This document features gardening activities for children in grades 3-5. Lesson plans target teaching children healthy eating habits; children should consume five servings of fruits and vegetables each day to take in the necessary vitamins and minerals essential for health and growth. Many lesson plans are also associated with physical activities…

This paper presents an overview of the educational system and process of elaborating new curricula in France. The education system in France is at a central level, and schooling is compulsory between the ages of 6 and 16. The education system in France has undergone many reform movements during the last 25 years. The changes in society and…

Improvement of academic achievement requires both changes in school organizational structures and in curriculum and instruction. This study investigates the assumption of giving "minds-on" opportunities to reflect and "hands-on" opportunities to experiment and tests whether moving beyond the textbook makes science class more engaging for middle…

This activity guide is designed for educators and features suggestions for possible activity paths for different amounts of available time and survival tips for activity leaders. Each activity is divided into two sections--educator ideas and activity handouts. Activity sections include: (1) Foundations; (2) Bridges; (3) Domes; (4) Skyscrapers; (5)…

The results of the Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) published in 1977 suggested that the achievement of New Zealand students in science could be considerably improved. A significant barrier to improving achievement, particularly in the physical sciences, was identified as a lack of teacher knowledge of the scientific…

This educator's guide features activities for science, mathematics, and technology education. The activities in this curriculum guide were developed based on the hands-on approach. The guide starts with introductory information and is followed by five units: (1) "The Atmospheric Filter"; (2) "The Electromagnetic Spectrum"; (3)…

This paper reports on a nationwide, random telephone survey conducted with parents and teachers of children in kindergarten through fifth grade. The survey measured parents' and teachers': (1) interest in and attitudes toward science; (2) comfort level teaching and talking about science; (3) use of hands-on science activities and teaching methods;…

One of the best ways to learn how something works is to take it apart, look at the pieces, and see how they are connected. In this activity, students disassemble and analyze a click pen and investigate the technology it uses. This activity requires a 30-minute time period for completion. (Author/SOE)

This educator's guide discusses whether there is water on the planet Mars. The activities, written for grades 9-12, concern physical, earth, and space sciences. By experimenting with water as it changes state and investigating some effects of air pressure, students not only learn core ideas in physical science but can also deduce the water…

Sound. Light. Heat. Even earthquakes! They all travel in waves. Waves are a transfer of energy and understanding them allows us to better understand the world around us. Discover the two ways in which waves move, and learn about the characteristics of waves; wavelength, amplitude and frequency. Students learn about the common characteristics of…

Service-learning in the chemistry curriculum provides an opportunity for students to learn while contributing to their communities. Examples of chemistry service-learning projects at the post-secondary level include: (1) teaching students about lead poisoning avoidance while assessing and analyzing lead content in the paint of older homes; (2)…

Presents eight chemistry activities that are interesting and involve simple, easily available materials. Topics include mystery writing, valentine hearts, flame tests, evaporation race, buoyancy versus mass, determination of relative masses of gases, mole sample container, and cold and hot packs. (DDR)

Reviews literature on using a problem-solving approach in science instruction. Examines teaching strategies associated with such an approach and discusses a problem-solving approach that works in the traditional laboratory. Discusses implications of the approach and provides some suggestions for science instruction. Contains 17 references. (DDR)

Describes an activity meant to illustrate flooding in a watershed as it impinges on human activities. Shows how flood protection can be provided using the natural holding capacity of basins elsewhere in the water system to reduce the impact on the settled flood plain. The activity works well with intermediate and senior level students but can be…

Presents an exercise using linguini noodles to demonstrate an aspect of DNA fingerprinting. DNA maps that show genetic differences can be produced by digesting a certain piece of DNA with two or more restriction enzymes both individually and in combination. By rearranging and matching linguini fragments, students can recreate the original pattern…