Explores the use of a constructivist approach to enable students to examine what causes the seasons. Describes an activity based on a multiple choice question and includes a summary organized using a learning cycle. (DDR)

Provides an exercise designed to give students an appreciation for the genetic basis of behavior. Employs the phenomenon of glucose aversion as an example of evolution by mutation and accelerated natural selection, thereby revealing one of the ways in which organisms adapt to human interference. (DDR)

Outlines a course based on a series of experiments in which students are introduced to the behavior of electrical components without any references to Ohm's law. Argues that this approach has advantages over the traditional presentation. (DDR)

Uses math and the power of 10 to understand the intangible concept of magnitude with regard to science. Prefaces the subject of magnitude with a series of activities that check for students' understanding and allows students to explore the dimensions of various objects from the microscopic to the macroscopic level. (SAH)

Examines the importance of teaching for active learning. Describes teaching an interactive chemistry course to help students internalize their learning. Changes from a textbook teaching approach to an interactive learning experience. (SAH)

Introduces a group activity in which students build a catapult. Includes a list of materials required for catapult construction and directions for testing. (YDS)

Describes an animal behavior experiment using guppies. Students observe the behavior of a guppy as it feeds on prey and make observations, collect and analyze data, draw conclusions, and design their own experiments. (SAH)

Introduces a grassroots environmental club in which members trained intensively in chemistry and biology for field testing. Discusses projects on endangered pitcher plants and biodiversity. (YDS)

This article presents hands-on, experiential science activities that use mittens to teach elementary students about classification and insulation. The first involves children sorting mittens. The second has them find out for themselves why mittens keep their hands warm. Across-the-curriculum activities are also described. (SM)

Describes the Parents' Science Lab where parent volunteers lead a homeroom of 25-30 students through a hands-on science activity. Reports that this program has given parents personal experience with activity-based science and mathematics and made them positive and enthusiastic advocates for the cause of good science education. (JRH)

Describes a series of 14 hands-on, low-cost exercises in plant sciences developed to support biology teaching and maintain student interest. Each exercise includes education objectives, biology background, detailed procedures, and topics to stimulate discussion and critical thinking. (DDR)

Indicates the difficulties in performing a high quality lab, especially in integrated courses, because of limited supplies and expenses. Introduces a program in which a high school collaborates with the community. Makes recommendations for the implementation of this type of program to other high schools. (YDS)

Explains the process of developing the unit "Building an Aquarium" and introduces four hands-on activities which include teaching students how to read a metric ruler, observing and illustrating an aquatic plant, learning fish anatomy, and learning animal behavior. (YDS)

Describes the infusion of hands-on science into a classroom for children with emotional/behavioral disabilities. The abundance of age-appropriate science materials in this classroom contrasts with more typical, unadorned rooms designed to minimize temptation. Carefully organized lessons engage students in what they perceive to be real science,…

Describes two physical science activities integrating science and art that are designed to engage students in pleasurable discovery while teaching scientific concepts. Each activity includes a description, materials list, procedure listing, and suggested extension activities. Activities include melting crayons and ice painting. (SAH)