Identifies misconceptions concerning the effect of gravity on planetary motion and attempts to foster conceptual change through the hands-on, informal environment of a science museum. (Author/CCM)

Presents a series of simple and inexpensive hands-on activities with a host of extension lesson ideas that can be used to actively introduce students to the scientific theory of evolution. Lessons are designed to thwart common student difficulties. Classes are structured around a predator-prey simulation game that creates a springboard for…

Documents the process of building an area at a school that allows students to gain an appreciation of biology outside the classroom. Discusses several issues that should be considered before undertaking such a project. (DDR)

Introduces a science days project run by the University of the West of England. Reports on student and teacher experiences. (YDS)

Presents a laboratory experiment on determining the molecular weight of an unknown molecule by using gel filtration chromatography. Describes the procedure and lists required materials. (YDS)

Briefly describes the problem of graduate teaching assistants having little if any experience in inquiry teaching. Proposes solutions to this problem so it can be avoided in the future. (SAH)

Presents an activity involving balloons to help students understand characteristics of polymers. (MKR)

Defines garbology (a combination of garbage and archaeology) as being about people and the information one can learn about them from their trash. Provides guidelines for selection and handling of trash for analysis by students. Describes a group of second graders tracing a family's information through their trash and coming to a better…

Presents a creative, hands-on activity for teaching measurement skills inspired by Antoine Laurent Lavosier and a product called polyacrylamide spikes for students to develop their metric measurement skills and boost their math proficiency as they interpret data and results from their investigations. (ASK)

Establishes whether the use of the newly developed audiopilot facilitates both hands-on exploration and the understanding of scientific principles in a science center. Suggests that auditory commentaries are a good way of communicating difficult scientific concepts, especially to girls. (Author/SAH)

Describes an activity-based science program. Provides information on background thinking, selecting an activity, planning for instruction, and following up. Discusses choosing activities that meet the needs of students while still fulfilling curriculum requirements and reaching personal academic goals. (SAH)

Describes how to effectively get students who have difficulty listening, reading, and following directions to pay attention. Presents activities on making iced tea and covering a book. Activities include a materials list and a list of procedures with extension activities and conclusions. (SAH)

Describes a method for teaching biology that includes more investigative exercises that foster an environment for cooperative learning in introductory laboratories that focus on vertebrates. Fosters collaborative learning by facilitating interaction between students as they become experts on their representative vertebrate structures. (SAH)

Argues that there are some fundamental, heretofore neglected, ways in which newcomers come to perceive and talk about natural phenomena. Explores the connection between worldmaking and how a hands-on science approach to science education facilitates the emerging communicative patterns. (Contains 60 references.) (Author/YDS)

Reports on the attempt of a project called "Science: Parents, Activities, and Literature" to get parents productively involved in their children's hands-on science program. Illustrates that (a) parents will become involved and they find their involvement a positive experience; (b) teachers appreciate parents' contributions as an instructional…