Describes an undergraduate organic chemistry experiment designed to illustrate the power of nuclear magnetic reasonance spectroscopy in a determination of the configurations at centers of chirality of various isomers of acyclic systems. Provides a background discussion and experimental procedure. (JM)

Describes an experiment designed to teach students to apply the same statistical awareness to instrumentation they commonly apply to classical techniques. Uses propagation of error techniques to pinpoint instrumental limitations and breakdowns and to demonstrate capabilities and limitations of volumetric and gravimetric methods. Provides lists of…

Reviews courseware (Apple II) providing laboratory simulations in atomic physics. Although material is not user-friendly and requires some background, the animations are good representations of electron mass, Thompson e/m, Millikan oil-drop, and mass spectrometer. Recommended for classroom demonstration purposes at high school or introductory…

This introduction to photoelectrochemical (PEC) cells reviews topics pertaining to solar energy conversion and demonstrates the ease with which a working PEC cell can be prepared with n-type silicon as the photoanode and a platinum counter electrode (both immersed in ethanolic ferrocene/ferricenium solutions). Experiments using the cell are…

Discusses use of microcomputers for grading, simulating laboratory experiments, data collection, and for communicating with students. Database systems, word processing, and an electronic spreadsheet program are also considered. Programing tips for several of these areas are included. (JN)

Describes an experiment for plotting equipotential curves in which the normally used electrometer is replaced by a null-deflecting potentiometer, and in which the uniform resistance wire is substituted by carbon-impregnated conductive paper. Procedures and sample plot/results (including graphic analysis) are provided. (JM)

A laboratory study is detailed utilizing the skills of hypothesizing, designing experiments, and controlling variables. (EB)

Two experiments investigated the accuracy of naive observers' judgments of behavior change. Observers accurately and reliably detected the change in subjects' behavior across time; the provision of a diagnostic label did not affect the accuracy of the observations. Implications of these findings for the assessment of counseling outcome are…

Described is the construction of a density gradient column and several density related experiments which can be performed with the device. (SL)

This publication provides administrative, management, supervisory guidance, and other information necessary for successful conduct and support of grades 7-12 science symposia. Originally the text was developed as the operations manual for the Pacific Region Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (PJSHS). It contains information necessary to…

This document addresses physics programs in community college in 2001-2002. The data was gathered from a list of 1,785 community colleges. A survey was mailed to the various campuses as well as sent via email yielding to a 78% response rate. Physics programs in community colleges were often so small that 43% of departments that offered physics had…

The quest for the inclusion of science inquiry in the curriculum now spans three centuries. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, Armstrong, Dewey, and others espoused the teaching of science inquiry. The launch of Sputnik in 1957 began the strong emphasis on inquiry. Renewed interest in inquiry occurred in the late 1980s and 1990s with science…

This paper argues for extending the definition of "technology" in education to include much more than just computers, and for recognizing the dangers of using technology for its entertainment purposes. Two conceptions of the proper use of technology in science classrooms are offered: (1) technology as tool; and (2) technology as topic. Specific…

Discusses the development of single concept or skill laboratory investigations in an inservice summer workshop and their successful use in the classroom. Included are two examples, respectively, relating to operation of a triple beam balance and classification of phases of matter. (CC)