Argues that students lack an understanding of how research is done. Proposes a science exercise that provides authentic research experience for ninth-grade students in an advanced-placement chemistry class. (CCM)

Describes an activity that demonstrates catalysis of chemical reactions by ultraviolet (UV) light using one of the earliest photographic processes, the cyanotype process. (CCM)

Describes the Science and Math Investigative Learning Experiences (SMILE) program which developed a two-part curriculum for teaching field-based science through hands-on activities. Presents two of the favorite camp activities which can be used in a variety of locations. (CCM)

A Virginia high school's Legacy program began six years ago when the Nature Conservancy, the Eastern Shore Historical Society, and Northampton County Schools joined forces to create an educational program to expose students to the area's ecological and historical richness. A boat-building project helped revitalize the hands-on learning project,…

Explains a series of laboratory activities which employ a microwave oven to help students understand word problems that relate to states of matter, collect data, and calculate and compare electrical costs to heat energy costs. (DDR)

Presents an activity on the study, collection, and analysis of snow. Provides students with opportunities to conduct fieldwork in a collaborative team fashion and develop skills in formulating and testing hypotheses. (DDR)

Explains how solar eclipses occur and provides information on future eclipse events. Also includes a solar eclipse viewing activity. (DDR)

Argues that ongoing cooperation between teachers and maintenance personnel is required when planning and implementing schoolyard projects. Reviews planning, safety, and physical security considerations. (DDR)

Describes different teaching methods and explains the advantages and disadvantages of experiential learning as compared to traditional instructional techniques. Discusses the steps of the experiential learning model. (YDS)

Introduces an activity on photosynthesis for middle school students involving observation and data collection. (YDS)

Describes three models that provide a concrete experience of abstract concepts such as DNA replication, RNA synthesis, and protein synthesis. Explains their hands-on use and notes their advantages for teaching and learning. (JRH)

Introduces a project of constructing a rover that can maintain its upright position with minimal gravitation that is based on National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Jet Propulsion Laboratories rover designs. Tests the project in NASA's "Vomit Comet" under zero-gravity environment. (YDS)

Describes a summer program called Science in the Summer (SitS). The goal of this 9-year program is to encourage students to engage in science learning. Presents beginner and advanced level activities focusing on chemistry and engineering. Summarizes student evaluations on the program along with a breakdown of the SitS 1999 program. (SAH)

Describes a scavenger hunt activity that stimulates active learning. Presents objectives, examples, pitfalls, grading methods, and evaluation based on course experiences with the technique. Although the method was used with lower division biology courses, it is applicable to a wide variety of science courses at various levels. (SAH)

Presents a chemistry activity that introduces students to one type of chemical bond by developing the integer operation concept of zero pairs. Leads to an activity of combining drops of 0.3 molar solutions to form six different colored precipitates from five solutions. (ASK)