This research aimed to explore the effects of a virtual lab (VL) and a Microcomputer-based Lab (MBL) on students' performance in scientific modeling. A web-based virtual lab and a low-cost MBL were proposed to help first-year engineering students build scientific models. Empirical research was done in a slope motion experiment. The participants…

Recently, virtual and remote labs (VRLs) have been developed to support students in conducting experiments in engineering and science education. However, little is known about the students' intentions to continue using VRLs and their satisfaction with the experience. This study proposed an extended model embedded within the expectation…

The article presents the results of four series of experimental studies of irradiation efficiency of Moskovskii Parnikovyi leaf lettuce with general and special-purpose LED lamps (phyto-lamps) under various irradiation modes. The studies were conducted with an automated experimental irradiation device. The influence of the spectral compositions of…

This study evaluated agreement in activity outcomes from ActiGraph accelerometers worn on both wrists in a laboratory and free-living setting. Part 1: Thirty-seven participants (25.5 ± 10.5 years) completed laboratory activities. Part 2: Thirty-nine participants (28.5 ± 9.8 years) wore accelerometers for 7 days. Outcomes included average…

The Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) melting assay intends to evaluate the unfolding, denaturation process of DNA secondary structures, and its stabilization using compounds known as DNA binders, some of which are highly specific for G-quadruplex DNAs versus duplex DNAs. First, students determined the melting temperature (T[subscript m])…

An experiment to match five white solids with ascorbic acid, citric acid, potassium hydroxide, sodium chloride, and urea is reported here. This 4 h experiment is an integrated practice of two experimental techniques, calorimetry and titration. Students conduct an extensive literature search on the properties of the five compounds and plan the…

RC circuits are ubiquitous. They are the most common entities in modern electronics; introductory physics courses typically include a chapter and a lab on RC circuits. Several papers dealing with many aspects of RC circuits have been published in "The Physics Teacher" and other educational journals. An RC circuit contains a series…

It is challenging to identify the needs of researchers and students at any satellite campus, a situation that is exacerbated when the satellite campus is a research laboratory. The users are not taking classes, but still have library support needs. This article discusses the difficulties in properly identifying a population of students at this…

Measuring the acceleration due to gravity g is a part of most introductory physics classes. A standard method to do so is by using a ticker tape timer. However, frictional forces are usually not included in the analysis even though friction leads to an acceleration significantly smaller than "g." In this note, we show how to obtain…

Protein PEGylation refers to the covalent binding of polyethylene glycol (PEG) moieties to a protein and has been increasingly applied, mainly in the biopharmaceutical industry. This technique may increase bioavailability and stability by decreasing immunogenicity and proteolytic attack. Given the industrial interest and the relevance of this…

A new method to determine a ternary phase diagram of benzene-acetic acid-water system is provided to upper-division undergraduate students. The partially miscible liquid phase region can be accurately constructed using isothermal titration microcalorimetry (ITC). Compared with the traditional visual method, ITC can provide precise data and more…

The demand for upper-level undergraduate dissection-based anatomy courses is growing, as professional programs require more advanced anatomy training prior to matriculation. To address this need, Indiana University School of Medicine (IUSM) partnered with Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis--a large, urban, life science-focused…

In this article, we describe a fun and engaging card game called Speed Eleusis that teaches the process of scientific discovery and publication, including such practices as replication and retraction. Much like the traditional game of Eleusis and its variant Eleusis Express, this game involves students competing to model a pattern displayed in a…

A straightforward synthesis of 2-phenylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridine is described. The reaction is designed to demonstrate to students the preparation of a bridged N-heterocycle, in which the heteroatom occupies a bridgehead position. The product is obtained in moderate to high yield and is highly crystalline. The compound can be purified either by…

Research-based learning motivates students to identify with different subjects. The orientation program MINTgrün at Technische Universität Berlin offers two study semesters for open choices of teaching modules, including a series of specially designed laboratories covering topics like robotics, construction, environmental research, programming,…