Describes a simple, inexpensive electronic circuit used as a small analog computer in an experimental approach to the study of oscillations. Includes circuit diagram and an example of the method using steps followed by students studying underdamped oscillatory motion. (JN)

Describes a three-hour experiment designed to introduce students to chemistry of the angiotensis-converting enzyme, illustrate design of a quenched fluorescence substrate, and examine considerations necessary in designing a clinical assay. Includes background information on the biochemistry of hypertension, reagents/materials needed, procedures…

Students' cars and wristwatches are used as "apparatus" to introduce and demonstrate Newton's second law of motion. Forces acting on cars are discussed and typical student data (for different makes of cars) are provided. Data could also be used in discussions of work, horsepower, efficiency, and energy cost. (JN)

Experimentalists in particle physics have long regarded computers as essential components of their apparatus. Theorists are now finding that significant advances in some areas can be accomplished only in partnership with a machine. Needs of experimentalists, interests of theorists, and specialized computers for high-energy experiments are…

Discusses contributions of computers to research in magnetic and inertial-confinement fusion, charged-particle-beam propogation, and space sciences. Considers use in design/control of laboratory and spacecraft experiments and in data acquisition; and reviews major plasma computational methods and some of the important physics problems they…

Examination of selected material from the history of science can provoke a number of questions about the nature of that activity as indicated in part 1 (SE 533 400). Presented here are some guidelines to help teachers discuss the observation statements and kinds of questions raised in part 1. (JN)

Suggests incorporating three-phase learning cycle into laboratory teaching to foster formal reasoning skills. Describes five types of laboratories, each of which offers experiences necessary for the initial phase of the learning cycle. Indicates importance of presenting concepts in a way that progresses from concrete to abstract. (JN)

The Mole Concept is a learning cycle (patterned after University of Nebraska-Lincoln's ADAPT model) for the chemical unit "mole." Discusses objectives and activities involved in each phase of the cycle: exploration, invention, and application. Indicates the cycle is superior to traditional lecture-demonstration for teaching the abstract mole…

Describes an experiment in which static/dynamic properties of a helical, steel spring are investigated. During the experiment students discover that the behavior of the springs is non-Hookean at small loads. Background information (including static deflection and period of oscillation) and typical results are provided. (JM)

Background information and laboratory procedures are provided for an undergraduate experiment requiring students to prepare a coordination compound. (SK)

Suggests a threefold rationale for practical work in science: in developing laboratory skills, in learning to work as a scientist, and in acquiring a feel for phenomena. Three types of pupil practical work (exercises, investigations, and experiences) are then discussed. (Author/JN)

Cyclic voltammetry is a simple experiment that has become popular in chemical research because it can provide useful information about redox reactions in a form which is easily obtained and interpreted. Discusses principles of the method and illustrates its use in the study of four electrode reactions. (Author/JN)

Discusses fern life cycle and basic techniques for culturing fern gametophytes in the classroom. Also discusses investigations into the reproductive biology of ferns and into the early development of gametophytes. (JN)

Examines the basking postures of captive eastern painted turtles exposed to two different sources of illumination (white floor lamps and infrared heat lamps) and three types of substrates (sphagnum, rock, wood) and discusses possible ecological and evolutionary significance of these behaviors. (Author/JN)

Spatial filtering, based on diffraction/interference of light waves, is a technique by which unwanted information in a picture ("noise") can be separated from wanted information. A series of experiments is described in which students can create a system that functions as an optical computer to create clearer pictures. (Author/JN)