Guinea pigs are presented as versatile classroom animals. Suggestions for animal behavior and genetics studies are given. Also included is information concerning sex determination and the breeding of guinea pigs, and hints on keeping these animals in the classroom. References and illustrations complete the article. (MA)

Provides contributed physics activities and laboratory techniques. (CP)

Described is a simple demonstration that provides a way to determine if a given sample contains even a small fraction of superconducting material. The repulsion of the powder from a magnetic field is indicative of superconductivity. (RH)

This is part two in a series on classroom demonstrations of polymer principles. Described is how large molecules can be assembled from subunits (the process of polymerization). Examples chosen include both linear and branched or cross-linked molecules. (RH)

Described is a teaching method for chemistry that gives college students practice in experimental design. Students are given a problem and required to design a procedure to solve the problem. Problems increase in complexity as the students progress through the courses. (RH)

Clearing is a simple and rapid technique in which 75 percent lactic acid is used to remove pigments and cytoplasmic contents of fresh leaves, enabling microscopic view of various internal leaf layers. Procedures for using the technique (which helps students gain a more thorough understanding of plant anatomy) are given. (DH)

Provides: (1) background information on insect metamorphosis; (2) activities focusing on insect life cycles and how insects change from egg to adult; and (3) student materials (ready-to-copy games, puzzles, coloring pages, worksheets, and/or mazes). Each activity includes objective(s), recommended age levels, subject area(s), list of materials…

Describes an apparatus for an experiment on winding motion in three dimensions. Discusses theory and provides a calculation example. (JM)

Offers suggestions for using archaelogical techniques to study human skeletons in the classroom. They include determining the skeleton's sex, race, age at death, and stature. (JN)

Offers various strategies in which students use fingerprints to help sharpen their science process skills. Includes directions for making fingerprints using just ink and paper and suggestions for additional activities. These include making "prints" from other body parts and from such objects as automobile tires. (JN)

Discusses the role of dissection in science courses, examining essential lessons students can learn (such as developing an abiding respect for all forms of life, including the animal being dissected). Also presents a list of tips related to classroom dissection and comments on formaldehyde and formalin substitutes. (JN)

Presents a technique for obtaining a rough measure of the brightness among different stars. Materials needed include a standard 35-mm camera, a plastic ruler, and a photo enlarger. Although a telescope can be used, it is not essential. (JN)

Presents a technique which aids students in solving static problems involving three or more torques about a given axis. The method is longer and equivalent to the standard method, but students experience success with this new way to treat the more complicated equilibrium problems. (DH)

Two methods for examining leaf structure are presented; both methods involve use of "superglue." The first method uses the glue to form a thin, permanent, direct replica of a leaf surface on a microscope slide. The second method uses the glue to examine the three-dimensional structure of spongy mesophyll. (JN)

Describes a pre-class, warm-up exercise consisting of an "Appetizer Booklet" divided into five sections: puzzles; creations; questionnaires; pictures; and reading. Students are limited to 5 or 10 minutes and the work is not graded but occasionally collected and shared. Example exercises are provided. (BC)