Examines the effects of rewards on ideational fluency of 75 preschool children. The children, who were assigned to a reward or nonreward condition, were administered two ideational tasks. Analyses revealed a significant main effect for reward on ideational components of originality, total fluency, and flexibility. Rewarded subjects scored lower,…

Described is a simple demonstration that provides a way to determine if a given sample contains even a small fraction of superconducting material. The repulsion of the powder from a magnetic field is indicative of superconductivity. (RH)

This is part two in a series on classroom demonstrations of polymer principles. Described is how large molecules can be assembled from subunits (the process of polymerization). Examples chosen include both linear and branched or cross-linked molecules. (RH)

Described is a teaching method for chemistry that gives college students practice in experimental design. Students are given a problem and required to design a procedure to solve the problem. Problems increase in complexity as the students progress through the courses. (RH)

The author introduces a simple three-step formula for teaching safety awareness in technology education classes and in industry. The steps are (1) understand the hazard, (2) recognize the defense, and (3) act in time. (CH)

Delineates necessary steps for planning effective writing center workshops, namely: (1) identify topics or target populations, (2) establish goals and measurement techniques, (3) initiate contact with faculty or administration in related content areas, (4) determine workshop format and develop comprehensive materials for student use, (5) train…

The semipermeability of biological membranes is simply and directly illustrated in an experiment which uses ovolecithin liposomes as convenient models for biological membranes. Background information and procedures used are provided. (JN)

Clearing is a simple and rapid technique in which 75 percent lactic acid is used to remove pigments and cytoplasmic contents of fresh leaves, enabling microscopic view of various internal leaf layers. Procedures for using the technique (which helps students gain a more thorough understanding of plant anatomy) are given. (DH)

Gives historical background on the discovery of natural radiation and discusses various techniques for using knowledge of radiochemistry in geochronological studies. Indicates that of these radioactive techniques, Potassium-40/Argon-40 dating is used most often. (JN)

A three-period experiment was developed to help students visualize asymmetric distribution of proteins within membranes. It includes: (1) isolating erythrocyte membranes; (2) differential labeling of intact erythrocytes and isolated erythrocyte membranes with an impermeable fluorescent dye; and (3) separating proteins by polyacrylamide gel…

"Colloid titration" is a volumetric method for determining charged polyelectrolytes in aqueous solutions. The principle of colloid titration, reagents used in the procedure, methods of endpoint detection, preparation of reagent solutions, general procedure used, results obtained, and pH profile of colloid titration are considered. (JN)

Background information and experimental procedures are provided for an experiment in which three samples of saccharin (a nickel plating solution, a dilute cola drink, and a more concentrated cola drink) are analyzed and the data interpreted using five methods. Precision and accuracy are evaluated and the best method is selected. (JN)

Describes an experiment (taking approximately five hours) which illustrates the binding of a small molecule to a protein. By using an appropriate fluorescent ligand and a given protein, the fluorescent probe technique is applied to measure the number of bonding sites, and number of site classes, and their association constants. (JN)

Two experiments in which an enzyme is immobilized onto a polymeric support are described. The experiments (which also demonstrate two different polymer preparations) involve: (1) entrapping an enzyme in an acrylamide polymer; and (2) reacting the amino groups on the enzyme's (esterase) lysine residues with an activated polymer. (JN)

Describes an apparatus for an experiment on winding motion in three dimensions. Discusses theory and provides a calculation example. (JM)