Experiment: To Determine the properties and consistency of Plaster of Paris mixtures Hypothesis: That binding agents added to the plaster of paris mixture will strengthen the resulting hardened mixture in terms of tensile strength and compressive forces. Experimental steps: 1. Measure out and record an amount of plaster of paris in the powdered form 2. Add a pre-determined percentage of an additive or adulterant, or an equal weight of plaster…

As any curator or collector knows, the bodily oils and dirt accumulated from handling can quickly turn a good quality bone specimen into an ugly duckling, or worse, destroy delicate sections or tissue.  If you intend on the bone or specimen being handled frequently, it is highly recommended that you seal it to prevent further corrosion and damage, generally by way of sealant. These instructions assume you have thoroughly cleaned…

Over the years, the pen has become an almost ubiquitous part of professional life. Virtually no desk is lack for one, and they’re generally obtainable by the handful. As such, they make a perfect material for the office supply scientist on the go. Here are just a few ideas being tossed around for future Office Supply Science posts: 1. Standard bic(tm) pen used as an inline gas filter to remove…

Materials: 1x 250 ml beaker 1x 250 erlenmeyer flask 2x office two-part binder clips 2x lengths of wire for connections Directions: Prepare materials as outlined above.  Straighten the binder clip so the entire length is unbent, then drop the binder clip into the erlenmeyer flask. Place at the desired electrode length, making sure that some of the clip remains exposed above the lip for the end, plus enough to fold…

Having recently adapted my former office to a small-scale lab and workshop, I’ve decided to plot out a few of the experiments planned as I refresh myself on some of the biology basics. 1. Calculating the volume of gas generated by fermentation, and plotting the daily rate of gas production 2.Studying the effects of high-frequency sound on the physical structure of various cell types 3.Time-lapse photography of a bacterial colony…