Describes a simple, student-oriented method of determining seiches and compares actual to theoretical results. Includes information about equipment needed, data gathering, and analysis of the data. (Author/DS)

Background information, materials/procedures, and results are provided for an undergraduate laboratory experiment on a photochemical ligand substitution reaction using sunlight. The experiment illustrates demonstration of photochemistry and basic mechanisms of transition metal reactions using inexpensive materials and is easily followed by…

Describes an experiment with resolving ability and how it varies according to the aperture of the telescope used (including the human eye). Although designed for use in college laboratory classes, a method is included that amateur astronomers can use to determine the actual resolving powers of their telescopes. (JN)

Twelve abstracts of papers presented at the 33rd Annual Fall Meeting of the American Physiological Society are listed, focusing on teaching materials/methods. Topics, among others, include trends in physiology laboratory programs, cardiovascular system model, cardiovascular computer simulation with didactic feedback, and computer generated figures…

An advanced undergraduate laboratory experiment in inelastic electron tunneling spectroscopy is described. Tunnel junctions were fabricated, the tunneling spectra of several molecules absorbed on the surface of aluminum oxide measured, and mode assignments made for several of the prominent peaks in spectra using results obtained from optical…

Describes some impurity-related optical properties of semiconductors, with special emphasis on the luminescence of zinc sulfide (ZnS). Presents and interprets five experiments using a ZnS screen, ultraviolet lamp, transparent Dewar liquid nitrogen, and a helium/neon gas base. Includes application of luminescence measurements to archaeology. (SK)

Describes an experiment providing an experimental introduction to vibrational spectroscopy and experience in using an elementary vacuum line. The experiment, using a gas cell charged with methanol, is completed in a three-hour laboratory period and is directed toward understanding vibrational spectroscopy rather than the diagnostic value of the…

Presents background information, materials needed, and experimental procedures to study enzymes dependent on pyridine nucleotide coenzymes (NAD/NADH). The experiments, suitable for advanced organic or biochemistry courses, require approximately 10-15 hours to complete. (SK)

Describes an experiment to analyze commercial analgesic preparations (pain relievers) by silica gel thin layer chromatography, followed by preparative (thick) layer chromatographic separation and spectroscopic analysis. Key difference from similar experiments is that students are responsible for devising suitable solvent systems for the thin layer…

Describes the method used at Macquarie University, Australia, for implementing the home experiment approach in first-year biology. The sequences of activities for experiments in plant growth are included; and assignment sheets are appended. (CS)

Describes an inexpensive, easy-to-construct manometric device that is a substitute for an expensive commercial transducer that is sensitive to slight pressure fluctuations. An activity for demonstrating the importance of CO-2 as a humoral regulator of respiration is described. (Author/SA)

A technique is presented which utilizes wax moth larvae in a laboratory investigation of an insect virus. Describes how an insect virus can be used to introduce undergraduate biology students to laboratory work on viruses and several virological concepts. (SA)

Mechanical properties (stress-strain relationships) of polymers are reviewed, taking into account both time and temperature factors. Topics include modulus-temperature behavior of polymers, time dependence, time-temperature correspondence, and mechanical models. (JN)

Describes a series of experiments which a group of 12- to 14-year-old students developed and conducted as they attempted to design a solar panel. Includes an outline of their building procedures. (DC)

A general discussion of prediction and the use of models as a means of understanding reality is provided, focusing on the application of mathematical models to various scientific disciplines and its role in experimentation. (DC)