Describes an experiment, designed for use in the undergraduate laboratory, that measures the bond energies of molecules using a small commercial mass spectrometer and low-cost digital voltmeters. (BT)

The laboratory curriculum of an introductory physical geology course which emphasizes a peer-learning approach is discussed. (Author/SA)

Describes an easy-to-use, inexpensive field trip/laboratory exercise designed to delineate the home ranges of small animals. Students participate in the design of the exercise; collection, analysis, and interpretation of data; and the presentation of results. Contains 19 references. (DDR)

Year 11 students investigated the real-world problem of whether screws are really brass. It allowed them to use the colorimeter and computer interface in a way that was easily understood and models normal practice in testing laboratories. Screws were dissolved in nitric acid and their absorbance of red light was compared with a standard curve.…

Provides background information and detailed procedures for a lab involving pennies that enables students to discover information on scientific methodology, experimental design, and the determination of density. Contains 26 references. (DDR)

A Johns Hopkins University (Maryland) engineering professor has developed eight computer programs that simulate laboratory experiments, creating a "virtual laboratory" for his introductory engineering class. Experiments are fully interactive, giving students the opportunity to try eight different problem-solving strategies. Students can…

Virtual reality-based procedural and surgical simulations promise to revolutionize medical training. A wide range of simulations representing diverse content areas and varied implementation strategies are under development or in early use. The new systems will make broad-based training experiences available for students at all levels without risks…

At the introductory level, the computer provides an effective alternative to using animals for laboratory teaching. Computer software can simulate the operation of multiple organ systems. Advantages of software include alteration of variables that are not easily changed in vivo, repeated interventions, and cost-effective hands-on student access.…

Describes research that documents the falsification of laboratory results by chemistry and physics students. Discusses some factors that encourage students to fabricate results and why some students do not feel the need to falsify data. Contains 16 references. (DDR)

Improvements in the mechanism of the whirlybird used in the Science Curriculum Improvement Study (SCIS) unit "Subsystems and Variables" are presented. Variables which can be investigated using this device are discussed. An illustration of the improved device is provided. (CW)

Described is an activity in which students calculate constant velocity using a tape cassette player. The objectives, procedures, graphing directions, and formulas and values needed for the calculations are included. (KR)

The advantages of microchemistry in terms of economics and safety are discussed. A list of six companies known to supply apparatus and reagents for microscale experimentation is provided. (CW)

The interfacing of a physical pendulum to an Apple IIe computer and the physic instruction associated with it are discussed. Laboratory procedures, software commands, and computations used in this lesson are described. (CW)

Described is a simple technique to monitor air pollutants and to simulate some of the features of roadside canopies. Included are the procedures, directions for the assembly of the apparatus, and a discussion of typical results. Graphs of sample data are presented. (CW)

Described is a laboratory experiment that can be used to investigate bacterial survival in soil or water as well as the study of genetic transfer via conjugation. Discussed are materials, laboratory procedures, typical results, and a list of six references. (CW)