Presents a procedure to demonstrate how the speed of sound in air or within a denser gas can be calculated quickly and accurately in the laboratory. (MKR)

A simple way to assess the statistical power of experimental designs, based on the concept of a minimum detectable effect, is described. How to compute minimum detectable effects and how to apply the method of assessment of alternative experimental designs are illustrated. (SLD)

Describes how Newton's Law of Cooling and the Method of Mixtures are used to solve the basic dilemma of whether to add the cool cream to the hot coffee or to let the black coffee cool down first and then add the cream. (ZWH)

Describes how the study of a hurricane can be used to provide integrated basic mechanics in a first-year college course in engineering mechanics. Presents models that predict wind speed given surface eye pressure and several radial dimensions of the storm and calculate total kinetic energy once the wind speed is determined. (ZWH)

It is argued that the study of one important aspect of intelligence, creativity, can be furthered by the introduction of causal theories and their experimental study. Purely correlational investigations are a useful beginning, but psychology can only acquire true scientific stature by combining correlational and experimental approaches. (SLD)

Describes simple, inexpensive activities for teaching students about mutants and mutations in bacteria. Explains how to isolate bacteria from soil and leaves and how to grow bacteria on agar or in broth. Describes how to construct a gradient plate for finding the minimum inhibitory concentration of a substance and how to use this set up to find…

Revision of the University of Victoria's career counselor training program along constructivist principles involved (1) placing meaning and personal constructs at the center of the program; and (2) developing reflective counselors who help clients through experiments rather than interventions, on four levels: imagined, thinking, simulated, and…

Discusses a flexible, high performance subband coding system. Residual vector quantization is discussed as a basis for coding subbands, and subband decomposition and bit allocation issues are covered. Experimental results showing the quality achievable at low bit rates are presented. (13 references) (KRN)

Describes the easy collection procedures and classroom uses of live planarians. Suggests that the use of live animals in the classroom will allow students to observe different biological processes exhibited by living organisms. (ZWH)

Offers a unit of laboratory instruction for a general technology class that looks at ergonomics--the engineering science that seeks to prevent disorders caused by uncomfortable or stressful working conditions. The activity involves the measurement of body motions. (JOW)

Describes simple experiments to explore the variables and links to a theoretical approach. Using genuine data, develops an application to the drive mechanism for a lift in a deep mine shaft; poses follow-up questions. (ASK)

Focuses on three habits associated with personal values and attitudes, and one habit associated with social skills of doing science. Illustrates four habits of mind, first through a story of modern scientific investigation, then as the basis of school laboratory science experience. Discusses implications related to integration of these four habits…

Describes a unit of laboratory work which was unusual in that the teacher's purpose was to develop students' understanding of the way scientific facts are established with little expectation that they would understand the science content involved in the experiments. The unit was very successful from both a cognitive and affective perspective.…

Provides an excerpt of Galileo's description of his inclined plane experiment. Describes the replication of Galileo's inclined plane experiment by students at Rice University (Texas) using an Internet site called the Galileo Project; then describes the authors' replication of the Project. (AEF)

To test the effect of less-frequent interviews on data quality in longitudinal surveys, event history data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1979 regarding welfare and employment were analyzed. Due to the longer recall period, respondents failed to report short spells of welfare, employment, and unemployment. (SK)