Reports results of a 1983 national survey which determined the time devoted to teaching major physics content areas; subtopics in each area; equipment students saw and used; principle textbook used; and school/physics enrollments. Indicates that the data obtained can be used to establish guidelines in developing the Physics Achievement Test. (JN)

Provides innovative ideas in biology, chemistry, and physics on the following topics: enzyme decomposition; chemical waste; time measurement; acid-base color magic; ball bouncing properties; heat; cell theory; and specimen boxes. Materials and procedures are listed when appropriate along with hints for expanding these ideas and investigations. (JM)

Provides a chart to organize information needed in ordering science materials/equipment. Includes a checklist for such ordering considerations as approvals required, request route, funding (how paid), descriptions required, criteria related to "best buy," and others. (JM)

Describes the creation and operation of an outdoor laboratory in a city environment for use in teaching environmental education. A map of the laboratory is included. Also describes various stations in the laboratory, presenting a list of materials used as well as several activities based in the laboratory. (JM)

The usual apparatus for demonstrating Boyle's law produces reasonably accurate results, but is not impressive as a demonstration because students cannot easily appreciate the change in pressure. An apparatus designed to produce a more effective demonstration is described. Procedures employed are also described. (JN)

Describes a versatile electric circuit, a simple and inexpensive vibration generator, and digital electronics demonstrations (with light bulbs) using a microcomputer. Also discusses bimetallic strips and their use as thermostats and the electrical resistance and resistivity of metals. (JN)

Describes "Experiments in Chemistry," in which experiments are performed using software and hardware interfaced to the Apple microcomputer's game paddle port. Experiments include temperature, pH electrode, and EMF (cell potential determinations, oxidation-reduction titrations, and precipitation titrations) investigations. (JN)

Describes a coriolis simulator which uses a carbon paper trace technique and a simple specific-heat apparatus, emphasizing instructional considerations. Also indicates that a variac and an ordinary electric drill can be used to wind coil if a lathe or coil winder are unavailable. (JN)

This paper describes the development, administration, and results of an instrument to assess changes in students' science abilities as they progress from ninth grade through twelfth grade. Standard science tests commonly in use in schools to measure high school science students' achievement are content specific. Although these tests are useful…

Describes the equipment and laboratory procedures suitable for introducing junior high school students to the organic chemistry concepts involved in fractional distillation. (JR)

Discusses use of the VIC-20 microcomputers for laboratory interfacing. Topics considered include the game connections and use of: the ADC0809 A/D converter and timers with the VIC-20; the free-running mode of T1; and the pulse-counting mode of T2. Instructions and diagrams are provided. Descriptions of several programs are also provided. (JN)

Describes a low cost hydrometer which can be assembled by students using stock laboratory items with a total retail cost of 17 cents. Includes list of required materials (with supplies) and experimental results on the instrument's accuracy. (JM)

Provided are reviews of science equipment/apparatus. Items reviewed include: Harris Micro-ecology tubes; Harris chromosome investigation kit; Harris trycult slides; a pressure cooker with thermometer; digital pH meter; digital scaler timer; electrical compensation calorimeter; and Mains alternating current ammeter. (JN)

Traces the history and development of temperature scales which began with the 17th-century invention of the liquid-in-glass thermometer. Focuses on the work of Olaf Romer, Daniel Fahrenheit, Rene-Antoine de Reamur, Anders Celsius, and William Thomson (Lord Kelvin). Includes experimental work and consideration of high/low fixed points on the…

Describes development of microcomputer-controlled gamma scintillation spectrometer and chromatographic data analyzer, including design and construction of interface electronics and production of software. Includes diagrams of electric circuits and project evaluation indicating that both instruments functioned as intended. (JN)