Despite our best teaching efforts, many students hold misconceptions related to the roles plants play in gas-related processes (Amir and Tamir 1994; Hershey 1992; 2004). In an effort to remedy this problem, the author presents a series of activities that address common plant-related gas-process misconceptions held by middle school students. The…

Describes a lesson plan on the movement of water in a water cycle. Presents a water cycle table that includes explanations. (YDS)

Presents a lesson on rockets and provides information on how to build a water rocket. Discusses the safety procedures necessary during loading and launching. Explains how to grade students on their projects. (YDS)

Describes an activity in which the story of "Frosty the Snowman" is reviewed and students are challenged to come up with ways to save Frosty. In cooperative groups, students brainstorm, share ideas, and write a prelaboratory report. After the approval of plans by the teacher students construct the snowmen and begin the three-day experiment. (DDR)

Describes different teaching methods and explains the advantages and disadvantages of experiential learning as compared to traditional instructional techniques. Discusses the steps of the experiential learning model. (YDS)

Uses engineering projects to make students create design prototypes of paper airplanes in order to teach the scientific principle of flight. (ASK)

Describes a partnership involving fifth grade students, preservice teachers, a classroom teacher, and a university faculty member in introducing students to the basic anatomy of a cell using three-dimensional models, analogies, and hands-on/minds-on activities. (ASK)

"The National Science Education Standards" direct science educators to employ inquiry as a basic teaching strategy, and to place more emphasis on understanding student needs, abilities, and interests, and actively engaging in scientific investigations. Although they generally accept this emphasis as desirable, educators--particularly new…

Presents an activity that involves students in a hands-on, creative project in which they use higher order thinking skills while designing and studying the basics of floating devices. Focuses on inquiry, a number of scientific principles, and the relationship between mathematics and science. (ASK)

Uses marshmallows to teach students about atomic structure by having students make models of atoms out of marshmallows. Allows for creativity while enhancing students' understanding of atoms. (ASK)

Makes recommendations for new science teachers about what to do in the middle level classroom. Advocates being creative in the classroom and in finding resources. (YDS)

It is said that meteorology is the only profession where a person can be wrong half the time and still keep his or her job. The truth is not quite so bleak, but one can still ask, "Just how accurate are weather forecasters, anyway?" This article presents two projects for middle level students to investigate this issue in a hands-on,…

Focuses on an energy unit in science. Presents examples of student research and activities on heat, coal formation, and biomass to teach about conservation of energy in ecosystems. Provides procedures and questions for two activities. (YDS)

Describes an extra credit science project in which students compete to see who can build the most efficient water rocket out of a two-liter pop bottle. Provides instructions on how to build a demonstration rocket and launching pad. (MDH)