Describes a demonstration which allows students to witness a type of continuous spectrum and an absorption spectrum. Provides a diagram and explanation for the construction of an absorption box. (RT)

Describes experiences, or "lab puzzles," which will help students develop problem-solving skills in a laboratory setting. Outlines procedures for developing techniques, setting boundaries, and finding the number of molecules of water in Lake Erie. (RT)

Described are methods for locating, collecting and culturing ladybird beetles. Included are necessary equipment for feeding and breeding the insects and modifications for various species found in Great Britain. Overwintering spots of various species are also listed. (CW)

Described is a technique for monitoring the quality of freshwater aquatic habitats. Methods, comparison of samples, equipment, and data analysis are discussed and an example is presented. (CW)

Studies the polarization effect on water by cations and anions. Describes an experiment to illustrate the polarization effect of sodium, lithium, calcium, and strontium ions on the water molecule in the hydration spheres of the ions. Analysis is performed by proton NMR. (MVL)

Develops a lab experiment for introductory instrumental analysis that requires interference studies and optimizing of conditions. Notes the analysis of the aspirin is by visible spectrophotometric assay. Gives experimental details and discussion. (MVL)

Describes a laboratory experiment designed to encourage laboratory cooperation among individual undergraduate students or groups. Notes each student contributes results individually and the exchange of data is essential to obtain final results. Uses the polarographic method for determining complex metal ions. (MVL)

Describes a laboratory experiment that measures the amount of ascorbic acid destroyed by food preparation methods (boiling and steaming). Points out that aqueous extracts of cooked green pepper samples can be analyzed for ascorbic acid by a relatively simple redox titration. Lists experimental procedure for four methods of preparation. (MVL)

Presents two experiments: the first one measures the heat of an exothermic reaction by the reduction of permanganate by the ferris ion; the second one measures the heat of an endothermic process, the mixing of ethanol and cyclohexane. Lists tables to aid in the use of the solution calorimeter. (MVL)

Described are five physics activities including two superconductor projects, synchronizing video camera movements, electrical analysis of a bicycle, and apparatus for the measurement of thermal conductivity. (YP)

Provides information on nutritional caloric value determination. Describes the chemical components of peanuts. Explains how to construct a soda can calorimeter for determining the heat released by a burning nut. Describes how to determine calories and kilocalories. Author asserts the activity can be adopted for children of any age. (eight…

Classroom demonstrations of selected mechanical properties of polymers are described that can be used to make quantitative measurements. Stiffness, strength, and extensibility are mechanical properties used to distinguish one polymer from another. (KR)

Provides a protocol for examining the mechanisms of animal thermoregulation in a straightforward but more sophisticated manner than using a thermal gradient. Describes a methodology for conducting operant conditioning to examine thermal set points for ectothermic animals. Contains 20 references. (WRM)

Argues for the use of instruments in introductory level chemistry and presents multiple perspectives on the issue. Reasons for employing instrumentation include the ability of introductory classes to reach a large number of students, the need to model situations in which scientists work, and student expectations regarding the use of technology.…

Outlines the aims and principles underlying recent reforms in the junior school physics course in China. Focuses on developing students' abilities and the benefits of experimentation rather than the simple transfer of knowledge from teacher to students. (DDR)