Describes a method to examine preparations of rocks in thin sections between crossed polaroids using a converted biological microscope or a homemade polariscope. (JRH)

Presents experiments for isolating and detecting siderophores produced by bacteria or fungi. (MKR)

Describes and evaluates three different videoconferencing systems for supporting multiparty remote conversations. The systems differed by the number of participants visible at once, their spatial arrangement, and control over who was seen. These conversations were compared to same-room and audio-only conversations. Only the same-room condition…

This article describes a science learning experience in which intermediate grade students launched balloons with attached postcards to study wind currents. More than 200 (of over 900 balloons) were returned, and their analysis supported the students' hypothesis about the direction of wind currents. (DB)

Presents a simple experiment that enables students to get a quantitative measure of the relationship between the resistance of a wire and the temperature of the wire allowing the calculation of the temperature coefficient of resistance. (JRH)

Laser refractometry is a science-technology-based activity that requires students to manipulate a variety of equipment, tools, materials, and critical-thinking skills. Students use a laser to measure the percent of glucose in a solution by calibrating the system, taking measurements, and computing the concentration. (MKR)

Describes the working of the Adiabatic Gas Law Apparatus, a useful tool for measuring the pressure, temperature, and volume of a variety of gases undergoing compressions and expansions. Describes the adaptation of this apparatus to perform isothermal measurements and discusses the theory behind the adiabatic and isothermal processes. (JRH)

Outlines the use of the toy popularly known as Newton's Cradle or Newton's Balls in illustrating the laws of conservation of momentum and mechanical energy. Discusses in detail the joint effects of elasticity, friction, and ball alignment on the rate of damping of this apparatus. (JRH)

Presents a procedure to demonstrate how the speed of sound in air or within a denser gas can be calculated quickly and accurately in the laboratory. (MKR)

A simple way to assess the statistical power of experimental designs, based on the concept of a minimum detectable effect, is described. How to compute minimum detectable effects and how to apply the method of assessment of alternative experimental designs are illustrated. (SLD)

Describes how Newton's Law of Cooling and the Method of Mixtures are used to solve the basic dilemma of whether to add the cool cream to the hot coffee or to let the black coffee cool down first and then add the cream. (ZWH)

Describes how the study of a hurricane can be used to provide integrated basic mechanics in a first-year college course in engineering mechanics. Presents models that predict wind speed given surface eye pressure and several radial dimensions of the storm and calculate total kinetic energy once the wind speed is determined. (ZWH)

It is argued that the study of one important aspect of intelligence, creativity, can be furthered by the introduction of causal theories and their experimental study. Purely correlational investigations are a useful beginning, but psychology can only acquire true scientific stature by combining correlational and experimental approaches. (SLD)

Describes simple, inexpensive activities for teaching students about mutants and mutations in bacteria. Explains how to isolate bacteria from soil and leaves and how to grow bacteria on agar or in broth. Describes how to construct a gradient plate for finding the minimum inhibitory concentration of a substance and how to use this set up to find…

Revision of the University of Victoria's career counselor training program along constructivist principles involved (1) placing meaning and personal constructs at the center of the program; and (2) developing reflective counselors who help clients through experiments rather than interventions, on four levels: imagined, thinking, simulated, and…