Describes a method for making a simple, inexpensive apparatus which can be used to determine Planck's constant. Provides illustrations of a circuit diagram using one or more light-emitting diodes and a BASIC computer program for simplifying calculations. (RT)

Describes the current use of automation in the laboratory. Discusses the need, flexibility, and benefits of automation. Presents a generic system description. Lists commercially available laboratory robots. (MVL)

Discusses the making of a light engine powered by sunlight or a lamp. Describes the materials and construction method with detailed specifications and diagrams. (YP)

Discusses the use of saline solutions for demonstrations of buoyancy showing oscillations of the Cartesian diver. Describes the physical principles, preparation, and instructional uses for the demonstration. (YP)

This article describes how to set up a receiving station for information from satellites. Included are discussions of the benefits of using such technology and ideas for their application in biology classrooms and instructions for assembling the equipment needed to receive satellite transmissions from space. (CW)

Describes a chemistry laboratory software package for interfacing the Apple IIe for high school and introductory college courses. Topics include: thermistor calibration, phase change, heat of reaction, freezing point depression, Beer's law, and color decay in crystal violet. Explains the computer interface and the tools needed. (MVL)

Presents a method of constructing short range transmitters suitable for sensing the temperature in eggs, nest cavities or other applications. Provides a list of materials, circuit diagram, and assembly instructions. (CW)

Describes the use of a microwave oven in the biology laboratory as a safe, time-saving device. Discusses media preparation, dehydration of media and specimens, and reagent testing. (CW)

Described is a laboratory in which students are confronted with rigs built from full-sized industrial machinery and equipment. Students must draw a flow sheet, dismantle and draw key components, reassemble the parts, operate the rig, and interpret the run data. The laboratory and the course built around it are discussed. (KR)

Discusses the advent of microscale experiments within undergraduate organic chemistry laboratories mainly resulting from environmental safety concerns involving waste disposal. Considers the cost savings in purchasing less reagents and chemicals, the typical glassware and apparatus, the reduced hazards from elimination of open flames, and other…

The calls for the transformation of how science is taught (and what is taught) are numerous and show no sign of abating. Common amongst these calls is the need to shift from the traditional teaching and learning towards a model that represents the social constructivist epistemology. These calls have coincided with the Internet revolution. Through…

An integrated accessible microscopy workstation was designed and developed to allow persons with mobility impairments to control all aspects of light microscopy with minimal human assistance. This system, named AccessScope, is capable of performing brightfield and fluorescence microscopy, image analysis, and tissue morphometry requisite for…

Designed for high school science teachers, the document warns of potential health threats of performing certain experiments and using certain chemicals or chemical combinations in their courses. Following a rationale for more carefully considering health dangers, the document gives suggestions on what can be done by teachers. Reports such as a…

Research indicates that the educational effectiveness of Microcomputer-Based Laboratories (MBL) may be due to the real time nature of the experience. This article describes a study where kinesthetic feedback was completely removed by giving students only visual replications of a motion situation. If simultaneity of perception is the important…

This report presents information for identification of the national trends in the amount, age, loss, condition, and perceived adequacy of academic research equipment in selected science and engineering fields. The data were obtained from a stratified probability sample of 55 colleges and universities and from a separately selected sample of 24…