Described is a study designed to introduce students to the behavior of common invertebrate animals, and to use of the chi-square statistical technique. Discusses activities with snails, pill bugs, and mealworms. Provides an abbreviated chi-square table and instructions for performing the experiments and statistical tests. (CW)

Introduces two hands-on experiences, related to rotational motion and moment of inertia. Discusses the experimental procedures and provides figure of apparatus. (YP)

Describes a crystallography experiment using both diffraction-angle and diffraction-intensity information to determine the lattice constant and a lattice independent molecular parameter, while still employing standard X-ray powder diffraction techniques. Details the method, experimental details, and analysis for this activity. (CW)

Describes a circuit by which capacitance and the dielectric constant can be measured. Shows the circuit diagram and the method to calculate these constants. (YP)

Refutes the view that two capacitors in series with a source of constant voltage carry identical charges. Provides experimental procedures to verify this claim. (YP)

Describes a laboratory demonstration that illustrates principles of miscible displacement and chemical retardation in soils. Discusses how the experimental apparatus can be constructed from readily available materials. (TW)

Presents a model system designed for the electrophysiological investigation of single unit activity in intact anaesthetized animals. Illustrates how information is coded into action potential patterns by sense organs. Uses the ampullary electroreceptor of the brown bullhead catfish as an example. (Author/CW)

Describes the Tardigrada as a group of animals suitable for close study in project work. Gives reasons for their suitability and an illustrated identification key. Discusses possible investigations into the ecology and physiology of tardigrades. (Author/CW)

Discusses the need for student experiments involving the complete characterization of "unknown" inorganic compounds. Describes a project employing a complex metal compound. The compound contains six different components in both inert and labile complexions. Outlines the complete procedure and the preparation of the unknown compound. (TW)

Discusses some of the ways that a cabbage can be used to produce a universal indicator of pH. Describes the methods for producing the indicator, experiments students can do on ordinary household chemicals, and a student take-home assignment for producing pH indicators. (TW)

Discusses how to address the concept of chemical equilibrium through the use of thermodynamic activities. Describes the advantages of setting up an equilibrium constant in terms of activities and demonstrates how to approximate those activities by practical measures such as partial pressures, mole fractions, and molar concentrations. (TW)

Describes an experiment in which stretching a rubber band can be used to compare the statistical theory of rubber elasticity with its continuum mechanics counterpart. Employs the use of the equation of the state of rubber elasticity and the Mooney-Rivlin equation. (TW)

Proposes a two-stage experimental approach that combines preparative chemistry and polymer characterization. Describes the simple organic synthesis of a plasticizer, the dioctylphthalate, and its direct use in the preparation of a styrene/divinylbenzene network copolymer. Discusses how to evaluate the physical properties of the resulting plastic.…

Describes the Clinton (MA) secondary school program in plastics technology, which involves (1) mostly 10th graders in a combination classroom-hands-on-activities laboratory program, and (2) 11th and 12th graders in laboratory research/ shadowing/job performance program. Also describes actual laboratory projects, program graduate job placement, and…

Describes apparatus needed and instructions for conducting four experiments. Experiments focus on light waves, measurement of contact resistance, demonstration of longitudinal waves, and a simple method of measuring the refractive indices of transparent plates and liquids. (JM)