Describes a lab that introduces agarose electrophoresis techniques and basic information on proteins to middle school and high school students. Insists that, built around a scenario in which students must solve a crime, the lab has real-world applications that should spark student interest. (KHR)

Since young children are natural scientists, early childhood educators should view science instruction as an ongoing part of the total curriculum, easily woven into daily activities and routines. Established standards for science literacy reinforce the idea that children best learn science through hands-on, meaningful, and relevant activities.…

Presents an activity that provides a way to cover the complex topic of mass spectrometry and connects with a discussion of the 2002 Nobel Prize in chemistry. (DDR)

Presents a laboratory exercise on spicy food and body temperature that introduces the scientific method to introductory biology students. Suggests that when students perform their own experiments which they have developed, it helps with their understanding of and confidence in doing science. (Author/SOE)

Describes use of a sundial to study Earth's orbit and time. Covers construction of sundial, exploration phase, introduction of concept of time as determined by the position of the sun in relation to the observer's meridian, comparison of sundial time and wristwatch time, longitudinal corrections, introduction of orbital corrections, and further…

Describes an experiment to illustrate the effect of food source and added nutrients (N) on microbial activity in the soil. Supplies include air-dried soil, dried plant material, sources of carbon and nitrogen, a trap such as KOH, colored water, and a 500-mL Erlenmeyer flask. Includes a diagram of an incubation chamber to demonstrate microbial…

Describes a classroom unit that provides preschoolers with hands-on experience, using common dirt as a way to develop scientific thinking and foster an appreciation of biology, ecology, and the natural world. Focuses on practicing the basic steps in the scientific process, including prediction, observation, documentation, conclusions, and…

Describes the use of a simple process known as chromatography to separate and observe the color pigments in leaves, inks, and other materials. Provides some historical background and detailed procedures. (DDR)

Presents an activity that enables students to gain a better understanding of the importance of polymers. Students perform an experiment in which polymer chains of polyvinyl acetate form crosslinks. Includes background information and discussion questions. (DDR)

Describes an activity which allows students with a range of abilities to become involved in data analysis and informal inference while working in self-selected small group environments. Enables students to explore their own resources for asking questions. (DDR)

Shares perspectives on what is happening at the national level in science education reform, why reform is needed, and the role that environmental education can play in this reform effort. Contains a discussion of the recent changes in science content and instructional goals. (DDR)

Presents activities that integrate physics, earth science, and health. Students explore their own sensible temperature focusing on the physical processes of heat transfer. (DDR)

Presents information about the chemistry of color-changing markers. Discusses the importance of acid-base reactions and oxidation-reduction chemistry. (DDR)

A 4-year science education project in a rural southern California elementary school involved kit- and inquiry-based science instruction, including the use of science notebooks. Evaluations of fourth- and sixth-grade students in the program for 0-4 years found that English-learners with longer program participation had increased achievement scores…

Describes the science buddies program that pairs a 7th grade life science class with a 2nd or 3rd grade class in a yearlong partnership of science adventures. Includes sample activities and National Science Education Standards related to the activities. (Author/KHR)