This paper presents low-cost experiments for a control systems laboratory module that is worth one and a third credits. The experiments are organized around the microcontroller-based control of a permanent magnet dc motor. The experimental setups were built in-house. Except for the operating system, the software used is primarily freeware or free…

Reviews various science activities investigating polarized light. (SL)

The aim of the mentioned experiment is to aid students in developing tactics for distinguishing between signals originating from fluorescence and light scattering. Also, the experiment provides students with a deeper understanding of the physicochemical bases of each phenomenon and shows that the techniques are actually related.

Describes an experimental demonstration of entropy utilizing a rubber band. (SL)

Describes experiments conducted with semiconductors, photo-cells, and an oscilloscope. (SL)

Fourth- and fifth-graders were taught how to design simple unconfounded experiments using one of two instructional methods differing only in whether children manipulated physical or virtual materials. Results indicated that the two types of materials were equally effective in achieving several instructional objectives, including the design of…

Reports on apparatus for generating Lissajous figures, projecting Poisson's spots, photographing diffraction patterns, electric heating, and projecting moving longitudinal waves on an oscilloscope. (SL)

Described is an inexpensive wave tank used to study the amplitude of tsunamis travelling down a channel of decreasing depth. A detailed discussion to theory and computations is included. (SL)

Describes an experiment that provides a study of the different colors and shapes of crystals of transition metal dimethylglyoxime complexes with the use of a low power microscope. Discusses the preparation and examination of the crystals. (CW)

Describes a program of demonstration experiments used to stimulate interest in chemistry, specifically aimed at increasing university chemistry enrollments. Discusses program goals, experiments, design criteria, and several caveats related to the development of such a program. (JM)

Described are several laboratory investigations that may be used to introduce biochemistry. Topics covered include carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and metabolism. Reactions, stock solution formulas, and procedures are listed. Emphasized are individualizing work, designing alternative investigations, solving problems, and drawing conclusions. (KR)

Examines the thermal decomposition of sodium bicarbonate to sodium carbonate. Encourages students to predict the end products and to use the stoichiometric results to determine if their predictions are correct. (MVL)

Provides two demonstrations: (1) electrolyte migration of ions using colored ions which cross a strip of gelatin allowing for noticeable migration; and (2) photochemical reduction of Fe+3 by the citrate ion. Points out both reactions can be done in a Petri dish using common lab materials. (MVL)

Proposes that the psychological problem of students expecting a particular result in an organic chemistry laboratory and, therefore, working in an unthinking manner be attacked by assigning experiments that give students unexpected results. Gives four examples of such experiments with strategies for teaching them. (CW)

Describes an experiment that is to be performed midway in the first semester of an undergraduate organic chemistry laboratory coinciding with the students' introduction to cis-trans isomerism in the study of alkenes. Discusses the apparatus, materials, experimental procedure, historical significance, and results. (CW)