Describes an experiment to analyze commercial analgesic preparations (pain relievers) by silica gel thin layer chromatography, followed by preparative (thick) layer chromatographic separation and spectroscopic analysis. Key difference from similar experiments is that students are responsible for devising suitable solvent systems for the thin layer…

Describes the method used at Macquarie University, Australia, for implementing the home experiment approach in first-year biology. The sequences of activities for experiments in plant growth are included; and assignment sheets are appended. (CS)

Describes an inexpensive, easy-to-construct manometric device that is a substitute for an expensive commercial transducer that is sensitive to slight pressure fluctuations. An activity for demonstrating the importance of CO-2 as a humoral regulator of respiration is described. (Author/SA)

A technique is presented which utilizes wax moth larvae in a laboratory investigation of an insect virus. Describes how an insect virus can be used to introduce undergraduate biology students to laboratory work on viruses and several virological concepts. (SA)

Mechanical properties (stress-strain relationships) of polymers are reviewed, taking into account both time and temperature factors. Topics include modulus-temperature behavior of polymers, time dependence, time-temperature correspondence, and mechanical models. (JN)

Describes a series of experiments which a group of 12- to 14-year-old students developed and conducted as they attempted to design a solar panel. Includes an outline of their building procedures. (DC)

A general discussion of prediction and the use of models as a means of understanding reality is provided, focusing on the application of mathematical models to various scientific disciplines and its role in experimentation. (DC)

Describes a lysozyme assay for use in the biology classroom to teach enzymology. Provides background information, materials and methods, sources of lysozyme, and evaluation of the assay. (DS)

Discusses how TOPS devices can be improved. New chemistry-physics devices are offered in hopes of encouraging teachers to invent other small devices for projection on a TOPS projector-adaptor. (HM)

Gives instructions for simple meteorological instruments that students can make and then use to monitor temperature, humidity, dew point, rainfall, and wind speed. (SJL)

Discusses the role, importance, and benefits of performing demonstrations in physics. Suggests that actual demonstrations are more valuable than those presented on films or videotapes. (SK)

Presents the author's viewpoints on the role, benefits, and mechanics of performing physics demonstrations. Suggests that teachers keep a demonstration file. Indicates that demonstrations can be set up in showcases or in hallways. (SK)

Describes kinetics experiments completed in a single two-hour laboratory period at 25 degrees Centigrade of nitrito to nitro rearrangement, based on the recently discovered base-catalysis path. Includes information on synthesis and characterization of linkage isomers, spectrophotometric techniques, and experimental procedures. (SK)

Presents a simple, economical model of circulatory behavior that illustrates the effect of changes in cardiac output, peripheral resistance and compliance on arterial blood pressure. (CS)

Discusses the two-capacitor problem by considering the self-inductance of the circuit used and by determining how well the usual series RC circuit approximates the two-capacitor problem when realistic values of L, C, and R are chosen. (GA)