Compares two laboratory treatments: (1) Constructing and Applying the Concepts of Physics (CACP) which is guided-inquiry; and (2) Toys in Motion (TIM) which focuses on problem solving skills and design work. Discusses the two laboratory courses and assessment procedures. (YDS)

Introduces a study investigating graduate teaching assistants' (GTA) perceptions on their role in conducting laboratories and explores the benefits of inquiry-based laboratories for GTAs considering their experiences and knowledge. (Contains 22 references.) (YDS)

Explores the dominant factor controlling the distribution of Daphnia. Describes components of a temperature gradient apparatus that can be assembled from materials readily obtainable in the laboratory and hardware stores. Investigates whether the mean depth of Daphnia is determined by temperature. (KHR)

Describes an automatic pipette washer that is functional, inexpensive, and easy to construct from locally available parts. (KHR)

Discusses the changes that schools will have to make to ensure that all lab exercises are done in compliance with the new chemical hygiene law. Two tables are included: (1) Chemical Hygiene Compliance; and (2) Duties of a Chemical Hygiene Officer. (ZWH)

Explains why laboratory strains of bakers yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, are particularly suited for classroom science activities. Describes the sexual life cycle of yeast and the genetic system with visible mutations. Presents an overview of activities that can be done with yeast and gives a source for teachers to obtain more information. (PR)

Describes various hazards associated with electricity and electrical usage that can result in fire, explosion, burn, and shock. Presents diverse techniques and methods that one can utilize to protect laboratory personnel from common, yet dangerous, electrical hazards. (Author/JJK)

Reports on how OECD Member countries are rethinking their school labs with a move toward more flexible approaches in areas such as incorporating new technology, design, safety, and classroom flexibility. Switzerland, France, Ireland, South Australia, and the state of Maryland are covered. (GR)

Gives advice on the legal necessity of safety planning for school science (or other) laboratories. Recommends looking into governmental definitions of the term "laboratory" to determine which educational activities should be covered by safety planning. (WRM)

Explains that mercury is a dangerous substance to use in school science laboratories and gives several examples of mercury poisoning. Lists some precautions that should be taken in case of mercury spillage in the lab. Advocates using non-mercury laboratory equipment and limiting student access to mercury to prevent dangerous situations. (YDS)

Discusses whether it is biologically plausible for an environmental laboratory contaminant to cause fibromyalgia. Presents a study of two populations which indicated that fibromyalgia was occurring at an elevated rate in a building where ventilation was deemed inadequate for laboratory activities. (Author/WRM)

Reports on an ethnographic study of a molecular biology research laboratory called Sally's Lab. Portrays the social and cultural construction of a scientific community by studying the daily practices of the lab members and interpreting these observations. Concludes that there is not one set of experiences that pertain to all members within a given…

Points out the difficulties of teaching evolution and recommends using simulations to circumvent these problems. Uses artificial organisms called caminalcules for teaching which allows students to focus on principles without preconceived ideas. (Contains 16 references.) (YDS)

Discusses revisions in general chemistry laboratory to include group project work. Describes evaluation techniques and sample projects. (MKR)

Discusses the viability of cognitive apprenticeship for learning science in relation to findings from an investigation of a research project involving high school students working in a university chemical engineering laboratory under the mentorship of a university-based scientist. Reports that students were empowered to seek empirically viable…