Provides an overview of obsidian hydration dating for the instructor by presenting: (1) principles of the method; (2) procedures; (3) applications; and (4) limitations. The theory of the method and one or more laboratory exercises can be easily introduced into the undergraduate geology curriculum. (JN)

Describes an experiment to provide students with: (1) an introduction to photochemical techniques and theory; (2) an experience with semimicro techniques; (3) an application of carbon-14 nuclear magnetic resonance; and (4) a laboratory with some qualities of a genuine experiment. These criteria are met in the photooxidation of 9,…

Uses the subject of enzymes to illustrate the topical approach to teaching biochemistry at the secondary level. Includes the procedures for three experiments dealing with various aspects of enzymes. (JN)

An experiment which measures the steady-state fluorescence of pyrene (the donor) in the presence of varying concentrations of acridine orange (the acceptor) in ethyline glycol solutions is described. Background information, equipment needed, and procedures used are included. (JN)

Discusses the rationale for and development of an experiment on the oxidation of secondary alcohols with common hypochlorite bleach. The experiment provides a safe, environmentally sound, and inexpensive modern synthetic method. In addition, it utilizes a variety of laboratory techniques and some fundamental oxidation-reduction chemistry. (JN)

Background information, materials needed, procedures used, and typical results obtained, are provided for an experiment on iron-sulfur-carbonyl and -nitrosyl complexes. The experiment involved (1) use of inert atmospheric techniques and thin-layer and flexible-column chromatography and (2) interpretation of infrared, hydrogen and carbon-13 nuclear…

Background information and procedures are provided for an optics experiment related to diffraction order asymmetry. (JN)

The basic principles, current techniques, instrumentation, and possible chemical applications of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) imaging are discussed. (JN)

Two methods for examining leaf structure are presented; both methods involve use of "superglue." The first method uses the glue to form a thin, permanent, direct replica of a leaf surface on a microscope slide. The second method uses the glue to examine the three-dimensional structure of spongy mesophyll. (JN)

Suggests experiments to help develop understanding of photoconductivity, photometry, and the inverse square law in optics. The design of a simple absorption colorimeter is also described. (DH)

Background information and procedures are provided for an experiment in which an oxidation reaction is used to distinguish saturated from unsaturated fats. Results of the experiment lead to discussions and investigations of such areas as digestion chemistry, enzymes, hydrogenation, and the relationship between heart disease and fat consumption.…

Background information, procedures, and typical results are provided for an experiment in which spectrophotometry is used to examine the oxidation of secondary alcohols using chromium (VI). The overall change in oxidation state of chromium during the reaction is VI to III, corresponding to the familiar color change from orange to green. (JN)

Discusses a National Research Council report which summarizes what laboratories need to know about Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Transportation regulations that apply to laboratory waste. The report provides guidelines for establishing and operating waste management systems for laboratories and gives specific advice on waste…

Background information, procedures used, and typical results are provided for a solubility experiment. Among the 12 objectives of the experiment are: acquiring understanding of the terms "saturated,""unsaturated," and "supersaturated;" learning meaning of the expression "to approach equilibrium;" gaining…

Presents a series of experiments (involving immunological and serological techniques) in which a stained fabric is analyzed to determine if blood is present, and if so, whether it is of human origin. The experiments can be performed without expensive or sophisticated equipment and require only a minimal expenditure on consumable supplies. (JN)