This section presents new ideas with regard to apparatus for teaching physics. The following four ideas are presented: (1) measuring speed of light (2) a poor man's barometer, (3) center of mass of a rotating object, and (4) minimizing glass breakage. (HM)

Investigates spatial orientation of infants, comparing behavior in the laboratory to behavior in the infant's home. Also investigates whether the infant relies on his body as a spatial reference system. (Author/SS)

The present experiments were designed to study the effects of search term weighting based on very limited relevance information, supplied, for example, by one or two relevant documents. The tests simulated iterative searching as in an on-line system and show that even very little relevance information can be extremely valuable. A list of…

Deals with selective attention phenomena and elaborates on a stimulus material classification, "stimulus set" versus "response set", proposed by Broadbent (1970, 1971).

Describes some experiments with monkeys that "can provide us with vital and unexpected information about the organization of the human brain", according to Dr. James H. Dewson, a Stanford University scientist. (Editor/RK)

Investigates the differences between rehearsal span and memory span and evaluates the research of Dalrymple-Alford (1967) on the part of rehearsal on reinforcing memory traces. (Author/RK)

In an effort to help develop practical applications of alternative energy, a wind turbine generator is to be mounted on a 40-foot tower on the roof of a Columbia University building. (Author/MLF)

Describes an alternative technique for determining the molar volume of hydrogen from the metal-acid reaction in which the metal sample is encased in a specially prepared cage and a pipette filler is used to fill an inverted burette with water. Eliminates some difficulties encountered with the conventional technique. (JRH)

The Combined Modified Design is presented to overcome problems of internal and external validity in the conduct of true experiments in longitudinal studies. It combines a modified version of the Randomized Invitation Design with the lottery longitudinal experimental field trial situation. (SLD)

Details a simple quantitative experiment to measure the percent of oxygen in air. (DKM)

Investigated the development of scientific reasoning in the context of self-directed experimentation. Subjects were fifth and sixth graders and noncollege adults. Found that neither valid strategies nor correct beliefs alone was sufficient to guarantee success, suggesting that regarding experimentation either as domain-general induction or as…

Discusses the impact of various factors on the "charring reaction" of a carbohydrate with concentrated sulfuric acid including the type of sugar, the degree of fineness of the sugar crystals, and the amount of water added. (JRH)

Describes a DNA profile technique that was performed by a group of high school juniors and seniors. (JRH)

Highlights glucosinolates-a family of secondary metabolites from plants of high culinary and nutritional value. Describes experiments that demonstrate the enzymatic degradation of glucosinolates. Teaches students about the distribution, variation, chemistry, and function of a family of natural products important in plant protection, food spicing,…

Describes an apparatus for crystal growth that was designed to study growth kinetics of small crystals from solutions and to obtain crystals of various substances. Describes the use of the apparatus in laboratory practical experiments in the field of crystal growth physics within the course "Solid State Physics". (JRH)