Suggests how elementary teachers can go beyond the science text and use commonplace materials to create science experiments which sharpen students' observational skills and their ability to formulate testable hypotheses. Seven experiments are outlined, using materials such as paper, cotton socks, and mayonnaise. (SJL)

Describes the chemical reactions and compounds involved in making a cake. A protein coagulation and gas expansion laboratory activity is included in which the students bake a cake and eat it. (DS)

An experiment is described that was developed for a course in Inorganic and Analytical Pharmaceutical Chemistry at Rutgers University to provide pharmacy students with practical experience in the thin-layer chromatography used for the analysis of urine to monitor patient compliance with drug abuse treatment programs. (JMD)

Presents the construction, operation, and theory of a Sargent-Welch scattering apparatus. Procedures for using the apparatus are also presented for high school teachers. (HM)

Describes a student investigation of a reverse flame in a atmosphere of methane that won second place in the physics division of the International Science and Engineering Fair. Includes a discussion of falling and fracturing behavior, specifically dealing with chimneys, trees, pencil point, stirring rods, and chalk. (BT)

Discusses how holography can be used as part of undergraduate physics laboratories. The authors propose a single beam technique of holography, which will reduce the recording scheme as well as relax the isolation requirements. (HM)

Describes a method to form on a large fixed screen the succession of the diffraction patterns on the different infinity. This method is designed to be used in a college physics course. (HM)

Presents the philosophy and mechanics of a professionally oriented astronomy laboratory for nonscience majors. Design of the laboratory, description of the exercises, and the results of using this approach at the University of Kansas are also described. (HM)

Presents the results of the evaluation of a self-paced freshman physics laboratory and its assessment procedures used in the first-year physics course at the University of Adelaide, South Australia. (HM)

Describes a first-year chemistry experiment that illustrates the fundamental concepts of a photoinduced reaction. Qualitative and quantitative parts of the photoreduction of potassium ferrioxalate are detailed. (CS)

Describes an advanced level experiment in which a transition metal cluster compound, cyclopentadienylcarbonyliron tetramer, is synthesized and characterized spectroscopically. Its redox properties are then explored through cyclic voltammetry. (CS)

Describes an exercise which is currently used in a course in cell physiology at Oxford Polytechnic in England. This exercise can give students some idea of the molecular events involved in bringing about movement of chloroplasts (and other organelles) in plant cells. (HM)

Investigates the effect of the nonuniform irradiance across a laser beam on diffraction of the beam, specifically the Fraunhofer diffraction of a laser beam with a Gaussian irradiance profile as it passes through a circular aperture. (GA)

Spectroscopic aspects of the triboluminescence spectra of three Lifesaver candies are discussed. Emphasis is placed on the experimental methods of measuring spectra and origins of the tribaluminescence. (SA)

This experiment, in which students experiment on themselves, involves carrying out analytical methods for vitamin C using instrumental and "wet" techniques. (SA)