Discusses how to make and fly boomerangs. (BB)

Describes a simple seismograph which can be built quite easily and is sufficiently sensitive to record earthquake waves at home. (HM)

Relates how Charles Martin Hall discovered the method of making pure aluminum metal in 1886. Retraces the events and steps that led to the process of aluminum purification. Includes diagrams of the apparatus used in the investigations. (ML)

Examines the phenomenon of water drops that float on water at room temperature. Describes experiments that have been done to study this phenomenon. (MA)

Reviews various science activities investigating polarized light. (SL)

Describes a method for making holograms viewable in white light without the problem of vibrations. Presents diagrams which show the arrangement for construction, viewing procedures, and a device for generating holograms. A list of supplies is included. (RT)

Lists several ideas for experiments for the amateur scientist to try or design. The list covers a wide range of topics; sound, mechanics, thermodynamics, fluids, optics, and electrostatics. (GA)

Discusses the construction of lenses made out of ice, including the arrangement for mounting an ice lens on a camera. Also discusses brewing coffee in an ibrik (long-handled container tapering slightly toward the top), focusing on the physics of the brewing. (JN)

Certain chemical systems oscillate between one color and another. This article describes procedures for examining this phenomenon. (MA)

Discusses the change in pressure as a balloon expands. Describes the pressure change in a spherical soap bubble and a rubber membrane on the tube. Provides demonstrations when two balloons are connected by a tube. Lists five further reading materials. (YP)

The author discusses how plumes of smoke in the air can give us an indication of how atmospheric temperature varies with height. (MN)

Discusses how to stop a spinning object (such as rotating fan blades) by humming and the perception of curious blue arcs around a light. Background information, relevant research, and activities related to these two topics are provided. (JN)

Describes an experiment illustrating a lesson in wave interference using bright colors in a soap film. Illustrations provided. (MA)

First, the procedure to be followed when grinding glass by hand to produce a smoother surface and avoid scratches is described. Second, an experiment conducted to compare the efficiency of a traditional fireplace against the slotlike arrangement design of Cranberg is explained. (GA)

Three classic visual toys are discussed and instructions are given for their construction. These are moire patterns, kaleidoscope, and stereoscope. (MP)