Discusses determination of elliptical path of a satellite caught into orbit by the sun or earth; using microcomputer as signal generator (includes program listing); collision process; simple hysteresis loop using double beam CRO; method of demonstrating parallelogram of forces; measuring radius of electron beam curvature; and half-life of thorium…

Lasers are useful for demonstrating ray optics, especially in large classrooms where a well-defined, easily-viewed ray is essential. Described is a simple device that converts any laser to a projection oscilloscope (or laser spirograph). Suggestions for using the device (including demonstrating Lissajous figures and conic sections) are provided.…

Contends that the nature of physics has been misrepresented by blurring or ignoring important distinctions between "errors" and "discrepancies" and that dealing with these and related problems can improve students' enjoyment of labs and understanding of physics. Nature of physics, role of experiments, experimental errors, and error analysis are…

Describes laboratory procedures, demonstrations, and classroom materials, including "diet poker" (nutrition game); an experiment on enzyme characteristics; demonstrations of yeast anaerobic respiration and color preference in Calliphora larvae; method to extract eugenol from clove oil to show antibiotic properties; and Benedict's test.…

Discusses dice model of exponential radionuclide decay; glancing and collinear perfectly elastic collisions; digital capacitance meter; use of top pan balance in physics; microcomputer calculation of gradient of straight line (includes complete Commodore PET computer program); Fresnel lenses; low-voltage radiant heater; Wheatssone's bridge used as…

Presents eight examples from two elementary school science textbook series of misleading suggestions related to what students should observe during science lessons. Levels and page numbers are given for each example. Questions whether textbook authors have tried and analyzed the experiments they describe. (Author/SK)

Outlines procedures for constructing an instrument which uses an electrode and calibration methods to measure the salinity of waters in environments close to and affected by a saline estuary. (Author/DC)

Discusses advantages of using an estuarine environment as a study area for A-level students and reviews organizational considerations. Details and references regarding a variety of suitable techniques are provided along with examples of results obtained by students at Waltham Forest College. (Author/DC)

Describes a collection of college chemistry demonstrations designed for self-paced classes. Some of these exercises stem from original ideas; others are adaptations of one or more published demonstrations. Two exercises, as examples, are also included. (HM)

Summarizes scientific findings resulting from the Apollo missions, including lunar rocks and soil, age determination, and the moon's interior, evolution, and origin. Indicates experiments for future lunar research. (SK)

Describes the use and handling of alkali metals in school laboratories and seeks to reexamine precautions which one may reasonably take before executing routine procedures since their use, even by skillful teachers, occasionally results in accidents in the form of violent explosions. (Author/SK)

Offers the opinion that the creative and imaginative dimension of chemistry can be added in chemistry instruction through the acknowledgement of ambiguity in experimentation and science history. (CS)

Describes experiments which can be completed in five four-hour laboratory sessions, including two synthesis (alpha-phenylbutyric and alpha-phenylbutyric acid anhydride) and determining the absolute stereochemistry of secondary alcohols using the synthetic products. (JN)

Describes an experiment as an alternative to undergraduate experiments limited to high temperature metal systems or lower temperature systems involving objectionable or unstable materials. Lists six advantages of the experiment. (Author/JN)

Describes a procedure for determining the coefficient of restitution using a microcomputer which collects and sends data to a large computer where analysis is done and graphical output is generated. The data collection hardware and software are described, and results are illustrated. (Author/SK)