis of urine in the classroom. Describes the materials and procedures for the analysis. Provides a laboratory report giving characteristics of: (1) odor, color, and clarity; (2) specific gravity; (3) sediment; (4) test strips; and (5) albumin and phosphates. (YP)

Discusses a graphical analysis method used in the physics laboratory. Shown are various kinds of graphs to illustrate the relationship between two variables. A procedure for deriving equations from laboratory data is described. (YP)

Discusses an organic laboratory program emphasizing individual experiments for the second semester of a two-semester course. Describes the outlines of two topics, including halide or alcohol synthesis and multistep synthesis. Provides reaction tables of alcohols and halides. (YP)

Examined are the illustrations and descriptions of the molecular structure of sulfur dioxide found in selected chemistry textbooks. Inconsistencies and incorrect information are indicated. It is suggested that molecules other than sulfur dioxide be used as examples of molecules for which resonance is important. (CW)

Described is an activity in which students locate the epicenter of several earthquakes, plot the trends of the two faults involved, and determine the sense of motion along the plane of the two faults. Provided are objectives, background information, procedures, and data necessary for the activity. (CW)

Presented is an activity in which a mystery setting is used to motivate students to construct their own decay curves of melting ice used as an analogy to radioactive decay. Procedures, materials, apparatus, discussion topics, presentation, and thermodynamics are discussed. (CW)

Applications of lasers to molecular absorption spectrometry, molecular fluorescence spectrometry, visible semiconductor fluorometry, atomic absorption spectrometry, and atomic fluorescence spectrometry are discussed. Details of the use of the frequency-doubled diode laser are provided. (CW)

Prescriptions for improving student understanding and problem-solving performance related to transmission genetics are discussed. Research on novice/expert problem-solving in transmission genetics is reviewed. (Author/CW)

Presents two demonstrations: heatwave focusing by concave reflectors and wave speed on a string. Describes the apparatus, and procedures for the demonstrations. (YP)