A simple, three-step procedure for synthesizing a dipeptide from its component amino acids is described. The dipeptide synthesized uses inexpensive amino acids having hydrocarbon side-chains and can be observed in E/Z forms by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Each step in the synthesis produces white crystalline products using standard…

Describes a project and experimental procedures, suitable for a final year organic chemistry course, in which students synthesize a variety of substituted phenanthrenes, chrysenes, and benzo phenanthrenes. (SK)

Psychology departments in U.S., Canadian, English, and Irish universities were asked to describe their practices concerning student participation as subjects in experiments. Experimental participation as a requirement, with other options to fulfill that requirement, has become the most popular form of subject pool. The educational value is…

Describes a simple, inexpensive experiment for extraction of synthetic dyes permitted in foodstuffs, and their separation and identification using thin-layer chromatography and ultraviolet/visible spectroscopy. (Author/SK)

Traces the development of a project in which students at Utah State University have designed 12 experiments which will be contained in a trashcan-sized canister and placed inside the space shuttle "Columbia" during its fourth test flight. Describes some experiments and how they will operate. (DC)

The correct usage of such terminology as "Rayleigh scattering,""Rayleigh lines,""Raman lines," and "Tyndall scattering" is resolved during an historical excursion through the physics of light-scattering by gas molecules. (Author/JN)

A model is introduced for the simulation of Boltzmann-like binary interactions which may be extended to exhibit the effect of angular dependence in the scattering cross section and other dynamical aspects of two-body interactions. (Author/SK)

Simpler than x-ray diffractometer experiments, the experiment described illustrates certain concepts regarding the interaction of electromagnetic rays with matter such as the exponential decrease in the intensity with absorber thickness, variation of the coefficient of absorption with energy, and the effect of the K-absorption edge on the…

A set of ions is selected (by computer program available from author) for each student in this qualitative analysis course. Students work out a separation scheme based on results of their experimentation and using selected references. Course methodology, preparation of solutions/unknowns, grading, and student responses are discussed. (Author/SK)

Describes several undergraduate deuteriation experiments using deuterium oxide as the source of label, including general and specific procedures. (SK)

Discusses a new technique that enables spectroscopists to study gas phase molecules at temperatures below 1 K, without traditional cryogenic apparatus. This technique uses supersonic jets as samples for gas molecular spectroscopy. Highlighted are points in the theory of supersonic flow which are important for applications in molecular…

A laboratory experiment that demonstrates the effects of various dental materials on a representative enzyme from the pulp is outlined. The experiment encourages students to consider the effects that various restorative materials and techniques might have on enzymes in the living pulp. (Author/MLW)

Describes an advanced high school physics experiment demonstrating rotational kinematics and dynamics, using simple equipment such as empty coffee cans, inclined planes, meter sticks, and a large 10-second demonstration timer. (CS)

Describes some practical exercises involving the glutamine synthetase enzyme of Beneckea Natriegens. (CS)

Presents the following three biology notes: (1) a low cost variable temperature incubator; (2) projects on the ecology of freshwater mussels (Unionidae); and (3) studies on urease. (HM)