Discusses the use of the FT-IR spectrometer in analyses that were previously avoided. Examines some of the applications of this spectroscopy with aqueous solutions, circular internal reflection, samples with low transmission, diffuse reflectance, infrared emission, and the infrared microscope. (TW)

Describes an experiment to identify lactose and estimate the concentration of lactose in a sample of milk. Gives a background of the investigation. Details the experimental method, results and calculations. Discusses the implications of the experiment to students. Suggests further experiments using the same technique used in…

Contains a reading list of articles published in 1985 covering 14 biological topics. Includes descriptions, procedures, and references for 26 experiments. These investigations deal with selected concepts in biology, ecology, chemistry, and physics and include computer-based instruction. (ML)

Appraises current explanations of how visual processing occurs. Highlights the basics of simultaneous and serial levels of processing. Discusses the results of a series of experiments on visual-search tasks and also on the role of prior knowledge in processing. (ML)

Describes experiments which focus on the perception of three dimensions. Discusses the cues about distance and depth and the role they have in perceptions of three dimensions. Evaluates the effect of color on the illusion on depth. (ML)

Describes a simple method for measuring respiration, net photosynthesis, and compensation points of plants in relation to light intensity. Outlines how the method can be used in teaching physiological adaptation. Includes a set of the experiment's results. (ML)

Argues that computer-simulated experiments offer educational tools to foster student development of problem-solving skills without traditional laboratory time and expense. The evolution of the medical physiology course at Rush Medical College is used to illustrate trends in this area. They include experiments on PLATO, and on personal computers.…

Presents an open-ended experiment which has students exploring polymer chemistry and reverse osmosis. This activity involves construction of a polymer membrane, use of it in a simple osmosis experiment, and application of its principles in solving a science-technology-society problem. (ML)

An interactive computer program in microbial genetics is described. The simulation allows students to work at their own pace and develop understanding of microbial techniques as they choose donor bacterial strains, specify selective media, and interact with demonstration experiments. Sample questions and outputs are included. (DH)

Background information and procedures are provided for an experiment (suitable for both advanced high school and undergraduate students) which: (1) illustrates the concept of a catalytic oxidation cycle; and (2) demonstrates the technique of using a gaseous reagent. Other uses of the experiment are noted. (JN)

Describes activities, games, experiments, demonstrations, and computer-oriented exercises in all science areas. Topics include energy flow through a marine ecosystem, using 2,4-dichlorophenoxyethanoic acid to demonstrate translocation in plants, use of the dichotomous key, use of leaf yeasts to monitor atmospheric pollution, and others. (JN)

Offers examples of activities and practical ideas for the instruction of process skills in a laboratory setting. Includes suggestions for the processes of observing, comparing, inferring, collecting data, organizing data, interpreting results, identifying variables, formulating hypotheses, experimenting, predicting, and model building. (ML)

Offers a series of experiments which introduce students to the general principles of enzymology. The experiment demonstrates several basic enzyme properties and the chromatographic exercises provide an analysis of each enzymatic activity. Questions are also presented for extending discussion on the activities. (ML)

Describes a computer simulation program which helps students learn the main biochemical tests and profiles for identifying medically important bacteria. Also discusses the advantages and applications of this type of approach. (ML)

Presents a diversity of concrete experiences that can be used with eggs for young elementary age students. Includes procedures and material list for several activities that are hands-on and interdisciplinary in nature. (ML)