Suggests using a vortex generator to produce tornados in the classroom. Instructions for making the generator and for producing the tornado are provided. (JN)

Provides instructions for preparing, processing, and viewing single-beam reflection holograms in science classrooms. Indicates that the process is simple to demonstrate and moderate in cost. A description of the required equipment (optics table, laser, mirrors, lens, filmholder/plateholder, recording materials, and darkroom chemicals/equipment) is…

Describes an extremely simple technique (using only Dreiding or Framework molecular models, a flashlight, small sheets of glass, and a piece of cardboard) which produces extremely accurate line drawings of stereoscopic images. Advantages of using the system are noted. (JN)

The design and use of an inexpensive thermistor thermometer is described. In addition to providing a rugged thermometer, using the instruments offers an opportunity to have students become familiar with new principles and techniques, such as principles of thermistors, the Wheatstone bridge, and the concept of calibration. (JN)

Describes how to modify the commercially available and inexpensive Griffin-Worden (Kontes) glass pressure reactors to permit sampling of homogeneous reactions, without changing the relative concentration of species present. All required parts necessary for the modification are commercially available. (JN)

Describes a compact, digital voltmeter which exceeds, both in accuracy and input impedance, most commercial pH meters and potentiometers. The instrument consists of two parts: a very high impedance hybrid operational amplifier used as a voltage follower (ICH8500/A, Intersil) and a four and one-half digits LED display panel meter (RP-4500,…

The article discusses the importance of instruments in science and technology and describes the development, operations, uses, and software of the Universal Laboratory Training and Research Aid (ULTRA), a portable talking laboratory computer that will enable visually impaired students to perform independently important instrumental measurements…

Describes an experiment designed to introduce physics majors to the triggered oscilloscope. The experiment uses an inexpensive, easily constructed generator which sends pulses down a long coaxial cable, thus providing useful waveforms. (DH)

Indicates that although the costs of sophisticated state-of-the-art instruments are needed for chemical research, federal agency funding assumptions lag far behind. Issues related to these costs, including an estimate of what the National Science Foundation departmental budget should be, are discussed. (JN)

In a modular approach, instruments are considered as systems composed of modules, each module performing a particular function. Examines process of relating specifications for instruments to those for particular modules, effect of microcomputers on modular approach, and extension of the approach to such devices as "hyphenated" or tandem…

Describes: (1) various research studies of the mid-ocean ridges; (2) how money and facilities are made available for these studies; and (3) the prospect for future ocean floor studies. Indicates that a presidential proclamation (Exclusive Economic Zone) has extended United States boundaries 200 nautical miles seaward, adding new exploration sites.…

Background information, procedures, and results are provided for an experiment in which students: (1) construct an immobilized penicillinase electrode; (2) evaluate electron response as a function of penicillin concentration; and (3) study effects of solvent compositions, ionic strength, and equilibrium time upon electrode response. (JN)

A polarizing microscope can considerably enhance the teaching of plant anatomy. Instructions for adapting a normal teaching microscope for use as a polarizing microscope are provided. (JN)

Describes a simple digital waveform synthesizer, a chronograph for measuring projectile velocities, and a versatile beam splitter for holographers. (MLH)