Describes the Iowa General Chemistry Network that was developed to change content, teaching, and learning methods of introductory college chemistry courses. Highlights include using the Iowa Communications Network for distance education and curriculum reform, using the Internet and World Wide Web, and chemistry laboratory experiences and…

Suggests strategies for addressing cases of student conscientious objections to the use of animals or animal parts in science teaching. Advises departments to have a written policy and philosophical statement, to use an Animal Care and Use Committee and to explore student motives. (PR)

Described is an activity in which students learn how a battery produces electricity, why at least one electrode is destroyed when electricity is produced, and how electrolytes and temperature affect the process. Needed materials and directions for building a battery are listed. (KR)

Guidelines are offered to research administrators for reducing the volume of hazardous laboratory waste. Suggestions include a chemical location inventory, a chemical reuse facility, progressive contracts with chemical suppliers, internal or external chemical recycling mechanisms, a "chemical conservation" campaign, and laboratory fees for…

Various aspects of photography using both transmitted and reflected light microscopy are described. Microscope configuration, preparation of samples for photomicrography, and the use of black/white or color film are discussed. (KR)

Activities that consider the courtship behavior and mating patterns of millipedes are presented. The functional significance of a behavior that has evolved through indirect competition between males is discussed. The procedures for seven experiments, results, and interpretations are included. (KR)

Begins with the procedure and results from an investigation on the effect of fluoride on the reaction between eggshell (substitute teeth) and dilute ethanoic acid. Describes an elegantly modified and improvised apparatus. (DDR)

Introduces an investigative microbiology laboratory activity emphasizing critical thinking and experimental design in which students isolate and characterize a bacterium from a specific habitat. Explains the procedures of the laboratory including safety, sample collection, and isolation. (YDS)

Discusses introductory polarized light measurements in which a diode laser pointer replaces the more frequently used polarized helium-neon laser. (WRM)

Discusses the effectiveness of offering science laboratories via distance education. Explains current delivery technologies, including computer simulations, videos, and laboratory kits sent to students; pros and cons of distance labs; the use of spreadsheets; and possibilities for new science education models. (LRW)

We have designed a skills matrix to be used for developing and assessing undergraduate biochemistry and molecular biology laboratory curricula. We prepared the skills matrix for the Project Kaleidoscope Summer Institute workshop in Snowbird, Utah (July 2001) to help current and developing undergraduate biochemistry and molecular biology program…

By shifting pedagogical goals from obtaining successful mutations to teaching students critical troubleshooting skills, it has been possible to introduce site-directed mutagenesis into an undergraduate teaching laboratory. Described in this study is an inexpensive laboratory exercise in which students follow a slightly modified version of…

Materials science can be taught by applying organic light-emitting electrochemical thin-film devices and in this method students were allowed to make a light-emitting device by spin coating a thin film containing ruthenium (II) complex ions onto a glass slide. Through this laboratory method students are provided with the opportunity to learn about…

The feasibility of using current software, such as PC-Duo, PCAnywhere or LabVIEW, in training students in instrumental analysis from a remote location is investigated. Findings show that creation of online features is crucial to the use and learning by students and the development of a suitable Web site, which provides an easy-to-use interface to…

Photography can be a useful tool for teaching biology at both the macroscopic and the microscopic levels of organization. While more complex, taking photographs of microscopic specimens is a procedure that can be performed with all students. In this article, the authors outline a general approach that can be followed to develop a specific protocol…