Described is a method of teaching laboratory report writing to undergraduate students. The sections of student lab reports are reviewed and compared with scientific papers. The writing process including drafts and peer review is discussed. Results of the use of this method are provided. (CW)

Describes a junior-level, one-year optics laboratory course for physics and engineering students. The course offers a range of experiments from conventional geometric optics to contemporary spatial filtering and fiber optics. Presents an example of an experiment with pictures. (Author/YP)

Directions for the construction of a model bog habitat are provided including examples of plants and animals which may be suitable. Activities that use this model are suggested. Background information on the ecology and chemistry of the bog is included. (CW)

The materials needed and the procedures used in three microscale chemical laboratory experiments are detailed. Included are a microscale organic synthesis, a two-step synthetic sequence for the microscale organic laboratory, and a small-scale equilibrium experiment. (CW)

Described is a microscale organic chemistry experiment which demonstrates one feasible route in preparing ortho-substituted benzoic acids and provides an example of nucleophilic aromatic substitution chemistry. Experimental procedures and instructor notes for this activity are provided. (CW)

Describes an exercise designed for an introductory level calculus-based physics class. Presents a problem on why a rod dipped in water is stable when it is oriented at an angle with the vertical. Discusses qualitative understanding, mechanical understanding using equations, and experimental verification of the problem. (YP)

Describes the manufacturing method for a high-temperature ceramic superconductor. Presents detailed procedures and pictures showing the manufacturing process. (YP)

Presented are two applications of computer technology to chemistry instruction: the use of a spreadsheet program to analyze acid-base titration curves and the use of database software to catalog stockroom inventories. (CW)

Described is an analytical method that may be used to replace the more difficult, traditional approach for the analysis of silicates. It is argued that this method allows the use of smaller samples and is more sensitive than other techniques. (CW)

Presents an experiment to show the energy conservation principle using a bow. Describes how to measure the force and work of the bow and the initial velocity of an arrow. (YP)

Introduces three laboratory exercises which develop an understanding of principles of mechanics by using examples of bicycle operation: Newton's laws, statics and dynamics, and energy relationships. Describes related theory and laboratory procedures with diagrams and pictures in each exercise. (YP)

Summarizes the capabilities of a computer program related to forest fertilization. Provides a description of input parameters, some sample exercises, software specifications, and availability information. Additional references are listed. (Author/RT)

Discusses a student exercise which requires the optimizing of the charring and atomization temperatures by producing a plot of absorbance versus temperature for each temperature parameter. Notes that although the graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy technique has widespread industrial use, there are no published, structured experiments…

Presents an examination of the buoyancy principle which can serve as a simple but rigorous illustration of a falsification test that not only clears up a possible misconception but also points the way to a number of practical uses of buoyancy measurements that have not generally been recognized. (MVL)

Describes the layout, working principle, and uses of an ultrasonic interferometer for demonstrating the impact of the motion of the medium upon wave propagation. Suggests some technical improvements of the interferometer. (YP)