This study compared students' investigations with an atomic force microscope and viruses in real-time synchronous and asynchronous learning environments. Student interactions with scientists (live videoconference versus email) were examined to see whether communication patterns were different for the different modes of instruction. Students'…

A SEQUENCE OF STEPS FOR ESTABLISHING LANGUAGE LABORATORIES ARE DELINEATED IN THIS REVISED PAPER. THE ORIGINAL PAPER WAS PRESENTED TO THE MODERN LANGUAGE ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE IN NEW YORK CITY ON THE "LANGUAGE LABORATORY IN HIGH SCHOOLS" (OCTOBER 1960). INCORPORATED IN THE REVISED PAPER ARE MANY SUGGESTIONS MADE BY THE CONFEREES,…

Discusses the importance of pipetting in many fields of science. Provides information on different types of pipets and guidelines for using them. (YDS)

Atomic force microscope (AFM) investigates mechanically the chemical properties of individual molecules, surfaces, and materials using suitably designed probes. The current state of the art of AFM in terms of imaging, force measurement, and sample manipulation and its application to physical chemistry is discussed.

Microscopes allow scientists to examine everyday objects in extraordinary ways. They provide high-resolution images that show objects in fine detail. This brief article describes the many types of microscopes and how they are used in different scientific venues.

This article describes how to motivate senior school pupils using environmental experiments with a luxmeter. A luxmeter is a portable device for measuring illuminance E (the SI unit is lux, lx) at industrial sites, offices, hospitals, schools etc. to check the light intensity of illuminated devices or workplaces, in order to fit valid standards.…

The golden ratio appears in a classical mechanics coupled-oscillator problem that many undergraduates may not solve. Once the symmetry is broken in a more standard problem, the golden ratio appears. Several student exercises arise from the problem considered in this paper.

The making of microscope devices using inexpensive or recovered materials is demonstrated. Examples of images illustrating the performance of such devices are presented. As a project at the undergraduate level, the task is effective in acquiring familiarity with optical imaging concepts and their practical implementation in the laboratory.…

Although an understanding of radiometric dating is central to the preparation of every geologist, many students struggle with the concepts and mathematics of radioactive decay. Physical demonstrations and hands-on experiments can be used to good effect in addressing this teaching conundrum. Water, heat, and electrons all move or flow in response…

In one of the classic free-fall experiments, a small mass is attached to a strip of paper tape and both are allowed to fall through a spark timer, where sparks are generated at regular time intervals. Students analyze marks (dots) left on the tape by the timer, thereby generating distance-versus-time data, which they analyze to extract the…