In this experiment for an upper-division course in organic structure determination, each student prepares an unknown compound and characterizes the product using multiple spectroscopic techniques. The unknowns, 2-aryl-substituted 1,4-dihydro-3,1-benzoxazines and 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinazolines, are prepared in a single step by the condensation of…

The dramatic decrease in the cost of sequencing a human genome is leading to an era in which a wide range of students will benefit from having an understanding of human genetic variation. Since over 90% of sequence variation between humans is in the form of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), a laboratory exercise has been devised in order to…

The objective of this paper is to present a laboratory experiment that explains the phenomenon of sinking in quicksand simulated as a fluidized bed. The paper demonstrates experimentally and theoretically that the proportion of a body that sinks in quicksand depends on the volume fraction of solids and the density of the body relative to the…

We described a simple method for detection of Fe on a thread-based analytical device. Fe reacts with 1,10-phenanthroline to form a colored band on a cotton thread; the length was measured to quantify the contents of Fe using a ruler. This method has the advantages of easy operation, low cost, easy fabrication, and reduced sample/reagent…

We present our experience with an open-ended lab activity that we designed for students with a Calculus 1 background. With the goal of learning how scientists study transport in streams, the students collected data on how a pulse of leaves travels down a nearby stream. Students who had little to no experience with data with two independent…

Undergraduate research is a valuable tool to demonstrate both the dedication and time required to be a successful biologist. One area of research that has intrigued students over the last several years is cytotoxicity. However, at smaller undergraduate institutions, the time, training, and funding available for these research studies may be…

While computer simulations are a key element in understanding and doing science today, their nature and implications for science education have not been adequately explored in the relevant literature. In this article, (1) we provide an analysis of the methodology and epistemology of computer simulations, aiming to contribute to a sound and…

Teaching methodologies for the anatomy of the middle ear have not been investigated greatly due to the middle ear's highly complex structure and hidden location inside of the temporal bone. The aim of this randomized study was to quantitatively compare the suitability of using microscope- and endoscope-based methods for teaching the anatomy of the…

The laboratory exercise described here aims to provide a relevant context for learning basic DNA techniques in an introductory animal science course at tertiary level. In two 4-hr laboratory sessions, students assess the suitability of bulls for inclusion in a gene-assisted selection program for A2 [beta]-casein by genotyping commercial bull…

The introduction of the Wireless Smart Cart by PASCO scientific in April 2016 has ushered in a paradigm shift in the design and implementation of low-cost undergraduate physics and engineering laboratory experiments. The use of smartphones in experimental physics is by now widely accepted and documented. The smart cart in combination with…

A single laboratory exercise in introductory physics that includes a bit of calculus, a little programming, some breadboard wiring, and making mathematical connections between motion, net force, and power provides a nice STEM experience for students. If you can add in a biomechanics component you hopefully have something that overall can be an…

Nowadays the majority of young people are exposed to a wide and constantly rising range of stimuli by different media. This sensory overload leads to higher stress levels and therefore decreases the ability to concentrate and focus. Laboratory work, however, requires high concentration in order to achieve reliable results under safe conditions.…

This paper was inspired by the work of a previous contributor on the subject of modelling plague epidemiology by comparing it to the physics of series radioactive decay, RC transients, and fluid dynamics. An Arduino-based experiment to illustrate the fluid-dynamical case is described. Attention is drawn to important differences between systems…

Physiology is commonly taught through direct experience and observation of scientific phenomena in "hands-on" practical laboratory classes. The value of such classes is limited by students' lack of understanding of the underlying theoretical concepts and their lack of confidence with the experimental techniques. In our experience,…

A computational laboratory experiment investigating molecular models for hexagonal boron-carbon-nitrogen sheets (h-BCN) was developed and employed in an upper-level undergraduate chemistry course. Students used the Avogadro user interface for molecular editing and the WebMO interface for the quantum computational workflow. Density functional…