Presents activities to motivate students to appreciate sound in which different aspects of sound are introduced and different components of sound are discussed. Includes Internet resources. (KHR)

Presents a hands-on activity that uses a skeleton to study anatomy and physiology concepts and explore the relationship between form and function in nature. (NB)

Presents three designs for unusual boats that can be powered by flame, water, or sand. Suggests questions about extensions of these designs that could be useful for further exploration of the topic. (DDR)

Describes equipment presented at the International Low-Cost Instrumentation Conference. Discusses the case for hands-on experience, international perspectives on hands-on science, the pivotal role of teachers, cost-effective laboratory practices, and empowerment of the teacher. (JRH)

Discusses a number of important laboratory-related terms worthy of consideration and suggests a classification scheme that may be used to rate individual activities while implying a direction to enhance such exercises. Highlights implications of classifying laboratory activities and clarifying laboratory vocabulary. Contains 11 references. (JRH)

Investigates three approaches to hands-on science learning in two contexts, an elementary science methods class and a secondary science methods class. Focused on an activity on foam. Concludes that when developing models for teaching science methods courses, methods instructors need to share power with prospective teachers. (Author/MM)

Investigates the relationships between students' free exploration of interactive science museum exhibits, conceptual understandings, and cognitive developmental levels. Classifies participating subjects (n=45), ages 5-13, as preoperational, concrete operational (empirical-inductive), or formal operational (hypothetical-deductive). (Contains 22…

Describes how to perform the Meselson-Stahl experiment using Lego building blocks. Demonstrates how the products of DNA replication pass on to new generations of cells. (YDS)

Presents several points to consider when children are taken outside for class. Tips relate to having clear expectations, practicing and modeling activities, and communicating strategically. (DDR)

Investigates the use of a hands-on laboratory program to improve attitudes toward science and increase achievement levels in science knowledge among students in a 9th grade physical science course. Reports that students with regular laboratory instruction scored significantly higher in achievement of science knowledge than those without laboratory…

Investigates 20 elementary school teachers' perceptions of what the term "activities that work" means. Suggests that hands-on science activities are interesting and motivating for children, have a clear outcome or result, are manageable in the classroom, and preferably used in a context in which science is integrated into themes.…

One creative way that elementary science educators can teach their students about animal communication is to give them glow sticks and a set of cards with descriptions of what different firefly flash signals mean. The paper describes such a project and presents related activities. (SM)

Describes the use of a laboratory-based exam in mechanics that makes students use metersticks, stopwatches, and spring scales to examine physical situations, make some calculations to predict what will happen, and then test their predictions. Includes a description of the lab stations for the actual exam. (JRH)

Presents a two-part activity which gives middle-level students concrete experiences with two different aspects of the concept of diffusion. (MKR)

Outlines the different alternative assessment strategies used by different biology instructors at Florida State University, each teaching a section of a new biology course for prospective elementary and early childhood teachers. Provides suggestions for similar relatively small classes as well as for large college classes. (JRH)