SSERC’s move to Pitreavie Court, Dunfermline
After Newton’s famous prism experiment was voted one of the top ten most beautiful experiments in science, we had to retry it and let you know what we found. In doing so, we discovered LSD.
p6 Experimenting with LSD and a Prism
Experimenting with LSD and a prism. Novel ways of recombining colours to get white light and making a brilliant, rainbow-coloured arc.
An introduction to the oscillation Briggs-Rauscher reaction.
A recipe for invisible ink that used household chemicals and has the advantage over commonly touted versions in theat the ‘ink’ really is invisible.
A simple chmiluminescent fountain using luminol
p10 Buchanan filter
A guide to the Buchanan filter as an aid to filtering protoplasts.
A market survey of inexpensive ‘Eco-meters’, measuring light, temperature and humidity.
Health and Safety
The launch of the latest (11th) edition of the ASE’s invaluable ‘Safeguards in the Science Laboratory’.
p4 Electric circuit model using water
Voltage is a difficult idea. This analogue was developed to help formulate the concept. The model uses the vertical dimension to represent voltage. The flow of water in that part of the model that represents the circuit is entirely in the horizontal plane. Current and flow are modelled by fluid flow and water levels respectively.
p7 The ammonium molybdate test for phophate
We have had several calls about this test failing. SO here is a (hopefully) foolproof method.
p8 Forensics
We outline here a number of practical activities which are suitable for pupil investigations covering learning outcomes in the Science component of Environmental Studies at Attainment Levels E-F.
Since the ban on smoking in public places in Scotland came in during March 2006 we have had several enquiries regarding this.
Health and Safety
p1 SSERC News
The arrival of the SafetyNet CD-ROM and retirements at SSERC.
p2 Disposal of electrical goods
An introduction to the new WEEE Regulations governing the disposal of waste electrical goods.
p5 Security of radioactive holdings
What the law says and how to keep your radioactive sources secure.
A new catalogue has been written by SSERC to help identify radioactive materials held by schools.
A look at the media landscape and the perception of science in schools.
Audacity is open source software for recording and editing sounds and is available for Mac OS, Microsoft Windows, Linux, and other operating systems. It may be free but it is a powerful piece of software with a wide range of uses. Here we showcase some of the activities in physics that it can be used for.
p6 Supporting Scottish science education
An update on a range of CPD activities provided through the partners in the ‘Supporting Scottish Science Education through CPD’ and ‘CPD for School Science and Technology Support Staff’ initiatives.
Radioactive decay and the half-life concept can be shown by three methods, each of which presents a negligible risk of harm. Her we give details of the methods.
Health and Safety
p1 1 Smoking machines – legal position
After the article in our last Bulletin, it has been brought to our attention that the use of smoking machines in schools is now illegal and should not be undertaken.
A tribute to David McGrowther, stepping down after 20 years on the SSERC board.
p2 Algal Balls – the SAPS photosynthesis kit
The use of immobilised algae and hydrogencarbonate indicator provides an engaging and interesting approach to practical work that supports the learning and teaching of photosynthesis in
the school laboratory.
A special offer on Prestige autoclaves.
p6 Equilibrium and Le Chatelier
The effect of temperature on the position of an equilibrium can easily be seen by observing the colour changes of the octahedral hexaaquacobalt(II) cation and the tetrahedral tetrachlorocobaltate(II) anion as the sample is moved from a low temperature to a high temperature.
A fun demonstration, using the pH change associated with electrolysis to change the colour of indicators and thus enabling coloured ‘writing’ just using electricity.
The launch of the TEST DVD at SETT in September was a major tangible outcome of the fifth and final consortium in the Improving Science Education 5–14 through CPD (ISE 5-14) initiative. The TEST DVD contains a wide variety of high quality exemplar and interactive CPD activities for the three science attainment outcomes.
p10 Radiant Heaters
The comparison of the rates of heating of a black body versus a silvered body can be done with proprietary apparatus . . .but why not get pupils making their own heating elements?
p11 Technicians Conference 2006
A review of the 2006 Technicians conference at Crieff Hydro.
12. Audacity again
Some further experiments with Audacity, following on from Bulletin 218.
Health and Safety
p12 Wiring Plugs
Recently we have been asked by a number of schools whether it is legal for pupils in schools to wire plugs or other mains devices in the context of learning about mains electricity. Here is our advice.
