A proliferation of new government regulations and other events in recent years has made it more and more difficult to teach science and engage in science activities. Rapid advances in biotechnology have made it difficult for both students and teachers to stay abreast of current events. These difficulties along with others have turned some teachers…

This booklet discusses some of the basic facts about nuclear energy and provides eight experiments related to these facts. The experiments (which include lists of materials needed and procedures used) involve: (1) an oil-drop model of a splitting atom; (2) a domino model of a chain reaction; (3) observing radioactivity with an electroscope; (4)…

Describes how to construct a simple pendulum seismometer. Includes schematic drawing of the electronic circuitry, a working drawing of the apparatus, and typical seismometer outputs caused by nearby trains and various earthquake-generated waves. (JJK)

Provides simple instructions for establishing an herbarium, in which the collecting and classifying of dried plants preserves a vital record of the status and variety of the flora found within particular locations at specific times. (Author/JJK)

Introduces the basics of radio astronomy and describes how to assemble several simple systems for receiving radio signals from the cosmos. Includes schematics, parts lists, working drawings, and contact information for radio astronomy suppliers. (11 references) (Author/JJK)

Organizations such as the Ohio Academy of Science sponsor programs to encourage junior and senior high school students to conduct science projects. These programs are designed to give students who might pursue careers in technical areas a realistic foretaste of some of their future professional responsibilities, including the effective…

Presented are various activities and projects intended to help Boy Scouts earn a merit badge in oceanography. Each project and/or activity is related to a requirement (objective) found in a list at the beginning of the booklet. Topic areas and/or related activities and projects include: (1) nature of oceanography (naming oceanography branches,…

Describes how to observe and study the fascinating world of insects in public parks, backyards, and gardens. Discusses the activities and habits of several common insects. Includes addresses for sources of beneficial insects, seeds, and plants. (nine references) (JJK)

This book for high school students presents 20 different science fair projects that provide an opportunity to learn how plants are affected by natural and man-made influences on their environments. Many experiments in the book were adapted from original International Science and Engineering Fair projects. Each project includes in-depth background…

The authors describe a simple forecasting strategy that focuses on environmental and global topics. Students choose their own topics, collect and analyze data, make predictions, and present findings to the class. Authors claim the following advantages of forecasting: students become motivated; work in cooperative groups; increase skills in…

Information for preparing technical reports is presented in this guide. This information includes: (1) descriptions of a technical report, an abstract, and a technical paper; (2) guidelines for writing abstracts and technical reports; (3) guidelines for developing an outline; (4) a sample student report format; and (5) a technical report appearing…

Describes an electronic circuit that can function as a prototype for chaotic systems. Specific applied voltages produce chaotic signals that can be viewed with an oscilloscope or be made audible with a home stereo system. Provides directions for assembly with typical costs, mathematical basis of chaos theory, and experimental extensions. (JJK)

Describes how teachers and students can conduct a schoolwide hazardous waste survey. The activity is an introduction to hazardous waste management and is useful in general physical science, chemistry, and environmental science classes. Two activity worksheets are provided. Explains how schools can clean up hazardous waste problems. (PR)

This book presents 15 tales that bring the animal world into the classroom. The stories in this book are divided into two sections: stories from aquatic ecosystems (both fresh- and saltwater systems), and from terrestrial systems, including desert, meadow, woodland, mountain, Arctic tundra, savanna, pine forest, and jungle ecosystems. All predator…

The article outlines an activity for providing a hands-on opportunity for elementary and middle school science students to study the theory of the earth's crustal change over the past several hundred million years. The theory of continents drifting away from one super continent is presented with the supportive evidence that scientists have…