Describes a new "discovery-oriented" laboratory course in physics for college freshmen. The subject matter was Newtonian mechanics with calculus. The aim was to teach experimental methods from design of the experiment, testing hypotheses and presentation of final report. The laboratory was successful in most of its objectives and got moderately…

Describes three of many uses to which the desk-top computer has been put in the introductory physics laboratory. The three uses involve an AC circuit laboratory, an equipotential mapping experiment, and an N-slit diffraction experiment. Typical desk-top computer-produced theory plots are shown. (LC)

This short biography of Fresnel traces his early education, his work as an engineer and his theories and discoveries in optics. The importance of Fresnel's ideas on diffraction, interference and double refraction are discussed. Bibliography. (LC)

The mercury-drag effect is demonstrated when mercury vapor diffuses through nitrogen gas at low pressure, passing through tubes of different radii to liquid nitrogen-cooled cold traps. The pressure changes of the nitrogen gas on the mercury-deficient side of the cold traps are observed and compared with theoretical and experimental valves from the…

Describes an experiment in which a subject spent more than 230 hours of practice in a laboratory and was able to increase his memory span from 7 to 79 digits. The results suggest that practice with an appropriate mnemonic system can increase memory performance. (Author/SA)

A method of estimating the solubilities of drugs in water is reported that is based on a principle applied in quantitative structure-activity relationships. This procedure involves correlation of partition coefficient values using the octanol/water system and aqueous solubility. (Author/MLW)

Reviews studies of regulation of nasal airway resistance (Rn). Describes methods of calculating Rn by measuring pressure-flow relationship. Data are presented on improved methods for measuring Rn and effects for expiratory and inspiratory Rn after topical application of phenylephrine nasal decongestant spray. (Author/SA)

Presents a reliable method for the sterilization of ciliates using common lab equipment and skills. A modified Glaser and Coria technique is used. (MA)

Describes the design of a new laboratory course that calls for experiments to be grouped in clusters. Each cluster has a unifying theme which gives coherence to the experiments. Other important guidelines in design were the use of computers, introduction of microscale chemistry, and use of instrumentation. Cluster examples include Carbon Is Number…

Uses trenoids, which are toothpicks colored with ink markers to represent a single taxa of organisms to illustrate ecological concepts in a student-centered learning environment. (YDS)