Focuses on the development of graphing skills through a data collection activity that answers the question of the relationship between rubber band width and flight distance. Includes definitions of terms and instructions for helping students construct line and bar graphs. (DDR)

Focuses on the use of push and go toys to discuss with students how the toy acquires potential energy when work is done on it and how this energy is stored in the internal mechanism for later conversion into kinetic energy. (DDR)

Three articles present elementary science, mathematics, and social studies activities. A hands-on science activity introduces students to microscopic water creatures. A math in action game has students build logic and number-sense skills. A social studies activity has students weave story cloths into conflict resolution. (SM)

Describes four hands-on and inexpensive activities science teachers can employ to demonstrate, encourage, develop, and teach students the physical properties of light, heat, and sound waves, utilizing a coffee can. Details the basic experiments and provides additional information for tailoring the activities to elementary through middle…

Defines an exploratory lab as consisting of a series of hands-on, qualitative activities that are safe, simple, and inexpensive, use readily available supplies, and illustrate a concept being studied concurrently in the course. Summarizes the results of four years of testing the exploratory program. (DDR)

Discusses the ninth-grade trial implementation of the Scope, Sequence, and Coordination (SS&C) project and compares this class with the non-SS&C class that preceded it. Reports that the project helped teachers create a more inquiry-oriented learning environment and helped students perform at least as well as non-SS&C students on…

Describes a course specifically designed to allay the fear of science in elementary teachers by teaching them science in a laboratory-activity setting. Provides valuable laboratory experience often lacking in general education science courses. Lists topics covered in guided discovery exercises. Contains 12 references. (JRH)

Describes an activity that demonstrates among the following: diffusion; cohesion and adhesion; properties of surface tension which include wicking, hydrophilic, and hydrophobic molecular behaviors; and break up of fat clusters by liquid dishwashing detergent. (DDR)

A teacher of gifted minority children explains how to conduct a hands-on science experiment investigating how many drops of water can fit on a penny. Four different student activities that teach concepts such as the necessity of controlling variables in scientific experiments are described. (CR)

Presents an integrated unit on aerodynamics for a diverse group of 4th grade students. Students work with readily available, inexpensive materials to devise methods to answer questions about aerodynamics. High-interest activities include balloon rocketry and paper-airplane design and address visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learning styles. The…

This article describes "Project Learning Tree," an environmentally-focused resource for middle school teachers, providing lessons that are integrated and connect well to interests of young adolescents and how they learn. The lessons emphasize the core subjects while promoting problem solving, hands-on experimentation, and higher order…

Drew on results from focus groups conducted in six states to develop criteria for evaluating activities and teaching strategies used in middle level science education activities to engage adolescent girls. Criteria relate to the authenticity of the project for students' lives, having a choice in science lessons, using pedagogy to enhance…

Describes the weekend science workshop on enzymes and includes several projects that involve students directly, parts of which can be incorporated into a traditional chemistry, biology, or physical science course at the secondary level. Subjects include catalysts and catalytic converters in cars, enzymes as consumer products and in industrial…

Explores the interaction and sequencing of hands-on activities, writing, and reading in the science classroom viewed from a constructivist perspective. Describes the Hands-On, Writing and Reading for Understanding approach designed to accommodate various learning styles and to challenge and direct student learning. Discusses sequencing of…

Presents a protocol that gives students hands-on experience in generating a meaningful physical map of a circular molecule of DNA. Topics include agarose gel electrophoresis, logic of restriction maps, extracting data from an agarose gel, managing data from gels, experimental protocol, loading gels, electrophoresis, photographing gels, collecting…