Describes a revised laboratory set-up for performing flame tests that enables students to pay more attention to the results of the tests and less attention to the manipulation of equipment. Employs a watch glass to add the analytical solutions to the flame. (DDR)

Discusses the merits of the Spectrum Techniques gamma spectroscopy system as used by university students to determine the mass-energy of an electron from measurements of the energies of Compton-scattered gammas. (WRM)

Describes construction and use of a simple air-flow porometer for measuring how rapidly a certain quantity of air can be driven through a leaf by a known pressure difference. The device can be used to investigate how stomata respond to light, carbon dioxide, water status, and air pollutants. (PVD)

Describes a way of performing the classic oil drop experiment in which a CCD video camera replaces the eyepiece of the microscope, reducing measurement error to approximately 7%. (WRM)

Although the microscope is a basic tool in both physical and biological sciences, it is notably absent from most elementary school science programs. One reason teachers find it challenging to introduce microscopy at the elementary level is because children can have a hard time connecting the image of an object seen through a microscope with what…

Courses in introductory biochemistry invariably encompass basic principles of enzymology, with reinforcement of lecture-based material in appropriate laboratory practicals. Students undertaking practical classes are more enthusiastic, and generally display improved performance, when the specific experiments undertaken show direct relevance to…

There is still nothing to beat the excitement and fulfilment that you can get from observing celestial bodies on a clear dark night, in a remote location away from the seemingly ever increasing light pollution from cities. However, it is also the specific requirements for good observing that can sometimes prevent teachers from offering this…

The MicroObservatory network of five online telescopes has been used by middle and high school students, their teachers, and the public in all 50 states to carry out a wide variety of inquiry-driven projects. From an analysis of 475 student projects and other data, we report substantial gains in students' conceptual understanding of what…

Nanoscience refers to the fundamental study of scientific phenomena, which occur at the nanoscale--nanotechnology to the exploitation of novel properties and functions of materials in the sub-100 nm size range. One of the underlying principles of science is development of models of observed phenomena. In biology, the Hardy-Weinberg principle is a…

Stomata are the pores on leaves through which carbon dioxide, oxygen, and water vapor are exchanged with the atmosphere. Researchers have found that leaf stomatal densities change in response to several environmental variables, including humidity, light intensity, and atmospheric levels of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas (Van Der Burgh, Dilcher,…

This monograph is one in a series of analytical reports presenting findings from the National Science Foundation's 1989-90 National Survey of Academic Research Instruments and Instrumentation Needs. It describes recent national trends in academic research equipment and equipment needs in the fields of computer science and engineering. It also…

An environment appropriate for activity-oriented science is one that contains sufficient work space, equipment, and materials for students to practice and master the essential elements. This publication was developed to aid Texas school administrators, teachers, and architects to upgrade existing science facilities or plan new ones for…

Describes how to convert a wooden block into an apparatus to study friction. (LS)

Describes the construction and use of a simplified apparatus for fermentation studies. (LS)