Described is an introductory materials science laboratory program which emphasizes crystal structure both on the atomistic and microscopic scale and the dependence of materials properties on structure. The content of this program is classified into four major areas: (1) materials science, (2) mechanical behavior of materials, (3) materials testing…

Reviews classroom teaching ideas including burning sugar cube experiments, science library reference materials, and growing salt crystals. (SL)

Presents an experimental method for introducing special relativity which utilizes the distinction between Doppler effects for sound and for light. (SL)

Presents experiments using wild birds as predators and pastry as prey and colored stones as background to demonstrate natural selection. Describes the exercise as an exercise in simulating natural selection. (Author/CW)

Outlines a laboratory exercise that makes use of Beer's Law plots of cysteine constructed at several pH values over a broad range of wavelengths to estimate the tautomeric ratio (R) of two singly charged ionic forms, calculate the microscopic constants, and construct ultraviolet spectra for both light absorbing species. (CW)

Determined student opinion of the investigative laboratory by surveying both students who had completed an introductory biology course using this format and another group of more advanced students who had taken other courses since this one. Results show that a majority of students feel the format improved their problem-solving skills. (JN)

Describes a self-taught optical mineralogy course which uses eleven 40-60 minute color videocassettes. Laboratory exercises, instructional strategies, and development of graphical manipulation and display exercises are considered. Content of each tape is listed. (BC)

Describes demonstrations suitable for secondary school biology classes relating to the effects of the hormone IAA on plant growth. Demonstrations illustrate how hormone treatments affect stem elongation, callus formation, inhibition of axillary buds, stimulation of secondary growth and initiation of adventitious root development, root elongation,…

Describes a simple method of demonstrating the Bernoulli effect, by spinning a length of rubber tubing around one's head. A manometer attached to the stationary end of the tube indicates a reduction in pressure. (JR)

Outlines several exercises suitable for elementary science classes which may be used to illustrate objective experimental analysis. (JR)

Author discusses science discovery lessons, presents a model of one, and offers suggestions for structuring other specific lessons. (Editor/MB)

Provided are 10 papers presented during a symposium on teaching cardiovascular physiology outside the lecture hall. Topics addressed include a mechanical model of the cardiovascular system for effective teaching, separate course for experiments in cardiovascular physiology, selective laboratory (alternative to cookbook experiments), cardiovascular…

Describes a procedure which identifies an experiment as unreasonably hazardous or indicates precautions to be taken rendering the experiment acceptable for assignment to undergraduate students. The procedure follows in parallel form the procedure used to prepare chemical labels. (Author/JN)

Twelve abstracts of papers presented at the 33rd Annual Fall Meeting of the American Physiological Society are listed, focusing on teaching materials/methods. Topics, among others, include trends in physiology laboratory programs, cardiovascular system model, cardiovascular computer simulation with didactic feedback, and computer generated figures…

Discusses a demonstration in which the near and far focusing distances of a student volunteer are measured and his or her glasses prescription is computed. (HM)