Using cultured fibroblast cells, undergraduate students explore cell division and the responses of cultured cells to a variety of environmental changes. The students learn new research techniques and carry out a self-designed experiment. Through this project, students enhance their creative approach to scientific inquiry, learn time-management and…

Discusses the symposium between the scientific community and the animal welfare community in which the consensus was absolute: new laboratory methods can complement but not replace intact animals. (LS)

This resource guide provides information for 13 laboratory experiments designed to be conducted in small schools with limited equipment and materials. For each experiment, the document outlines necessary equipment and materials, experiment procedures, and questions to be answered. The experiments are: (1) studying the properties of water; (2)…

A study was conducted to determine the laboratory management competencies needed by secondary agriculture instructors. Information was gathered through an initial mailing to all postsecondary, college, and university agricultural mechanics specialists serving on the National Future Farmers of America Agricultural Mechanics Contest Committee,…

Computer-assisted instruction (CAI) has proven useful in teaching chemistry instrumentation techniques to undergraduate students. The work completed at the time of this interim report has clearly shown that a general purpose laboratory computer system, equipped with suitable devices to allow direct data input from experiments, can be an effective…

Indicates how the gas laws can be derived and taught to high school and college physical science classes by using the guided-discovery method. (LS)

Describes procedures for two demonstrations: (1) photochemical energy conversion using ferric oxalate actinometry and (2) liquification of gases using Freon 114. Safety precautions are given for both demonstrations, as are procedures and material specifications. (JM)

Describes procedures involved with paper electrophoresis separation of amino acids, gel electrophoresis separation of DNA, and design of an electrophoresis tank. Describes experiments using paper (amino acids) and gel (deoxyribonucleic acid fragments). Provides material lists, procedures, and discussion. (JM)

Summarizes advice from the Laboratory Safeguards Subcommittee of the Association for Science Education related to flames and heat, hazardous chemicals, electricity and dangerous voltages, and mechanical hazards. Knowledge is cited as the key to preventing accidents in physics laboratories. (DH)

Presents general and specific guidelines for handling carcinogens. Additional topics include: definition of potential occupational carcinogens; classification of carcinogens; inventory requirements; signs and labels for materials and laboratories; decontamination and disposal procedures; medical surveillance for employees working with controlled…

Examines reading comprehension as it applies to the chemistry lab and describes techniques that promote better comprehension of lab materials. Lists four levels of reading to understand: literal, inferential, evaluative, and creative. Notes three methods to teach reading: the reference approach, mapping, and request. (MVL)

Describes the conversion of a laboratory and change in course content in a chemical engineering curriculum. Lists laboratory experiments and computer programs used in the course. Discusses difficulties during the laboratory conversion and future plans for the course. (YP)

Describes three demonstrations showing chaotic motion, which makes long-term prediction impossible. Discusses the apparatus for the demonstrations and procedures for illustrating chaotic motion of pendulum, balls rolling in a double potential well, and a ball rolling on a balanced beam. (YP)

Presents an exercise which was designed to help students read material and follow directions more appropriately when performing laboratory activities. Provides a list of materials, instructions, comments, vocabulary words, and a diagrammatical sketch of an insect. (RT)

Provides a set of guidelines for infection control of the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome and the serum hepatitis viruses during blood typing procedures. Emphasizes that disposal of blood contaminated materials should comply with local health department recommendations. (RT)