The advantages of using invertebrates in teaching physiological principles are discussed. The ability to illustrate with greater clarity physiological principles, the range and variety of physiological processes available for examination, and the unlimited possibilities for student research are topics of discussion. (KR)

Four groups of 24 undergraduates each received the following instruction on logic circuits: (1) lab, then readings; (2) computer simulation, then readings; (3) readings, then lab; and (4) readings, then simulation. Results showed that advance exposure to experiential activity (lab or simulation) aided the learning of unfamiliar technical material…

Describes a perceptual illusion, the Janus mask, for use in introductory psychology demonstrations. Suggests using a motor or videotaped image to rotate the mask, giving the impression that the mask is following a moving observer or oscillating. Recommends the illusion to show that perception is usefully conceptualized as hypothesis testing. (DK)

Describes activities concerning interference phenomena derived from illuminated rotating soap films. Suggests reflecting incident light off of the soap film onto a projection screen. Discusses several possible experiments, how to make soap solutions, and vibrating soap films. (MVL)

Describes an activity that demonstrates the effect of specific variables on the acidity of coffee. (ZWH)

Presents an activity in which students gather their own snowflake collection in search of matching crystals. Students stretch plastic wrap over embroidery hoops that provide a snowflake-catching surface. Snowflakes are viewed under a microscope and photographed. (MDH)

Presents an activity that is part of the National Science and Technology Week (NSTW) 1993. Students apply principles of biomechanics to find the most effective techniques for performing a standing broad jump and use that analysis to improve their own jumping. Instructions include procedures, materials needed, and possible extensions to the…

Describes a set of experiments using a UV-VIS spectrometer to identify food colorings and to measure the pH of soft drinks. The first laboratory component uses locations and shapes of visible absorption peaks as a means of identifying dyes while the second portion uses the spectrometer for determining pH. (PVD)

Describes the construction of an inexpensive light sensor that can be used to measure irradiance in aquatic habitats. Includes a list of tools and materials, details of construction, and usage of the light sensor. (DDR)

Presents tips for using experiments in the classroom: start slowly, be organized, prepare follow-up discussions, be flexible, use them where appropriate. Addresses how to encourage participation, where to insert in a course, what to do if it fails, and how computers can be used. (SK)

Explains that some metal springs have an initial tension that must be overcome before using the F=kx relationship (Hooke's Law) for experimental calculations in the physics laboratory. (WRM)

Reports on a study of elementary and middle school students' (n=254) intentions to perform science learning activities. Finds that students value different sources of information and support relative to their intention to engage in science learning activities. Contains 40 references. (Author/WRM)

Explains how to determine the polarity of static electric charges by using an electrician's tool called the test pencil. (WRM)

Suggests specific ways in which laboratory activities might be slightly modified to increase students' understanding in science, based on recommendations from the National Science Education Standards and on constructivist understandings of the learning process. Contains 42 references. (WRM)

Presents a science experiment about oil spills and oil pollution for 7th- and 8th-grade science students. This variation on a method used by pollution control experts to clean up oil spills shows students how oil is collected after an oil spill, explaining that with this method, much of the damage from an oil spill can be averted. (SM)