Presents information on the population density, breeding biology, habitats, and food of the magpie bird ("Pica pica"). Suggests and outlines several student projects that have been beneficial in teaching animal behavior and ecology. These investigations focus on diet, territory size, and food hoarding. (DH)

Presents two lesson plans for: (1) a long-term project where students use simple materials to investigate a nearby aquatic habitat; and (2) hay infusions (jars with water and hay), one of which receives a plant fertilizer. (DH)

Reports on the colors observed during titrations of 15 natural indicators obtained from common fruits and vegetables. These edible indicators can be used for a variety of teacher demonstrations or for simple student experiments. (JN)

Describes an experiment in which students become familiar with the organic chemistry extraction process, perform analyses by thin layer and column chromatography, and use the absorption spectrum (obtained from a spectrophotometer) for identification. List of materials needed and procedures used are provided. (JN)

Describes physics experiments (including speed, acceleration, and acceleration due to gravity) in which students write programs to obtain and manipulate experimental data using the Atari microcomputer game port. The approach emphasizes the essential physics of the experiments while affording students useful experience of automatic data collection.…

Describes: (1) thermometric titrations; (2) EM-5 equipment (consisting of a thermal sensor, calorimeter, and input-buffered amplifier); (3) acid-base titrations; (4) precipitation titrations; and (5) redox titrations. Detailed procedures are included. (JN)

Discusses use of a hornet or wasp nest as an inexpensive science investigation on thermoregulation. The investigation can be done during the winter months and adapted to various levels. Sample results and background material are included. (JM)

Describes a computer program which calculates a best estimate of refractive index and dispersion from a large number of observations using the double variation method of measuring refractive index along with Sellmeier constants of the immersion oils. Program listing with examples will be provided on written request to the author. (Author/JM)

A simple device used to demonstrate the main features of primary color addition is described. Materials needed to construct the device, procedures used, and typical results are discussed. (JN)

Bank Street Laboratory (a set of hardware/software tools for measuring temperature, light, and sound) consists of a board that plugs into Apple microcomputers, cabling, software, and six probes. Discusses the laboratory's hardware, including the analog-to-digital converter, multiplier chip, and modular connectors. Circuit diagrams of components…

Discusses the use of leaf mines (formed by larvae of small moths or flies) and galls (wasps' larvae) in various insect population studies. Also considers the advantages of using these structures for instructional purposes. (DH)

Suggests that microbiology activities/experiments are suitable for teaching skills in designing experiments, manipulating tables/graphs, and the rewriting of work. Shows how students design an experiment using a table and how another experiment provides material for a group discussion on writing and rewriting. (DH)

Background information, procedures, and typical results are provided for an experiment illustrating the potential of hydrated salts for solar energy storage. The experiment involves a demonstration often used to illustrate the ease with which some transition metal ions can change their coordination numbers. (JN)

Briefly describes some of the more recent developments in the use of human hairs for such instructional purposes as observing barr bodies and chromosomes, and for culturing to produce cells of both epithelial and fibroblastic morphology. Three main hair categories are also described. (JN)

Described is a technique for utilizing television video equipment to display diffraction and interference phenomena for elementary physics courses. (SL)