Presents a lab to analyze plant and animal materials for the presence of carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins by describing and presenting simple tests in common breakfast food items. (MKR)

Presents activities that use a simple homemade apparatus called "the cannon" to demonstrate Newton's Third Law. Reviews the chemistry concepts behind the ignition of the cannon and presents the Momentum Lab and the Projectile Motion Lab. (JRH)

When students think of evolution, they often think of those genetic changes that occur to make organisms different. This article describes how students can become better informed of convergent evolution, the process by which organisms with dissimilar ancestors come to resemble each other. (ZWH)

Describes an inexpensive, easily prepared demonstration to teach the concepts of human blood grouping, antigen-antibody reactions, and medical transfusions. (ZWH)

Describes an inexpensive method of measuring energy expenditure during exercise. Presents the materials needed to conduct the experiment, basic principles, procedures, calculation and analysis, and a discussion of results. (ZWH)

Presents a variety of writers who have published books that demonstrate the art of botany. The following sections are included: (1) Herbal; (2) Printed Books; (3) Flowers; (4) British Botany; (5) Printing Advances; and (6) Art and Science. Contains 23 references. (ZWH)

Presents a laboratory exercise that demonstrates the sensitivity of the Polymerase Chain Reaction as well as its potential application to forensic analysis during a criminal investigation. Can also be used to introduce, review, and integrate population and molecular genetics topics such as genotypes, multiple alleles, allelic and genotypic…

Presents an experiment to compare the effectiveness of 95% ethanol to 20% bleach as disinfectants using t-tests for the statistical analysis of the data. Reports that bleach is a better disinfectant. Discusses the statistical and practical significance of the results. (JRH)

Describes the use of a laser pointer to measure the speed of light by incorporating the phase delay between a modulated split beam of light. (JRH)

Describes a measurement lab that introduces measurement and presents a simple example of how to use error analysis with an obvious illustration of its value. The experiment measures the diameters of pinhole images of the sun and uses them to calculate the heights of the leafy canopy that created the images. (JRH)

Presents a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) laboratory exercise that can be performed by introductory biology students in 1 45- to 55-minute class period. Includes a general description of the polymerase chain reaction, materials needed, procedure, and details of interest to teachers. (JRH)

Describes the construction of a vernier scale made of chart paper that can be used to improve the readability of scales on burettes or graduated cylinders. (JRH)

Describes a lab designed to analyze the organic compounds found in an ordinary fast-food lunch. (ZWH)

Teachers often use demonstrations to prepare students for a science experiment. This article describes a demonstration method to ensure that students are not supplied with all the answers before the actual experiment and to help them to remain an active part of the science lesson. (ZWH)

Examines the experimental program initiated by Albert Michelson at the end of the nineteenth century through a literary analysis of its reception. Provides various interpretations of the failed experiments by science commentators over a period of decades. (HB)