Discusses the inherent flaws in considering and using the epistemology of the natural sciences as equivalent to a pedagogic basis for teaching and learning in the natural sciences. Discusses the difference between practicing science and learning to practice science. Concludes with the presentation of three new motives for the use of laboratory…

In an attempt to generate student enthusiasm on the subject of genetics, the author developed a Punnett square activity centered on the genetics of corn snakes to teach students about Mendelism and genetic diversity. As they began the activity, however, some unexpected twists occurred that allowed for investigation into corn snake anatomy and…

These supplemental units contain four laboratory exercises that can be used to enhance the labs in "Physics for the Technologies." The four units (one mechanical, two thermal, and one electrical) are designed to enhance labs in presenting specific concepts. Each unit can be used as an example of how the concepts behind the theory apply…

This set of 16 laboratory activities is designed to illustrate the life cycle of Brassicae plants from seeds in pots to pods in 40 days. At certain points along the production cycle of the central core of labs, there are related lateral labs to provide additional learning opportunities employing this family of plants, referred to as "fast…

Explains gyroscopic motions to college freshman or high school seniors who have learned about centripetal acceleration and the transformations of a couple. Contains several figures showing the direction of forces and motion. (YP)

Discusses the importance of laboratory experiments in which students were given a few guidelines and small groups had to design the experiments. Describes the old and new orders of laboratory projects and the effects of change. (CW)

Expresses concern over recent actions by coalitions of neighborhood activists and animal rightists in the San Francisco area that are seeking to block new biology laboratories. Argues that costly delays and disurption of research could result. (TW)

Describes a two-session experiment designed to provide a good illustration of, and to improve student knowledge of, the Grignard reaction and nucleophilic substitution. Discusses the procedure, experimental considerations, and conclusion of this experiment. (CW)

Describes laboratory exercises which demonstrate a new simplified technique for deforming thin samples of crystalline materials on the stage of a petrographic microscope. Discusses how this process allows students to see the development of microstructures resulting from cracking, slipping, thinning, and recrystallization. References and sources of…

Presents a technique for eliminating errors in the analysis of the nickel subgroup of the aluminum-nickel group cations. Describes the process of color and chemical changes that occur in this group as a result of ligand and coordination number changes. Discusses opportunities for student observations. (TW)

Describes the use and handling of alkali metals in school laboratories and seeks to reexamine precautions which one may reasonably take before executing routine procedures since their use, even by skillful teachers, occasionally results in accidents in the form of violent explosions. (Author/SK)

Describes experiments which can be completed in five four-hour laboratory sessions, including two synthesis (alpha-phenylbutyric and alpha-phenylbutyric acid anhydride) and determining the absolute stereochemistry of secondary alcohols using the synthetic products. (JN)

Describes an experiment as an alternative to undergraduate experiments limited to high temperature metal systems or lower temperature systems involving objectionable or unstable materials. Lists six advantages of the experiment. (Author/JN)

Describes an experiment in which acetaminophen is converted into phenacetin, that has been used at Shepherd College in an introductory chemistry course for nurses and in the organic chemistry laboratory. (BT)

Describes three college lab exercises which can be used to demonstrate the elements and characteristics of continuous flow injection analysis. (HM)