A quantitative determination for fluoride ion using a commercially available fluoride electrode is described. The procedure referred to as known-addition is employed with the data processed on Gran's Plot Paper. Background information, experimental procedures, and advantages/disadvantages of the method are discussed. (JN)

Investigated convergent validity of individual Piaget/Inhelder clinical task interviews with Reasoning Test (Ankney and Joyce), Logical Reasoning Test (Burney), and Classroom Test of Formal Operations (Lawson). Indicates that correlations obtained are not sufficiently strong to warrant selection/categorization of individual students based on their…

Cosmology is the theory by which the structure and history of the universe is described. Discusses the relationship between cosmology, gravity, and quantum mechanics, and whether the relationship can be formulated through Einstein's theory or a modification of it. Also discusses progress made in these scientific areas. (JN)

Suggests that introductory geology students, who are mostly nonmajors, would benefit if more laboratory time and the necessary microscopic examination were allowed as part of work on rocks/minerals. Indicates that students need to be taught value/necessity of paying attention to details while gathering data or making observations to make…

Describes an investigation which introduces the mathematical principles of stream hydraulics and fluvial sediment in a practical context. The investigation has four stages: defining hydrology of the stream; defining channel hydraulics in a study reach; measuring grain size; and calculating transportable grain size and comparing measure stream-bed…

Discusses content, laboratory work, and field studies of a senior-level course in paleopedology (study of fossil soils). The course explores interpretation of ancient terrestrial environments from fossil soils and the study of the fossil record of such soils as an additional approach to earth history. (JN)

An experiment involving preparation of ice cream is conducted after students complete units on solutions, atomic structure, molecular architecture, and bonding. The laboratory gives practical illustration of relation of physical properties to bond type and solution theory developed. Materials needed, procedures used, and questions asked are…

Provided is a microcomputer program listing which demonstrates the effects of selection on gene frequencies. A very brief description of the program is also provided. (JN)

Background information, laboratory procedures, and results are provided for the preparation of vanillin from isoeugenol acetate. Reaction scheme used to prepare the vanillin and a table indicating the different oxidation experiments carried out on isoeugenol or isoeugenol acetate are also provided. (JN)

Converting carboxylic acids into their anilides, which usually involves preparation of acid chloride or mixed anhydride followed by treatment with aniline, is tedious and/or time-consuming. A quick and easier procedure, using phenyl isothiocyanate, is provided. Reactions involved and a summary table of results are included. (JN)

Describes a laboratory experiment in which an equilibrium radioimmunoassay (RIA) is used to estimate thermodynamic parameters such as equilibrium constants. The experiment is simple and inexpensive, and it introduces a technique that is important in the clinical chemistry and research laboratory. Background information, procedures, and results are…

Describes a physical chemistry experiment which uses group theory to help interpret the infrared spectrum of a polyatomic molecule with Td symmetry (spherical tops). Topics covered in the experiment: background information and theory, experimental procedures, and typical student results. (JN)

Presents and discusses results of a questionnaire survey of college/polytechnic students (N=213) on their perceptions of and motivation for embarking on a combined-degree physics program. Areas/topics addressed include course structures of responding colleges/students, entrance requirements, student background, reasons behind choice of first year…

Discusses several practices in teaching physics that are of dubious merit, such as stressing vocabulary and stressing content over process. Suggests several alternate approaches to make physics teaching more interesting. Includes several issues affecting the quality of science education which involve general school policy. (JN)

The main problem in constructing functioning electric motors from simple parts is the mounting of the axle (which is too flimsy to maintain good electrical contacts or too tight, imposing excessive friction at the supports). This problem is solved by using a pencil sharpened at both ends as the axle. (JN)