A diffusion cell to model the permeation of salicylate drugs through the skin using low-cost materials and a sensitive colorimetric analytical technique is described. The diffusion apparatus has been used at a further education college by a student for her AS-level Extended Project to investigate the permeation rates of salicylic acid…

Presents nine physics notes for British secondary school teachers. Some of these notes are: (1) speed of sound in a steel rod; (2) physics extracts-part four (1978); and (3) a graphical approach to acceleration. (HM)

Presents the following three biology notes: (1) a low cost variable temperature incubator; (2) projects on the ecology of freshwater mussels (Unionidae); and (3) studies on urease. (HM)

Presents 12 chemistry notes for British secondary school teachers. Some of these notes are: (1) a simple device for testing pH-meters; (2) portable fume cupboard safety screen; and (3) Mass spectroscopy-analysis of a mass peak. (HM)

Presents six middle school science notes for British science teachers. Some of these notes are: (1) fingerprints; (2) the floating magnet; and (3) the production of electricity using a lemon. (HM)

Suggests that the Friedel-Crafts reaction, used for synthesizing a wide range of aromatic compounds, is an ideal vehicle for extended senior high school project work in chemistry. Provides a theoretical discussion of the reaction, suggests a number of suitable investigations, and outlines the experimental details. (JR)

Discusses distillation of liquid mixtures with the emphasis on experimental work. A number of experiments, intended for chemistry secondary school teachers in the United Kingdom, are included. (HM)

Presented is a brief history of manufacturing chocolate and an outline of production methods. Describes laboratory techniques used to monitor liquid chocolate viscosity. Discusses a simple experiment which can be performed in the classroom. (Author/CW)

Lists directions for creating some laboratory equipment that makes it easier for students to assess the rate at which an enzyme is modifying its target (substrate). (WRM)

Describes: (1) a microcomputer demonstration of autocatalysis; (2) a safe alternative to ethanol and methanol; (3) a simple condenser for test-tube reactions; (4) a new procedure for studying the magnetic properties of transition metal compounds; (5) plasticization of the polymer PVC; and (6) some thoughts on polybasic acids and their salts. (JN)

Discusses the importance of ethene (ethylene) in industry and the pipeline grid in western Europe for transporting ethene. Describes methods for investigating organic compounds in school laboratories using ethene as the key compound. (JR)

Discusses holography, a process by which a three-dimensional image of an object can be completely recorded on a photographic film or plate. Introduces hologram theory with a view to presenting it to senior high school students, and explains how the apparently very great experimental difficulties can be overcome. (JR)