Presents the "Before Technology and After Technology" lab where students first complete a simple lab and graph the data by hand and then repeat the lab using graphing calculators. Enables students to see how technology can make data collecting, graphing, and analyzing more fun. (JRH)

Provides instructions for the construction and launch of a two-liter plastic soda-bottle rocket and presents the author's theory of their motion during launch. Modeled predictions are compared with actual experimental data. Explains theory behind the motion of a water rocket during launch. (LZ)

Provides the background theory and some experiments for studying static equilibrium using a Slinky. (MVL)

Describes activities concerning interference phenomena derived from illuminated rotating soap films. Suggests reflecting incident light off of the soap film onto a projection screen. Discusses several possible experiments, how to make soap solutions, and vibrating soap films. (MVL)

Describes an activity that demonstrates the effect of specific variables on the acidity of coffee. (ZWH)

Presents an activity in which students gather their own snowflake collection in search of matching crystals. Students stretch plastic wrap over embroidery hoops that provide a snowflake-catching surface. Snowflakes are viewed under a microscope and photographed. (MDH)

Presents an activity that is part of the National Science and Technology Week (NSTW) 1993. Students apply principles of biomechanics to find the most effective techniques for performing a standing broad jump and use that analysis to improve their own jumping. Instructions include procedures, materials needed, and possible extensions to the…

Explains that some metal springs have an initial tension that must be overcome before using the F=kx relationship (Hooke's Law) for experimental calculations in the physics laboratory. (WRM)

Explains how to determine the polarity of static electric charges by using an electrician's tool called the test pencil. (WRM)

Introduces a science experiment in which students investigate the wind-leaf relationship by using a leaf blower. Assesses damage differences between leaf species under wind stress. (YDS)

Presents activities and investigations that provide a trail of physics-related topics for students to investigate at a bowling alley. (JRH)

Describes a science experiment involving plant seeds where students observe the germination and plant growth. (YDS)

Notes that water can be an important medium for science, math, and language activities and how encouraging young children to think about water helps them understand important concepts about how the world works. Offers detailed instructions for 13 classroom activities that use water to demonstrate a variety of concepts. (TJQ)

Explains the redux chemistry of the experiment of cleaning pennies with a vinegar-salt solution. (Contains 12 references.) (YDS)

Rx values in thin-layer chromatography (TLC) depend strongly on the solvent saturation of the atmosphere above the liquid in the TLC developing chamber. Presents an experiment illustrating the potentially dramatic effects on TLC Rx values of not equilibrating the solvent atmosphere during development. (ASK)