Students in introductory physics courses often don't study thermodynamics or thermodynamic events. If any thermal physics is taught in introductory courses (e.g., Physics 101 for Liberal Arts Majors), it usually involves the concepts of specific heat and various temperature scales. Seldom are the first and second laws of thermodynamics taught in…

The term "restriction endonuclease mapping" covers a number of related techniques used to identify specific restriction enzyme recognition sites on small DNA molecules. A method for restriction endonuclease mapping of a 1,000-basepair (bp)-long DNA molecule is described in the fictitious experiment of this test. The most important fact needed to…

Presented is the annual report for fiscal year 1975-76 of the National Academy of Sciences (NAS), including the annual reports of the National Academy of Engineering and the Institute of Medicine. Contents include: (1) report of the President; (2) reports on completed studies including food and nutrition, public health, natural resources, space…

The article provides an example of a project in physics concerning clocks in which gifted pupils engage in high-level problem solving while developing technical knowledge and appropriate scientific methodology. Drawings illustrate the principles taught by the project. (Author/DB)

Methods of investigating plant root growth developed for research purposes can be adopted for student use. Investigations of the effect of water table level and of ethylene concentration are described, and techniques of measuring root growth are explained. (Author/ML)

Using many different media, students can turn leaves into images which can be used for study, bulletin boards, collections, and identification. The simple techniques described include pastel printing, smoke prints, ink or tempura printing, bleach printing on t-shirts, ditto machine printing using carbon paper, and making cutouts. (DH)

Describes the rationale for and objectives of a strategy in which students display projects in lieu of a final examination. Although no grading is attached to the "walk-through," participation is required for the course grade. Sample student projects reflecting the variety of display formats are also described. (JN)

Students in two Camden County high schools planned and built a space shuttle project to send ants into space to examine the effects of weightlessness on a life colony. The experiments, tests, colony design, development of a computer-controlled environment, and production are described. (CM)

Discusses planning necessary for a successful elementary school science fair. Includes a science fair checklist. (JN)

This article about science fairs provides a list of topics children can research and suggestions for evaluating the possibilities of project ideas before children invest much work in them. Ideas for selecting a fair date and location, choosing judges, and involving parents and the community are included. (PP)

Offers rationale for and a description of a microprocessor-based control system project for mechanical engineering students. Includes reasons for selecting a Texas Instruments TM990/189 microprocessor system. (SK)

Describes an SOS project, "Arsenic in Waters, Soils, Biota, and Wastes of Chautauqua County, New York," sponsored by the National Science Foundation. (CS)

Describes this year's chemistry exhibition held in Japan and sponsored by the Chemical Society of Japan. Summarizes the purposes, preparation, and the activities of the exhibition. (YP)

Describes an educational project primarily aimed at teachers and 15 to 18-year-old students that describes the essential features of a modern high-energy physics experiment. (Author/CCM)

Presents an eight-stage teaching model used to develop science curriculum for primary aged students at a Hong Kong school. The model focuses around class nature walks in which students pose and structure inquiries. These walks are followed by use of the in-class and out-of-class environments to collect information and produce a product. (DB)