This laboratory exercise encourages upper level biochemistry students to build and expand upon previously developed laboratory skills and knowledge as they conduct a comparison of two methods of plasmid preparation based upon cost, quality of product, production time, and environmental impact. Besides creating an environment that mimics a more…

This article describes a simple way to demonstrate powder diffraction in a classroom setting using a dry film of spherical colloids on a glass substrate. Use of transparent, elastomeric poly(dimethylsiloxane) as a supporting substrate for the spheres rather than glass enables demonstration of the reciprocal lattice effect. (Contains 4 figures and…

Chemical reactions induced by light have been utilized for synthesizing highly strained, thermodynamically unstable compounds, which are inaccessible through non-photochemical methods. Photochemical cycloaddition reactions, especially those leading to the formation of four-membered rings, constitute a convenient route to compounds that are…

The purpose of this book is to teach the principles of proper scientific notekeeping. The principles presented in this book are goals for which working scientists must strive. Chapter 1, "The Reasons for Notekeeping," is an overview of the process of keeping a laboratory notebook. Chapter 2, "The Hardware of Notekeeping," is intended especially…

Unified Technical Concepts (UTC) is a modular system for teaching applied physics in two-year postsecondary programs. This UTC classroom textbook, consisting of 14 chapters, deals with physics for technicians. Addressed in the individual chapters of the guide are the following topics: force, work, rate, momentum, resistance, power, potential and…

Describes a single technique for an enzyme assay of catalase. The method shows that vegetable seeds submitted to pre-sowing 'hardening' cycles of imbition and drying have greater catalase activity and more rapid germination than do the controls. (LS)

Describes an inquiry procedure to determine whether soft drinks are pressure or vacuum packed and then utilizes the "pop" theme for several other science activities. (LS)

Describes an undergraduate organic chemistry experiment in which stilbene is cyclized to phenanthrene by irradiation for 24 hours in a photochemical reactor. (MLH)

Provides a description and evaluation of a university's recently instituted physics learning center. Photos and text reveal some uses of the facility. (Author/CP)

Describes the contents of a BIOS i Kit as: (1) guide to initial learning possibilities; (2) state of knowledge articles; (3) sample materials for observation, identification, and/or experimentation; and (4) evaluation materials. (LS)

Presents a set of integrated experiments for the undergraduate inorganic chemistry laboratory, designed with the belief that a related set of syntheses, reactions, and characterization techniques sums to a greater learning experience than an equal number of unrelated experiments. (MLH)

Describes sources and housing of laboratory rats for use in investigating behavior. (LS)

Describes the apparatus of a chemistry kit that also contains a pupil's manual and a teacher's guide. (LS)

Describes how to construct thin layer chromatography apparatus by using a sheet of glass, glass strips, epoxy resin and a chromatographic plate. (LS)

Describes an experiment demonstrating genetic transformation that opens up many areas of laboratory work and discussion with students. (LS)