Describes the construction of a low-cost (about $70.00) alternative to the commercial fraction collector. Outlines the separate parts of the collector and provides a schematic of electronic circuitry of the instrument. Lists special items required for the development of this project. (TW)

Addresses the introduction of low cost equipment into high school and college physical science classes. Examines the properties of an "ideal" operational amplifier and discusses how it might be used under saturated and non-saturated conditions. Notes the action of a "real" operational amplifier. (TW)

Discusses: (1) Brewster's angle in the elementary laboratory; (2) color mixing by computer; (3) computer iteration at A-level; (4) a simple probe for pressure measurement; (5) the measurement of distance using a laser; and (6) an activity on Archimede's principle. (JN)

A PET microcomputer is used as an accurate and programmable timer to support data acquisition from velocity experiments covering falling, rolling, and sliding objects, and human velocity, acceleration, and power measurements. The inexpensive instrumentation is simple and easy to use and compares favorably with conventional, more expensive…

Presents procedures, demonstrations, activities, and teaching suggestions on topics appropriate for middle school science including a simple electrolysis cell, conversion factors, energy, solubilities of salts, condensers, and a worksheet for studying coppice woodlands. (DC)

Discusses determination of elliptical path of a satellite caught into orbit by the sun or earth; using microcomputer as signal generator (includes program listing); collision process; simple hysteresis loop using double beam CRO; method of demonstrating parallelogram of forces; measuring radius of electron beam curvature; and half-life of thorium…

Discusses: (1) construction of an integrated spherical reflectometer; (2) limitations of the NOAA Weather Radio Network; and (3) a simple experiment to demonstrate/measure influence of damping force on amplitude resonance. Also discusses whether or not a homemade electrophorus can lose its charge and then recharge itself. (JN)

Lasers are useful for demonstrating ray optics, especially in large classrooms where a well-defined, easily-viewed ray is essential. Described is a simple device that converts any laser to a projection oscilloscope (or laser spirograph). Suggestions for using the device (including demonstrating Lissajous figures and conic sections) are provided.…

Thirteen demonstrations using a capacitor-start induction motor fitted with an aluminum disk are described. Demonstrations illustrate principles from mechanics, fluids (Bernoulli's principle), waves (chladni patterns and doppler effect), magnetism, electricity, and light (mechanical color mixing). In addition, the instrument can measure friction…

Research Corporation is aiding universities in locating new sources of income by finding patentable inventions, acting as broker between companies wanting to fund research and investigators with parallel interests, seeking capital for professors whose ideas have commercial possibilities, and finding private donors of scientific equipment.…

Describes some results of a project funded by the National Science Foundation to investigate ways to make a college biology course accessible to visually impaired students, including use of tactile diagrams as an alternative to microscopes and a variety of measuring techniques. (Author/SK)

Discusses dice model of exponential radionuclide decay; glancing and collinear perfectly elastic collisions; digital capacitance meter; use of top pan balance in physics; microcomputer calculation of gradient of straight line (includes complete Commodore PET computer program); Fresnel lenses; low-voltage radiant heater; Wheatssone's bridge used as…

Outlines procedures for constructing an instrument which uses an electrode and calibration methods to measure the salinity of waters in environments close to and affected by a saline estuary. (Author/DC)

Describes potential radiation hazards from surplus or donated military equipment. Examines hazards by providing descriptions of situations in which radiation hazards have been found. (DS)

By interfacing a Biotran II counting device with an Apple II computer, biologists in a biomedical laboratory increased accuracy and speed over manual logging of Biotran readings. Suggests that others interface small computers to computer readable devices as a cost-effective approach. Outlines necessary steps. (DC)