Described is a nontraditional approach to the evaluation of laboratory instruction in general physics courses which focuses on the identification of telling questions, key concepts and basic phenomena involved in the experiment, description of the method used, and the results. (DS)

A procedure is described for providing preparations of dividing cells from root apical meristems, requiring only inexpensive equipment and minimal experimental skill, and using 8-Hydroxyquinoline and Toluidene-blue as a chromosome stain. The method has been sucessfully tested in schools and yields permanent preparations of adequate quality for…

Describes the construction of a 17th-century telescope using old lenses and compares observations using this instrument with Galileo's observations. Describes experiments with modern eyepieces, the educational value of the activity, and given recommendations for construction of similar telescopes. (JN)

Describes: (1) a seven-segment LED display successfully used as an "illuminated" object for introductory optics experiments and advantages for its use; (2) a series/parallel circuit demonstration especially useful in introductory courses for nonmajors; and (3) a method for igniting a sodium arc lamp with an incandescent lamp. (JN)

Examines how quasi-history, by eliminating the social dimension, distorts its description of major scientific advances in one of two distinct ways; either almost trivial or almost mystical. Uses two examples, Einstein's theory of the photoelectric effect and Planck's discovery of his law. (GA)

The uses of isoenzyme assays are reviewed as they relate to solutions of practical problems. Emphasizes their use of diagnostic tools in medicine, specifically in cardiac profiling. Suggests that principles of isoenzyme assays readily demonstrate molecular structure, acid-base equilibria, kinetics, and electrochemistry to general chemistry…

Describes effects which produce the semidiurnal tidal bulges, using elementary methods, without reference to fictitious forces and without recourse to a potential. (Author/HM)

Discusses certain pitfalls regarding the uncertainty relation between angular momentum and the angle variable from a pedagogic point of view. Further, an uncertainty relation has been derived for these variables in a simple and consistant manner. (Author/HM)

Presents a general treatment of scalar diffraction theory and discusses some concepts which yield new insight into the phenomena of diffraction throughout the whole space in which it occurs. (Author/HM)

Presents three notes on new equipment, techniques, or materials of interest to teachers of physics. (HM)

Compared are two approaches to exam writing in which the narrative approach is described as a novel, creative, and integrated learning opportunity. In this approach, a single system is chosen in which questions are asked that challenge the student to perceive interrelationships between principles and details previously learned. (CS)

Listed are textbook errors, by numbered topic, which have been noted in the Journal of Chemical Education since 1966. This index supplements a previous one published in June 1967. Appended is a subject matter index as well. (CS)

Discusses the learning cycle, a strategy developed by Karplus for incorporating Piaget's concepts into a pragmatic method for use in any classroom. The three facets to this strategy, exploration, invention, and application, are described. Includes an exercise that can be used for high school and college classrooms. (CS)

An approach to enzyme kinetics which emphasizes similarities between equilibrium binding and steady state kinetics is outlined. It is intended for use in teaching biochemistry to beginning students. (Author/SA)

Presented is a short discussion of factors causing color changes in animals. Also described is an activity which may be used to demonstrate the response of amphibian skin to a melanophore stimulating hormone in high school or college biology classes. (PEB)