The effectiveness of five different enzymes as treatments against Staphylococcus biofilm growth was measured in the presence of antibiotics and alone. Protease was the least effective enzyme in biofilm removal with all antibiotics, and pectinase was the most effective with dicloxacillin and clindamycin. Also, dicloxacillin was the most effective…

Hands-on, inquiry-based, and relevant to every student's life, "Gourmet Lab" serves up a full menu of activities for science teachers of grades 6-12. This collection of 15 hands-on experiments--each of which includes a full set of both student and teacher pages--challenges students to take on the role of scientist and chef, as they boil,…

Presents investigations to explore the substrate specificity, pH, concentration, and temperature relations of an enzyme with only inexpensive commercial rennet and basic laboratory equipment. Describes how the activities were carried out with a group of 15-year-old students. (CW)

Described are several laboratory investigations that may be used to introduce biochemistry. Topics covered include carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and metabolism. Reactions, stock solution formulas, and procedures are listed. Emphasized are individualizing work, designing alternative investigations, solving problems, and drawing conclusions. (KR)

Discusses enzymes, catalysts, and factors that affect the rate of a chemical reaction. Presents activities based on enzyme action on hydrogen peroxide and lactose intolerance. (Author/JRH)

Discusses the importance of teaching about enzymes in chemistry. Mentions several applications of enzyme technology to other fields. Describes an experiment involving the immobilization of yeast cells as a biocatalyst for the ethanol production from glucose. Argues for more biotechnology to be integrated into basic chemistry courses. (TW)

While other lab exercises allow the student to isolate and study one component of the cell, the purpose of this lab is to break down the cell into several components and perform simultaneous assays to determine the constituents. Centrifugation is used as a separation technique. Provides procedure and expected results. (LZ)

Evaluates the traditional method of intercalating theoretical and seminar classes with laboratory practical work. Proposes a new schedule where students get problem-based learning of theoretical concepts during the first half of the course, and plan and execute a laboratory project during the second half. (Author/CCM)

Presents methods that can be used to isolate the enzyme tyrosinase and to assay its activity. Lists instructions for a laboratory activity that has variable but frequently dramatic results. (WRM)

Provided are directions for culturing bacteria by using yoghurt as a culture medium. Yoghurt is a safe medium and results in an end product which may be eaten if desired. (PB)

Amylose azure can be used as a chromogenic substrate for alpha-amylase in studying the effects of temperature and pH enzyme action. This is a model system which students can use to measure the energy of activation using the Arrhenius plot. (Author/BB)

This teacher's guide and student guide unit contains supplemental readings, activities, and methods adapted for secondary students who have disabilities and other students with diverse learning needs. The materials are designed to help these students succeed in regular education content courses and include simplified text and smaller units of…

Discusses simple analysis of urine in the classroom. Describes the materials and procedures for the analysis. Provides a laboratory report giving characteristics of: (1) odor, color, and clarity; (2) specific gravity; (3) sediment; (4) test strips; and (5) albumin and phosphates. (YP)

Presents the rigor mortis process in brook charr (Salvelinus fontinalis) as a tool for better understanding skeletal muscle metabolism. Describes an activity that demonstrates how rigor mortis is related to the post-mortem decrease of muscular glycogen and ATP, how glycogen degradation produces lactic acid that lowers muscle pH, and how…

Discusses a year-long course of study called Chemistry in the Community, or ChemCom, developed by the American Chemical Society (ACS) to improve chemistry studies in high schools and to relate chemistry to the real world of students. Students spend half the time in the laboratory with more discussion on nuclear, organic, and biochemistry than that…