How does a tiny seed sprout and grow into a towering tree? Join the kids from M.A.P.L.E as they learn about some of the incredible transformations that a plant goes through during its lifetime. In All About Plant Structure & Growth, uncover the secrets of roots, stems and leaves - structures that are vital to a plant's role as an energy…

Describes a year-long, schoolwide project that brings the ocean environment into the classroom and develops cross-disciplinary understandings for students. Presents details of the physical environment within the school, the history of the project, and the rationale and advantages. (DDR)

Describes a guided inquiry activity that addresses the law of reflection. Laboratory experiment is included. (DKM)

Presents a modification of a procedure for making and launching hot air balloons made out of garbage bags. Student instructions for balloon construction, launching instructions, and scale diagrams are included. (DDR)

Presents an activity that begins with a discussion that leads into the rationale behind the techniques used in the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) program. Students decode a message intended for extraterrestrials and consider a number of topics related to the possible existence of extraterrestrials. (DDR)

Suggestions are offered for a classroom project of planning and conducting an archaeological dig on or near school property. Principles of archaeological practice such as making drawings of the site and using a grid frame to record locations are explained. Also suggested is a simulation activity in which students pick imbedded "findings" out of…

Describes an activity that focuses on the question: How hard is it to break spaghetti noodles? Students design their own experiment that involves hanging a cup of pennies from a piece of spaghetti by a paper clip and investigate how many pennies the noodle can support without breaking. (DDR)

Presents a hands-on activity as an excellent starting point for investigations related to the eye. Involves making a simple model of the vertebrate eye to illustrate the formation of an upside-down image on the retina by the lens. Links to investigations in numerous science disciplines including astronomy, genetics, biology, earth science, and…

Introduces students to dissection, which is an important part of scientific discovery. Students not only gain an understanding of the anatomy of a squid, but also develop a sense of responsibility and respect for the animal that they are using as a learning tool. (Author/SOE)

Explores programs at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History. Focuses on the museum's preschool program and the hands-on science facility. (DDR)

Explains the fight or flight reaction and presents a hands-on activity for high school students. Uses crayfish behavior as an example. (Author/SOE)

Presents a hands-on lesson in biology in which students evaluate the evidence from four death scenarios. Students use knowledge of ecological principles, specifically ecological succession, and insect biology. Recommends three web sites related to the subject. (SOE)

Describes a method for using cardboard and paper to make a pump for blowing up balloons. Includes construction diagrams, suggestions for application, and comparison of this force pump with those made commercially. (DDR)

Discusses the use of toys in teaching science. Describes toys that model concepts including Playful Penguins and Blaster Balls; toys in demonstrations such as the Heat Solution, Rainbow Glasses, and Energy Ball; toys as mnemonic devices including Stackable Rings and Color Racers; and toys illustrating science and technology integration such as…

Summarizes a study to determine effects of the Integrated Activity Learning Sequence (IALS) instructional approach on fourth graders' science, mathematics, and writing achievement; to discover teachers' and students' attitudes toward this approach; and to determine if nonscience elementary teachers could develop science instructional materials.…