The concept of controlled experimentation is a skill that all students leaving high school should master. Teachers often attempt to find exciting and fun methods to expose students to this valuable skill. This science activity guide allows students to construct model rockets in an attempt to improve their abilities to conduct controlled…

Many teachers and other educators have expressed a concern regarding the lack of student interest in many of the traditional science courses. Concerns have also been expressed by teachers of their dissatisfaction with much of the lecture material and the laboratory exercises in some science classes. To help rectify this problem a collaborative…

Describes how to collect micrometeorites and suggests a number of related activities such as determining the number of meteors entering the atmosphere and determining the composition of the micrometeorites. (BR)

You can't see, smell or taste air - but here's an easy method for experimenting with it. (Editor)

For teachers only - a monthly exchange of tips, projects, ideas and resources. (Editor)

Simple activities are described which use paper clips and straws or a board to demonstrate the properties of the lever. (BB)

This article describes how a gas chromatograph may be used to determine the amount of carbon dioxide in exhaled air. The experiment has been used as part of a demonstration exercise at a local science fair and proved of interest to all age groups. (Author/BB)

The use of the earthworm as a laboratory animal for studying the effect of starvation on nitrogen metabolism is discussed. Simple techniques and methods are presented allowing in vivo physiological responses to be compared with changes in the enzyme potential of gut tissue. (Author/MA)

Describes a holographic method of producing a picture of a real lens, objects, and the virtual image of the objects. (SL)

Describes an experiment demonstrating the frustration of totally reflected visible light. (SL)

Shows how the Archimedes method is used to determine the density of a single crystal of ammonium oxalate monohydrate. Also shows how to calculate the density of other chemicals when they are available as single crystals. Experimental procedures and materials needed are included. (JN)

Reports a consecutive first-order reaction for which the concentrations of reactant, intermediate, and products can be determined simulataneously. This reaction is the epoxidation of 2,5-di-tert-butyl-1,4-benzoquinone (I) by alkaline hydroperoxidation using tert-butyl hydroperoxide and benzyltrimethylammonium hydroxide (Triton B) catalyst.…

Explains an experiment in which the rotation of a patch of skin on a tadpole results in a frog with rotated spots, proving that the spot pattern is determined long before it becomes visible. Procedures used are included. (DH)

Points out the benefits of "sciencing"--helping children learn the methodology and processes of scientific investigation through the use of play experimentation. (SKC)

Provides an overview on biological electron-transfer reactions, summarizing what is known about how distance, spatial organization, medium, and other factors affect electron transfer. Experimental approaches, including studies of bimolecular electron transfer reactions (electrostatic effects and precursor complexes), are considered. (JN)