Describes the Sonoran Desert, the hottest desert in North America. Discusses management challenges, recreation, exotic plants, threatened and endangered species, American Indian traditional cultural places, and riparian areas. Presents classroom activities aimed at educating youth about the area's many distinctive features and the importance of…

Presents ideas for spring flower displays. Has students constructing their own interactive flower displays as extra-credit assignments to reinforce vocabulary and scientific concepts, and modeling flowers with household items. (JRH)

Describes an investigation of leaf relations including leaf perimeter and area using pink oak and red maple. Provides some instructional guides with typical data and graphs. (YP)

Presented is an activity that uses ground ivy to display different growth forms under different light intensities. Specimen preparation, materials, procedures, and probable results are discussed. Examples of graphs of the data are provided. (CW)

Describes a project by secondary-level students of constructing a rain forest in a 14-by-14-by-8 meter space in a shopping mall. (PR)

The emphasis of this field study is on the management of natural resources with the specific goal of multiple-use management for a selected woodlot. Working in small groups, students observe, identify, and measure various characteristics of the forest in order to generate a management plan. (LZ)

This article describes a simple and rapid method for using summer squash to investigate born deficiency in plants. Author asserts that students are likely to feel challenged by laboratory exercises and projects that focus on the role boron plays in plant growth because it is an unresolved problem in biology. (PR)

The carpel is a highly modified leaf enclosing the ovules. This article describes methods for teaching about the evolution of the carpel and the nature of carpel fusion. Presents an illustration of the evolution of the most common types of compound pistil arrangement from the ancestral single-carpel marginal type of placentation. (PR)

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)

Describes a simple, relatively inexpensive laboratory activity that allows students to examine the requirements for the fungal decay of wood and devise methods for prevention. (ZWH)

Ways in which linear lesson sequences can be modified to provide increased opportunities for open-ended activities especially with problem solving are considered. Examples drawn from chemistry and plant reproduction, seeds, and germination are given. (KR)

Discusses the importance of saving species and dispels myths surrounding the endangered species act as background to three student activities that include a round table debate, writing to congresspeople, and a research project suggestion. Lists reference materials for endangered species. (MCO)

Presents hands-on spring science activities to help elementary students think and act like scientists. Students use the scientific process to make connections between life, physical, and earth science. Activities look at insects, flowers, trees, the sun, and the earth's rotation around the sun. (SM)

Presents a demonstration to show students how wind and temperature can influence the rate of transpiration in a plant. Lists supplies needed and steps for the procedure. (NB)