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This book was written to help introductory biology teachers gain a basic understanding of contemporary bioinstrumentation and the uses to which it is put in the laboratory. It includes topics that are most basic to understanding the nature of biology. The book is divided into five sections: (1) "Separation and Identification" that includes chapters on electrophoresis, chromatographic techniques, immunologic methods, flow cytometry, and centrifugation of biomolecules; (2) "Observation" that includes chapters on advances in light microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy; (3) "Spectroscopy" that includes chapters on absorption spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, cross-sectional medical imaging, and infrared spectroscopy; (4) "Biological Tracing and Sensing" that includes a chapter on radionuclides; and (5) "Manipulation of Biological Molecules" that includes chapters on recombinant DNA, the polymerase chain reaction, and restriction fragment length polymorphisms. Chapter overviews, concept maps, margin notes, photos of real scientists and their students, overhead transparency masters, and an Internet bioinstrumentation web site directory are also included. (JRH)

This book is a compilation of articles from the The American Biology Teacher journal that present biology labs that are safe, simple, dependable, economic, and diverse. Each activity can be used alone or as a starting point for helping students design follow-up experiments for in-depth study on a particular topic. Students must make keen observations, form hypotheses, design experiments, interpret data, and communicate the results and conclusions. The experiments are organized into broad topics: (1) Cell and Molecular Biology; (2) Microbes and Fungi; (3) Plants; (4) Animals; and (5) Evolution and Ecology. There are a total of 34 experiments and activities with teacher background information provided for each. Topics include slime molds, DNA isolation techniques, urine tests, thin layer chromatography, and metal adsorption. (DDR)

Explains a thin-layer chromatography (TLC) experiment that allows students to study complex mixtures of lipids using small volumes. Uses a water-soluble dye to stain lipids that is fast and safe. (YDS)

Describes an investigation into the photosynthetic potential of the different developmental stages of the green unicellular alga Haematococcus pluvialis. Reviews the biotechnological applications of astaxanthin, the red pigment which can be extracted from Haematococcus pluvialis. (Author/MM)

Introduces a laboratory experiment that investigates and compares the carbon monoxide content of automobile exhaust and cigarette smoke using gas chromatography techniques. (YDS)

Presents a laboratory experiment on determining the molecular weight of an unknown molecule by using gel filtration chromatography. Describes the procedure and lists required materials. (YDS)

Describes a series of exercises intended to help students develop a better understanding of chromatography that employ plant pigments. A collaborative approach leads students to a level of competence that permits them to complete an open-ended exercise. (WRM)

This publication is the fourth of a series of seven supplementary investigative materials for use in secondary science classes providing up-to-date research-related investigations. This unit is structured for grades 9 through 12. It deals with physical factors that affect color changes in plant foods during processing and in the preparation of fresh and frozen green vegetables for consumers. In addition, this guide provides background information on plant pigments and the changes they undergo during food processing. The first part of this guide identifies: (1) materials needed; (2) supplementary information; (3) suggested reading; and (4) films and film loops. The second part provides students with background information and two investigations: (1) observations on color changes in selected plant material, and (2) factors that affect stability of chlorophyll in green vegetables. Each investigation consists of: (1) materials needed for a four-student team; (2) procedures; (3) questions for thought; (4) extending the investigation; and (5) suggested readings. (HM)

This course is designed for those requiring an introduction to instruments commonly used in water pollution analyses. Examples are: pH, conductivity, dissolved oxygen meters, spectrophotometers, turbidimeters, carbon analyzer, and gas chromatographs. Students should have a basic knowledge of analytical chemistry. (CO)

Telling stories can be an effective way of introducing science concepts. This article provides an annotated bibliography of fiction and nonfiction books for K-12 students and adults on static electricity, surface tension, bubbles, chromatography, slugs and other creatures, plants, physical and chemical change, strength of shapes, collections of science experiments, and storytelling collections. (PEN)

Presents three experiments to introduce students to different kinds of chromatography: (1) paper chromatography; (2) gel filtration chromatography; and (3) reverse-phase liquid chromatography. Written in the form of a laboratory manual, explanations of each of the techniques, materials needed, procedures, and a glossary are included. (PVD)

Presents a protocol that uses reverse phase chromatography for the separation of chloroplast pigments. Provides a simple and relatively safe procedure for use in teaching laboratories. Discusses pigment extraction, chromatography, results, and advantages of the process. (JRH)

Explains the basics of chromatography which is used to demonstrate the separation of plant photosynthetic pigments. Reports the results of an evaluative study that explored textbook errors in explaining how chromatography works. (Contains 13 references.) (Author/YDS)

Describes strategies to introduce students in a first year chemistry course to the gas chromatograph coupled with a mass spectrometer (GC-MS) and provides students with hands-on experiences in its use. (ASK)

Introduces a format for inquiry that uses a question wheel and allows students to ask questions driven by their curiosity. Explains an activity that relates to a chromatography experiment. (YDS)

Introduces the Kids and Chemistry program which aims to increase student interest in science. Features activities for students on the classification of unknown materials and chromatography. (YDS)

Describes a joint project between a local secondary school and a feeder primary school to challenge students to produce an environmentally friendly green ink. The project involved children in developing new skills and boosted the profile of science in schools. (Author/CCM)

Describes experiments that illustrate a number of general principles such as pattern identification, displacement chromatography, and salting-out adsorption, plus an experiment that demonstrates that identification by chromatography alone is impossible. Illustrates that chromatography is still possible with quite simple means, notwithstanding the sophisticated equipment that some workers prefer. (JRH)

Presents a detailed procedure for finding an empirical formula from ion exchange chromatography and colorimetry. Introduces students to more varied techniques including volumetric manipulation, titration, ion-exchange, preparation of a calibration curve, and the use of colorimetry. (JRH)

Presents activities that can be used to introduce thin-layer chromatography at the undergraduate level in relatively less developed countries and that can be performed with very simple and commonly available apparati in high schools and colleges. Activities include thin-layer chromatography with a test-tube, capillary feeder, burette, and rotating plate. (JRH)

Presents a simple and reliable technique using commonly available equipment for monitoring carbon monoxide in automobile exhaust. The experiment utilizes a gas chromatograph and a thermal conductivity detector (TCD). (DDR)

Presents a 4-week set of activities to engage 5th grade students in real-life applications of chemistry. Students solve a crime of theft through the use of mystery powders, chromatography, scientific analysis of cloth, and fingerprinting. (NB)

Presents a headspace gas chromatography experiment that enables discovery of the temperature dependence of the vapor pressure of a pure liquid. Illustrates liquid-vapor phase equilibrium of pure liquids. Contains 22 references. (JRH)

Describes a simple form of chromatography that illustrates several concepts of chemistry and physics and requires only inexpensive and readily available materials. (PR)

Presents an activity that is a qualitative version of the standard paper chromatography experiment. This activity introduces students to methods of selecting the best solvent for a separation and allows them to consider the effects of adding acid and base. (WRM)

This unit, developed by the Third World Science Project, is designed to add a multicultural element to existing science syllabi (for students aged 11-16) in the United Kingdom. The project seeks to develop an appreciation of the: boundless fascination of the natural world; knowledge, skills, and expertise possessed by men/women everywhere; application of knowledge and skills to solve the practical problems of everyday life; impact of modern technology in the world; and the influence of the cultural background on the perception of knowledge, problems, and solutions. The unit consists of six sections and list of references. Topic areas considered include: historical consideration of the use of color; natural dyestuffs in use today and their resources; and plant pigments (chlorophylls, carotenoids, anthocyanins, and anthoxanthins). Activities presented include: chromatographic analysis of plant pigments; preparation of colored solutions from natural sources; investigation of acidity/alkalinity; and an investigation of dye uptake (preceded by a discussion of dying fabrics). The unit concludes with a brief outline of tie-dying and print processes. (JN)