Examples of the application of compound pendulum theory to the practical measurement of the moments of inertia of human beings, farm tractors, and sailing boats are presented. Suggests developing laboratory experiments to measure moments of inertia of hockey sticks, golf clubs, and frisbees, among others. (Author/SK)

The importance of examining both the natural history of organisms being investigated and numerical data from long-term field experiments is illustrated by describing a long-running field experiment at an English Field Study Council Centre. Sample results are discussed and alternative methods of using field studies in biology instruction are…

Provides instructions and a list of materials needed to demonstrate: (1) a model of the quantum mechanical atom; (2) principles involved in metal corrosion and in the prevention of this destructive process by electrochemical means; and (3) a Thermit reaction, modified to make it more dramatic and interesting for students. (SK)

Two demonstrations are described: (1) a sunset effect using a gooseneck lamp and 20 sheets of paper and (2) the preparation and determination of structural features of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) by infrared spectroscopy. (SK)

Describes a versatile mount for Slinky wave demonstrator and dynamics experiments using pool balls which have been altered by various means such as hollowing out or filled with lead. Suggests tightening screw holding motor clamp to prevent random speed fluctuations in ripple tanks. (JN)

Describes a method to allow direct observation of a chick embryo development from three days to about 17 days of incubation, by culturing the entire embryo in a petri dish. (DS)

Describes ways platyfish can be utilized in biology activities and experiments. Includes an account of the animals' care, unique anatomical characteristics, reproductive behavior, and genetics. (DS)

Provides examples of several classroom activities utilizing the American horseshoe crab (Limulus Polyphemus), including raising fertilized eggs, fertilizing eggs in vitro, and testing water samples. Includes background information on the natural history, life cycle, and breeding habits of this animal. (DS)

Describes the Space Shuttle Student Involvement Project which attempts to stimulate high school student interest in science and technology by engaging students in a competition to develop experiments suitable for flight aboard the Space Shuttle. Also describes "Getaway Specials" which allow individuals to send up experiments in the…

Four means of altering fat levels in laboratory mice, contrasting invasive injection techniques with non-invasive dietary and behavioral means, are described. Relates these investigations concerning obesity to the practicality of using animal models as an approach in searching for physiological knowledge about human beings. (CS)

Explains that the result of collision experiments with a linear arrangement of several identical elastic balls cannot be predicted solely from the conservation laws and energy and momentum. Indicates that the system of balls must be capable of dispersion-free energy propagation. (Author/JN)

Discusses simplified experiments in which sinusoidal signals are detected when a laser beam is sent into a photodiode. (HM)

Interviewed is the director of a Swiss research and teaching institute in the field of water resources, water pollution control, and waste management. Topics include lake studies, research programs and priorities, advisory services, and the organizational structure of EAWAG. (BT)

Different programs have been developed for the simulation of physics experiments by using TI-57 programmable calculators. Two of these programs, describing the simulation of a successive radioactive decay and the random motion of a gas molecule, are presented. (Author/SK)

Ideas are given for including fungi in classroom activities for high school biology students. A discussion on the science of taxonomy leads into a discussion on the position of fungi in the five kingdom classification scheme of organisms. Suggestions are given for observing their growth and development. (SA)