All matter possesses certain properties--mass, weight, volume and density. But what happens to these properties when the matter changes form? How does wood become ash when it burns? And how does ice cream change when it melts? Students will learn the difference between chemical and physical changes in this excellent introduction to the changes of…

This document presents a sample of grades 6-12 science curriculum on Earth resources to promote scientific literacy. This natural resource-based curriculum uses an inquiry-based, hands-on approach and allows for community partnerships during student learning processes. Lessons plans included in this curriculum are divided into 4 categories: (1)…

This activity guide, developed to provide hands-on environmental education activities geared to New River State Park in North Carolina, is targeted for grades 7 and 8 and meets curriculum objectives of the standard course of study established by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. Three types of activities are included: pre-visit,…

In Plants & People: A Beneficial Relationship, viewers will develop an appreciation for plant life by learning how plants provide us with the oxygen, food, shelter, clothing and medicine that we need to survive. Discover how the science of agriculture has benefited humanity for thousands of years. Examine the complex relationships that have…

This paper presents the experiment being conducted in the Electric Circuits II course (ELE1103) at PUC-Rio's Electrical Engineering Department since March 1997. This experiment was held in both the fall and the spring semesters of 1997. The basis for the experiment was concurrent teaching methodology, to which the principles of entrepreneurship…

Describes the development of product design engineering, a successful student-centered interdisciplinary elective that blends critical thinking with curriculum integration, authentic assessment, practical problem solving, and hands-on engagement in a Virginia high school. The goal is to analyze the meaning of engineering as a profession and…

Explores the issue of how to make chemistry more personally meaningful to students who have no interest in continuing the study of science. Describes two projects that each have an interview, research, and presentation format. (DDR)

Presents a measurement of the time and resources committed to traditional student actions such as reading and working homework. The perception of the educational value of each action for both students and faculty is captured. Basic educational efficiencies are computed for a traditional mechanics course and a nontraditional hands-on Electricity…

Describes an approach to teaching that involves the use of open-ended lab investigations and evaluates students using that same approach. Argues for the use of the rubric in evaluating student performance during experimentation. (DDR)

Describes a teaching protocol that guides students toward connecting lab activities to the appropriate scientific concepts. Involves five steps: (1) reflective writing; (2) action; (3) dialog notes; (4) direct teaching; and (5) journal writing. (DDR)

Presents a version of the crush-the-can demonstration which is a hands-on activity in which students use an inexpensive, easily made holder for the can called Charlie's clamp. Includes some suggestions for the follow-up discussion. (DDR)

Describes projects for high school physics classes that use computer tools including integrated software packages, graphing calculators, and calculator-based lab and microcomputer-based lab. Sites available on the World Wide Web are discussed and specific examples of experiments based on Galileo and Newton are included. (LRW)

Presents classroom science activities to illustrate concepts of inertia, linear momentum, and friction. Students or teachers conduct races down a slope, using cans containing soups varying in mass, mass distribution, and viscosity. Students predict outcomes, compare speeds, and identify variables affecting the results. (KDFB)

Describes a physics experiment investigating temperature prediction and the relationship between the physical properties of heat units, melting, dissolving, states of matter, and energy loss. Details the experimental setup, which requires hot and cold water, a thermometer, and ice. Notes that the experiment employs a deliberate counter-intuitive…

Describes a course, Chemistry for Elementary Education Majors, collaboratively planned and taught by chemistry and teacher education faculty. Discusses the instructional bases of the course, the audience, themes and activities in the course, course expenses, student learning, and challenges for the future. Lists the course schedule with lab and…