Tested the effectiveness of a program designed to teach children how to conduct and interpret a controlled experiment. Results indicate that the ability to control variables can be taught using the program (which consists of activities related to designing, building, and launching model rockets). (JN)

Activities, experiments, computer programs, equipment, procedures, demonstrations, and teaching techniques are provided for a wide variety of topics in the biological and physical sciences. They include an improved apparatus for measuring rate of photosynthesis, procedures for making rainbows and measuring stomatal openings, and others. (JN)

Describes apparatus needed and instructions for conducting four experiments. Experiments focus on light waves, measurement of contact resistance, demonstration of longitudinal waves, and a simple method of measuring the refractive indices of transparent plates and liquids. (JM)

Classifies errors as either systematic or blunder and uncertainties as either systematic or random. Discusses use of error/uncertainty analysis in direct/indirect measurement, describing the process of planning experiments to ensure lowest possible uncertainty. Also considers appropriate level of error analysis for high school physics students'…

Discusses indoor air pollution in general and formaldehyde in particular, citing major sources of formaldehyde in home building materials and home furnishings. Also describes a laboratory procedure necessary to test for formaldehyde levels in the air and in materials. Includes list of equipment required. (JM)

Presents procedures, experiments, demonstrations, teaching suggestions, and information on a variety of chemistry topics including, for example, inert gases, light-induced reactions, calculators, identification of substituted acetophenones, the elements, analysis of copper minerals, extraction of metallic strontium, equilibrium, halogens, and…

Fourteen papers presented at the Seventh Biennial Conference on Chemical Education (Stillwater, Oklahoma 1982) are summarized. Papers focused on secondary/college chemistry courses, programs, instructional strategies, and projects emphasizing the relationship of chemistry to "real world" problems and issues. (JN)

Forty-five "poster session" papers presented at the Seventh Biennial Conference on Chemical Education (Stillwater, Oklahoma 1982) are highlighted. These papers focused on computers in chemistry and chemical education (emphasizing programs) and on instructional innovations (including courses, teaching methods, testing, experiments, and others). (JN)

Describes a two-semester laboratory program designed to motivate students. The program consists of computer-oriented modules and discovery approach laboratory exercises. Students complete similar computer/laboratory material during the first semester but elect one of three tracks during the second semester (computer, every-day life, and…

Microcomputer-based instrumentation packages enable computers to collect continuous analog data, convert data to digital form for processing, and display results on monitor. Discusses classroom advantages of these packages, describes one package for teaching harmonic motion, and provides a list of currently available packages (including vendor and…

A shoe box is converted into a model home to demonstrate the energy efficiency of various insulation measures. Included are instructions for constructing the model home from a shoe box, insulating the shoe box, several activities involving different insulation measures, extensions of the experiment, and post-lab discussion topics. (DS)

Outlines a variety of laboratory procedures, demonstrations, and classroom materials including a three dimensional, moveable cardboard model of the rib cage and diaphragm; a polyphenal oxidase experiment; ringing experiment using Impatiens; enzyme rummy game; and leaf impressions. (DS)

Suggestions are given for encouraging parents to participate in their children's science studies, at home and at school. Several sample lessons illustrate the kinds of experiments that require only inexpensive supplies which parents can provide. (SA)

Describes an experimental setup which allows the student to investigate the resonance characteristics of a vibrating plate using a small, circular steel plate clamped around its perpiphery. (HM)

Described are laboratory methods for enumerating microorganisms in food. These methods are utilized to determine if foods are potentially hazardous to the consumer due to high concentrations of microorganisms. Discussed are indicator organisms, including coliforms, interococci, yeasts, and molds; food poisoning organisms (staphylococci and…