A mechanism for augmenting the relevance of instruction in laboratory animal medicine is suggested: the identification of practice-relevant content. This identification helps foster a positive attitude toward the subject and facilitates the retention of information. (LBH)

Describes the construction of a versatile signal generator suitable for use in cyclic voltammetric experiments, which can also be adapted to a conventional dc polarograph by replacing its ramp source. (MLH)

Discusses gel chromatography of metal ions, ligands, and resultant metal complexes; how this method can be used to determine stability constants is considered. (MLH)

Presents a new approach to an older demonstration involving the reaction of sodium with water. Materials list, procedures, and a discussion of hazard and disposal considerations are included. (DDR)

Reports on a series of studies related to seeking a more effective role for laboratory experiences in science instruction. The study addressed the status of laboratory-based instruction in chemistry at the beginning college level. This study should be of value in the continual search to seek effective means of reforming beginning college-level…

Presents brief annotations of 20 books and journal articles (published between 1967 and 1997) identified by the contributors to this themed issue as useful for the work they present in this issue. (SR)

Explains the process of establishing a scientific community among students. Specifically addresses questions related to classroom environment, the beginning of the school year, and the types of experiments and activities used throughout the year to enable students to be successful in science. (DDR)

Describes a Japanese process-oriented approach called KAIZEN for improving the quality of existing teaching laboratories. It provides relevant quality measurements and indicates how quality can be improved. Use of process criteria sidesteps the difficulty of defining quality for laboratory experiments and allows separation of student assessment…

Describes an apparatus for demonstrating the second law of motion. Provides sample data and discusses the merits of this method over traditional methods of supplying a constant force. The method produces empirical best-fit lines which convincingly demonstrate that for a fixed mass, acceleration is proportional to force. (DDR)

Traces the history of the observation of the production of electric sparks and the early history of battery design. Detail is provided about laboratory experiments performed by Robert Bunsen, who spent a great deal of time developing an efficient and comparatively cheap battery. (36 references) (DDR)

Introduces students to dissection, which is an important part of scientific discovery. Students not only gain an understanding of the anatomy of a squid, but also develop a sense of responsibility and respect for the animal that they are using as a learning tool. (Author/SOE)

Reports on a study of a pilot model of a laboratory training course that provides preservice secondary science teachers the opportunity to explore pedagogical possibilities and gain hands-on experience running a general chemistry lab. (DDR)

Reports on a project investigating students' learning processes when video analysis and data logging practical work were used in a first-year undergraduate physics course. Suggests that students were motivated by the tasks and believed that these tasks helped them overall to understand physics concepts. Includes references. (CMK)

Describes an ecology curriculum primarily for elementary school students but also adaptable to junior and senior high school classes. Includes investigative and inquiry-based laboratory problems to accompany inquiry-based teaching. Connects the science learning that happens in school to students' own experiences. (SOE)

Discusses how traditional lab exercises can be converted into investigative exercises. Describes an exercise on seed germination that has students design their own experiments based on their initial results. Involves students in the scientific process and allows them to experience the joys and disappointments of experimental work. (JRH)