Discusses a strategy for presenting science concepts via activities which include personal, self-sensitizing frames of reference for students. Examples include force and temperature measurement. (JM)

Presents an integrated math/science activity in which families work together at an activity station and design and make a track for a marble to travel down using rules attached to a board. (MKR)

Discussed are science activities appropriate for middle school students. Considerations include the degree of abstractness of the concepts and the need for increased class time for explaining, discussing, and integrating students' activity experiences. (DS)

Reviews research on the purpose and effectiveness of laboratory activities. Discusses epistemology, problem solving, cooperative learning, student involvement, assessment, and teachers as researchers. (YP)

This study examined the differences in middle school students' (n=287) perceptions of science activities among three instructional approaches: (1) lecture-worksheet; (2) traditional laboratory; and (3) problem solving. Chi-square analysis of questionnaire responses indicated that, on seven of the eight questions, students responded more positively…

The results of an in-depth analysis of the lab activities found in two popular high school biology textbooks are presented. Activities were rated against 24 task categories that parallel skills or behaviors which reflect scientific inquiry, problem-solving skills, manipulative skills, and observational skills. (25 references) (KR)

Improvements in the mechanism of the whirlybird used in the Science Curriculum Improvement Study (SCIS) unit "Subsystems and Variables" are presented. Variables which can be investigated using this device are discussed. An illustration of the improved device is provided. (CW)

Presents an integrated math/science activity that shows students the differences among the three types of volcanoes using observation, classification, graphing, sorting, problem solving, measurement, averages, pattern relationships, calculators, computers, and research skills. Includes reproducible student worksheet. Lists 13 teacher resources.…

Presents a lesson using chocolate chip cookies to involve children in scientific investigation and mathematical reasoning. (Author/MKR)

Discusses the advantages of using discrepant events in elementary school science classrooms in terms of motivation and problem solving skills. Describes the materials, procedures, and reasons behind five discrepant activities. (YP)

Science activities of the 14 science textbooks most commonly used in middle and junior high school were analyzed and coded to determine the level of the thinking skills emphasized in comparison to supplemental guide activities. Multivariate analysis of variance indicated a significant difference in the quantity but not quality of the thinking…

Described is an integrated science and mathematics activity which is an extension of the Elementary Science Study unit "The Clay Boat." Discussed are prerequisite skills, science and mathematics concepts covered, objectives, content background, materials, procedures, and evaluation for this activity. (CW)

Described are pentonimoe activities which nurture a nonanxious attitude toward math and science, promote an atmosphere of cooperation, support development of problem-solving skills, and provide spatial-ability skill exercises. These activities can be used by students at all educational levels. (KR)

An activity in which students establish criteria outlining what constitutes wasted paper, calculate averages, and compute the number of trees needed to produce a measured amount of wasted paper is described. The mathematics and science concepts, objectives, rationale, content overview, lesson outline, and extensions are included. (KR)

Describes three perspectives from which middle school teachers can plan laboratory activities for the purpose of improving students' scientific literacy. Perspectives are the learning cycle approach categorizing activities by stages of development; problem-solving skills approach categorizing activities according to the amount of teacher control;…