The use of a logarithmic amplifier preceding an oscilloscope's vertical amplifier is described for physics teachers who want to demonstrate the exponential decay nature of some phenomena. (Author/SA)

Intended for the elementary teacher who lacks science teaching experience, this article presents tips for finding background information and for stocking a portable "science lab" with everyday materials. It also outlines 10 easy experiments. (SJL)

An activity is described that is designed to give students a chance to learn about speed by calculating their own running or walking speed and the speed of cars. (MP)

Discusses a teaching program for introductory chemistry laboratories that allows for differences in student background and ability. The flexible program involves self-pacing and a classification of experiments; this permits slower students to proceed through remedial loops while advanced students proceed to more difficult experiments. (MLH)

Describes an approach to incorporating cooperative learning into the anatomy laboratory without diminishing the quality of instruction of the subject matter. Discusses the background, organization of groups and group tasks, evaluation of the approach, and potential disadvantages of cooperative learning. Contains 11 references. (JRH)

A high school teacher's narrative of his engagement with Thoreau and experience of schooling explores themes in Thoreau's writing: experimentation, wholeness, and primacy of place. He uses these themes to critique contemporary educational practices, arguing against prescriptive teaching and for reexamination of all assumptions. (Contains 24…

Examines the relative effectiveness of the traditional lab method and the microcomputer-based laboratory (MBL) for improving student understanding. Examines three areas of achievement: graphing interpretation skills, and interpreting motion graphs and understanding of motion. Results indicate that MBL laboratories are more effective than…

Describes a classroom demonstration supported by the guided-inquiry experience that focuses on separation techniques and other solvent-dependent processes, such as reaction-solvent selection. (Contains 13 references.) (YDS)

Describes an experiment that uses the ultrasonic transducer for demonstrating the Fourier components of waveshapes such as the square and triangular waves produced by laboratory function generators. (JRH)

The advantages of using invertebrates in teaching physiological principles are discussed. The ability to illustrate with greater clarity physiological principles, the range and variety of physiological processes available for examination, and the unlimited possibilities for student research are topics of discussion. (KR)

Describes a perceptual illusion, the Janus mask, for use in introductory psychology demonstrations. Suggests using a motor or videotaped image to rotate the mask, giving the impression that the mask is following a moving observer or oscillating. Recommends the illusion to show that perception is usefully conceptualized as hypothesis testing. (DK)

Presents tips for using experiments in the classroom: start slowly, be organized, prepare follow-up discussions, be flexible, use them where appropriate. Addresses how to encourage participation, where to insert in a course, what to do if it fails, and how computers can be used. (SK)

Suggests specific ways in which laboratory activities might be slightly modified to increase students' understanding in science, based on recommendations from the National Science Education Standards and on constructivist understandings of the learning process. Contains 42 references. (WRM)

Uses Galileo's 'jumping-hill' experiment as an historical element to improve science teaching in the classroom. Illustrates that the experiment can stimulate an animated discussion in the classroom, even if precise historic circumstances are not mentioned. The historical dimensions bring some color into the lesson, which increases attention. (SAH)

Presents suggestions for alternative presentations of some of the material that usually forms part of the introductory chemistry course. Emphasizes development of concepts from experimental results. Discusses electronic configurations and quantum numbers, experimental evidence for electron configurations, deducing the shell model from the periodic…