Very little has been published about the amount and nature science teaching in Australian primary schools and that which has is largely based on written surveys completed by teachers and principals at a sample of schools. This study was designed to follow these surveys into the classroom. I observed fourteen science lessons, interviewed twelve…

Noting the increase in interactive museums and science centers and children's exuberant reaction to hands-on exhibits, this guide provides tips for parents on how to prepare for a museum visit and how to encourage the learning process during the visit. The first part of the guide discusses the shift in museum policy from "hands off" to…

This book presents 65 simple, safe, and intriguing hands-on science activities. In doing these simple experiments, children can make a variety of discoveries that will surprise them. It includes many activities from discovering how people see color and what makes people's hair stand on end, to creating a tornado in a jar or a propeller-driven boat…

This educator's guide from discusses optics, light, color and their uses. Activities include: (1) "Reflection of Light with a Plane (Flat) Mirror--Trace a Star"; (2) "Reflection of Light with Two Plane Mirrors--Double Mirrors Placed at a 90-Degree Angle"; (3) "Reflection of Light with Two Plane Mirrors--Double Mirrors Placed at a Number of…

This program gives young students a good look at the process of investigation to help them develop the ability to ask scientific questions, investigate the science-filled world around them, and use those observations to build knowledgeable explanations for the questions they pose as an exciting way to help students develop their understanding of…

This paper describes the need for "learnscapes" on schoolgrounds. Learnscapes are places where a learning program has been designed to permit users to interact with an environment. They may be naturally built; inside or outside; located in schools, near schools, or beyond schools; relate to any one or many Key Learning Areas; and must be…

Presents information on the bone wars of the frontier West, the smartest dinosaur, current topics in paleontology research, and how to bring a study of fossils to life with hands-on activities. (DDR)

Describes the general use of two-way video/two-way audio technology to link three remote sites and a studio. Evaluated the instructors' and participants' use of the 22 hours of broadcast material. Determined that hands-on science activities seem to lessen the feeling of distance between remote sites and the studio. (Author/MVL)

Presents a hands-on activity in which students create a model of an ocean ecosystem to gain an understanding of how humans can alter biodiversity through their actions. Uses differing levels of fishing technology to explore the concepts of sustainability and overfishing. (Author/SOE)

Introduces a project for elementary school students in which students build a robot by following instructions and then write a computer program to run their robot by using LabView graphical development software. Uses ROBOLAB curriculum which is designed for grade levels K-12. (YDS)

Describes an activity that allows students to actually hold a chemical reaction in their hands as it occurs. Enables students to experience the release of energy by a reaction first hand. (JRH)

Presents a unit of hands-on activities that contains clues in a mystery that lead students to discover the mystery guest. Enables primary students to study an animal. (JRH)

Describes a project that involves high school students in research in different disciplines at Stockholm University. Teaches students how to design a study and research plan, accomplish the work, and write a research report. (Author/YDS)

Presents a hands-on, investigative lab activity for use in an introductory zoology course. Tests the behavioral hypothesis that substrate texture affects earthworm locomotor ability. Provides background information on earthworm locomotion followed by details of the lab exercise. (NB)

Introduces a student activity that explains acid base reactions with a carbon dioxide reactant. Includes both instructor information and student activity sheet. (YDS)