Australia's Science Forum

Hi Tricia, I know the problem well. I spent months trying to source this. The only supplier I could find was Insight Water Treatment & Services P/L, Unit D6/23-25 Windsor Road, Northmead. 2152. Phone 9890.9393. The man to speak to is Craig (mobile 0411 094 448). The only problem is the size of t...

Hi there Sue, Great day here also, especially for a Monday!! We use the ones with the delivery tube coming through the top of the cap. The delivery tube is removable and flexible meaning it can be aimed more easily than those that have fixed delivery tubes. Also, they are substantial and we have had...

PS Thank you also pommy!!

Robbie

Hi Marjan and Sue,

Many thanks for the info.

Cheers,

Robbie

Anyone know where I can purchase a copy of The Laboratory?

Robbie

Mmmm...

We have been using Quinate tablets, bought years ago by a previous head teacher. However, I will dispose of the last few tablets right now...

I think Bitter Lemon can also be used as an alternative to Tonic Water.

Many thanks to all for the valuable input.

Robbie

One of our teachers has this job - he is the one who walks around with bolt cutters. We have 800 students in the school.

Cheers,

Robbie

"I had this brainwave at 2.00am this morning", "I had planned what I wanted to do I just forgot to tell you", and "any ideas what I can do with my Year 9 next period? (ie in 3 mins time)" . These would be the most common "reasons" I receive. ...and this one &q...

Hi everyone,

I also have to confess I usually just chuck in some I into some metho and if it is dark enough everyone is happy. It indicates the presence of starch which is the common reason for using i

Cheers,

Robbie

Hi all,

mmm... liquid pens and bottles of refillable ink...sounds like the good ole days of learning to write with a fountain pen and a bottle of ink...or am I the only one here old enough to remember such things?!!!

Anyway, happy holidays for those who have holidays!!!

and take care,

Robbie

Hi all,

Our teachers prefer Artline Whiteboard Markers - definitely not OfficeMax brand! Artline are available from QStores. However, one pen only lasts about one week for average usage. I don't know how this would compare with pens with liquid ink. Any ideas?

Robbie

One (small) way of keeping the cost down is by using gelatine instead of peptone. Gelatine is readily available from the supermarket and does not start to stink from being too old as peptone does. Also I have found peptone can become a solid lump. Gelatine is a good replacement as the protein ingred...

Way back in the Dark Ages, i.e. 1978, I tried to get some casual/part time work in school hours as my kids were by then well established in primary school. I wrote to the three schools closest to where we lived seeking work and in a few weeks received a phone call from Asquith Girls High offering me...

Hi,

It also helps if you use a batswing burner rather than a regular bunsen burner, as you can heat a longer section of glass tubing at a time.

Cheers,

Robbie

We are using DCPIP bought in 1984 and it is still OK. However, we only make it up with water. Why do you need Phosphoric Acid? Just curious...

Benedict's bought in the 1980s is still giving good results.

Robbie

Hi Louise, Our policy is that bags are left outside the labs and valuables like wallets, phones and ipods are brought in. However, last week three bags "disappeared". One was later found, minus the wallet, phone and ipod. So now bags are allowed inside the labs but only in a specified area...

Hi all, When our agar plates have been finished with, I place them, wrapped in aluminium foil, back into the pressure cooker for 30 minutes at 15 lbs pressure. Only then is it safe to wrap them and dispose of in the garbage. I don't think it is safe just to toss in the garbage without first destroyi...

Thanks Ian.

Robbie

We also purchased a Vertex water deioniser - bench top model from Serrata for $685.00. So far it is excellent - no wastage whatever and no waiting for the water to filter through. The deioniser we used previously used to take half a day for about 4 litres to filter. Would highly receommend it. We ne...

We use coloured clothes pegs clipped onto rubber tubing. Works well.

Robbie