Describes how to organize a student-directed laboratory investigation which is based on amphibian metamorphosis, lasts for nearly a term, and involves extensive group effort. Explains the assignment, student response and opinion, formal paper, and instructor responsibilities. (RT)

Describes two new exercises in classical conditioning that use earthworms and houseflies. The animals are available year-round and pose no risk to the students or instructor. The conditioned stimuli are odorants. These elicit a conditioned response of contraction in worms or proboscis extension in flies. (MJP)

Forensic science courses encompasses the disciplines of biology, chemistry, mathematics, and physics, which provides an opportunity for students to become engaged in all content areas within one course. The inquiry-based learning environment allows visualization of results almost immediately, facilitating student interest. The laboratory…

Although ammeters are very important tools for science classes in elementary and junior high schools, many ordinary ones are not easy to handle nor sufficiently educational. From this viewpoint, the authors have investigated the possibility of using clamp-on ammeters, which are very common among professional electricians, for educational purposes.…

The chemical and instrumental methods used in the study of transition-metal complexes provide a complete determination of their structure, bonding, and properties. It unites concepts of analytical, inorganic, and physical chemistry in a way that students might appreciate that these areas of chemistry are not different.

The College Board's Advanced Placement (AP) biology program is explained and options within it are explored in this guide for teachers. Experienced AP biology teachers were surveyed for information concerning approaches that were effective in their programs. Descriptions and suggestions from the 14 respondents are reported in the area of: (1)…

Describes two experiments for demonstrating the properties of osmosis and semipermeable membranes. Gaseous and liquid osmosis are studied through the use of common laboratory chemicals and equipment. Offers explanations for the phenomena with diagrams. (ML)

Explains that triglycerides consist of a mixture of different compounds, depending on the total number of fatty acid constituents. Details the method and instrumentation necessary for students to analyze a vegetable oil for its triglyceride content. Describes sample results. (CW)

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)

Presents an experimental example illustrating the most common methods for the determination of kinetic parameters. Discusses the different theories and equations to be applied and the mechanism derived from the kinetic results. (CW)

Describes procedures for examining a beetle's anatomy with microsurgical tools. Instructions for experimental exercises dealing with the insect's structure and digestive enzymes are outlined. Tips on how to make a microscalpel are also included. (TW)

Describes a freshman chemistry experiment designed to introduce scientific methodology, provide practice in measurement skills, and illustrate a fundamental chemical relationship (conservation of volume). Provides the experimental design, a materials and equipment list, sample calculations, and results. (JM)

Described is an experiment designed to provide an experimental basis for a unifying point of view (utilizing theoretical framework and chemistry laboratory experiments) for physical chemistry students. Three experiments are described: phase equilibrium, chemical equilibrium, and a test of the third law of thermodynamics. (Author/DS)

The application of principles learned in a first course in chemistry to chemical problems of interest to home economics majors specializing in clothing and textiles or fashion merchandising is described. Concept transfer--teaching difficult concepts in terms of an everyday analogue--is also explained and relevant laboratory experiments are…

This experiment demonstrates the reduction of inorganic sulfate to sulfide in the pore water of estuarine muds. Procedures involve the incubation of mud samples for varying amounts of time followed by gravimetric determination. (Author/SA)