1 Editorial
Science Sux – An article about the public perception of science and science teaching and what we can do to improve matters.
2 News & comment
SSAC’s vision for science; Additional finding from Scottish Executive; Stuart Farmer’s study of the resourcing of physics departments.
3 Safety responsibilities and management
Safety in practical classes should be left to the experts to manage.
3-5 Wood dust and health surveillance
An explanation of health surveillance (what it is and when it is required) relating to staff being exposed to dust from woodworking.
6 Flicker and photo sensitive epilepsy
A small section of the population is susceptible to epileptic fits being brought on by flickering lights. Some control measures are suggested.
7-10 Colour mixing
Demonstrations of colour mixing can be vastly improved by replacing traditional illumination with new powerful LEDs called lumileds.
10 Auroral displays
After recent impressive aurora displays, we offer some tips to observe the next one.
11-12 Blue-bottle redox reactions
Some lower hazard variations of this classic demonstration that do not require corrosive sodium hydroxide.
Erratum – In Table 1 in the ‘small scale’ column, the volume of 0.1M copper)II) sulphate used should read 3 cm3 and not 12 cm3
12 Magical mushrooms
How to grow oyster mushrooms in the classroom
13 Index to Bulletins 201-210
16 Trade News
Soda lime; Microwave & UHF apparatus; Film graticule strip; Pestles; Freshford gas regulator servicing; Electronic projects from Rapid; Visual accelerometer.
1 & 12 Editorial
Educational organisation, a menagerial (sic) approach
2-5 Safety guidance on radioactivity
SSERC has written a set of papers on different aspects of health and safety guidance regarding working with radioactive materials.
6 Recirculatory fume cupboards
An overview of recirculatory fume cupboards and their effectiveness.
8 SCOTS Online
Scottish Chemistry Online Teachers’ Service (Scots website) is launched
8 Gas Cartridge air rifles
A change in legislation and how to adapt.
9 Fixed wiring colours have changed
A guide to the change of colours in wiring of electrical appliances and how classrooms might be affected.
9 DSEAR
An introduction to the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations (2002)
10 Microbiology & biotechnology at levels E & F
Revision of the guidelines and some ideas for activities that can enhance the teaching of this in the classroom.
12 Safety
Enzyme investigation using catalase; Socket outlet testers
1 Editorial
It’s a’ geek tae me! – A call for more plain English in technical writing.
2 Safety: Accident with a pinhole Camera
Accident with an S1 girl using a pinhole camera and a candle. What went wrong and how to prevent it.
3: Safety: Hero’s engine explosion
A report on an explosion of a glass Hero’s engine.
3 Safety: Griffin paper electrophoresis kit
a trial of this apparatus which turns out to have dangerous , unshrouded sockets.
4 Chemistry Summer School
Review of the successful Chemistry Summer School at Edinburgh University.
5 ISE 5-14 – Planning Spreadsheet
A planning spreadsheet to help busy teachers. Available for download from the SSERC website.
6-8 Chemistry: Crystal growth and Liesegang rings
A look at this fascinating area of chemistry with some tips and tricks for getting the best results.
8 Physics: S1/S2 electronics
A review of the MFA & JJM Angus Board
9-10 Physics: Sodium absorption spectrum with a while lumiled LED source
The D lines of the sodium absorption spectrum can be displayed reliably and easily with the aid of a high-power, white-light LED source such that the demonstration can be carried out in daylight.
11 Biology: Let’s Count
Using haemocytometers to count cells
12 SSERC AGM / Open courses
A Risk Assessment Special
1 Essential Tools
A graphic showing some of the useful resources that will help.
2-6 Assessing Risks
A guide to the risk-assessment process
6 “Reasonably Practicable”
A definition and discussion of this important Health and Safety term.
7-8 Not proven
A discussion of a recent HSE prosecution after an accident in a chemistry lesson, in England.
8-9 DSEAR
Further information in these regulations affecting work with flammables as announced in Bulletin 2011.
9 Using computers safely
A summary of SSERC’s upcoming guidance.
10-12 Investigating compost formation
A description of procedures on which to base a series of investigations on biodegradation and compost formation.
12 Risk assessment for compost formation
An exemplar risk assessment using our recommended method.
An exemplar risk assessment using our recommended method.
