Presents experiments with lightsticks in which the activation energy for the light-producing reaction is determined. Involves monitoring the light intensity of the lightstick as a function of temperature. Gives students the opportunity to explore the concepts of kinetics and activation energies and the world of computer-interfaced experimentation…

Introduces activities published by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) that can be used to explain the physical properties of a thunderstorm. Activities include cloud formation and the first step of thunderstorm development, cycle of a thunderstorm, the nature of lightning, ice in a thunderstorm, and tornado warning. Lists…

Introduces the Kids and Chemistry program which aims to increase student interest in science. Features activities for students on the classification of unknown materials and chromatography. (YDS)

Describes an informal teaching approach for elementary school students at zoos. (YDS)

Provides tips for students to create and maintain a miniature ecosystem using a large variety of living representatives. (Author/CCM)

Describes an activity in which students map mockingbirds' territories and describe at least 10 common behaviors of these birds. (Author/CCM)

Uses two novels, "Shipwreck at the Bottom of the World" and "Carry On, Mr. Bowditch", to teach about the importance of leadership to 6th grade students. (YDS)

Presents a collection of science activities that have elementary students investigate how color can trick the eye and the brain. The activities involve working with contrasting colors, creating a rainbow, and exploring the connection between colors and words. An instructor reproducible features two color activities. (SM)

Describes the summer chemistry camp offered by the University of Nebraska at Kearney which consists of multistage open-ended laboratory projects. Focuses on introducing high school students to principles, methods, and equipment used in academic and professional chemistry laboratories. (Contains 19 references.) (YDS)

Effective field trips require planning, preparation, and follow-through upon returning to school as well as coordination between the host site, school, and chaperones. The authors have come up with a tried-and true planning timeline and a few suggestions to help make the next trip to the shore worthwhile. If the reader does not live close to an…

According to the National Invasive Species Council, an "invasive species" is defined as a species that is (1) nonnative (or alien) to the ecosystem under consideration, and (2) whose introduction causes or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health. In this article, the authors describe an activity that can be…

In this brief article, the author, a science teacher at F. C. Hammond Middle School in Alexandria, Virginia, describes how the setting up of a simple science experiment on the first day of school can get students excited about learning science. The experiment involves heating a small amount of water in a flask, then covering the opening of the…

From wind-stirred ripples to "large waves in a harbor," this paper describes science projects that can help students learn about and create their own ocean motion.

A set of examples is provided that illustrate the use of work as applied to simple machines. The ramp, pulley, lever and hydraulic press are common experiences in the life of a student, and their theoretical analysis therefore makes the abstract concept of work more real. The mechanical advantage of each of these systems is also discussed so that…

An experiment is conducted for the oxidation of iron in a gel using consumer chemicals, which is pertinent to the students' understanding of redox chemistry and of the relative oxidation potentials of various metals. The experiment can be carried out with consumer chemicals that might be purchased at a supermarket and commonly found in the home.