Australia's marine environment hosts a high level of diverse endemic species along with some of the highest biodiversity in the world. Two-thirds of the population of Australia are living in coastal areas and can be considered a threat to marine life which is very vulnerable to human impacts. Although marine environments conserve high economic…

Describes a science activity designed to stimulate creative thinking in children. The project, entitled Egg Loft,'' encourages students to devise methods for lifting an egg above 20 feet and returning it safely to ground. A number of the successful devices created and built by children are described. (JR)

Describes several activities which can be used, by the teacher, as class demonstrations or projects to stimulate student interest in weather phenomena. (JR)

Discusses the benefits that students gain from the production of a science newspaper. Provides guidelines relating to the editing procedures and content which should assist in the production of a worthwhile student newspaper. (JR)

Discusses a role-playing technique used in a physics of music course that introduces students in a course for nonscientists to the thought processes and experiences of being a scientist. Students select a research project and present results as a journal article or an oral presentation at a scientific "meeting." (Author/JN)

Describes a project on the application of the laser which aims to stimulate the interest of undergraduate students in applied physics and to demonstrate the interaction between light and ultrasonic waves by building a simple laser communication system. (SK)

Describes a method to detect the presence of microgram quantities of nearly any metal in samples of alloys, minerals, water, and air. This chemical-spot testing technique requires no elaborate equipment and can be done by an amateur. (SK)

A mother describes the achievement and successes of her 11-year-old deaf daughter. Included in the discussion are her growth of language, social and psychological growth, math and science interests, and reading ability. (SA)

Presents an idea for insect study with live organisms. The life cycle of the common housefly and the behavior of the adult and larvae are discussed. Activities for young students are given along with information for the teacher on the fly's life history. (SA)

Discussions from the conference on "The Use of Animals in High School Biology Classes" are highlighted in this article. The list of science fair rules, which resulted from the conference, is included. (SA)

Activities used to teach optics to fifth and sixth graders are presented. Moon phases and solar and lunar eclipses are included. (SA)

Ideas related to including ethology in high school biology programs are given. The methods of ethology and tips on how to communicate observations are briefly explained. (SA)

Introduces an interdisciplinary activity using a cola drink. Describes the lesson plan, including objectives, procedures, evaluation, projects, and conclusions. Provides two laboratory sheets containing problem, hypothesis, materials, procedure, observations, and conclusions, vocabulary table, and data table. (YP)

Described is physics education in Australia at the secondary level. Its origins based on British traditions and the influence of American thought and practice on its development are discussed. Implications for the future are examined. (YP)

Explained is an interdisciplinary assignment in which students use scientific knowledge and apply it in a practical situation. Provided is background information and precautions regarding safety procedures. (RT)