This article discusses how Magnetic Levitation (Maglev) can be taught to gifted students in grades 4-9 using hands-on activities that align to the National Science Standards. Principles of magnetic levitation, advantages of magnetic levitation, construction of a Maglev project, testing and evaluation of vehicles, and presentation of the unit are…

Argues that the changing informational content of biology, tightening cost constraints, improving electronic media, increasing pressures from advocates of animal rights, and the growing evidence of the effectiveness of electronic modes of instruction are undermining the traditional belief that all students in biology should have the benefit of…

Explains how the Canadian soft drink Orbitz can be used for explorations of density in the classroom. The drink has colored spheres suspended throughout that have a density close to that of the liquid. Presents a hands-on activity that can be easily done in two parts. (DDR)

Explains the origin and purpose of the National Science Education Standards. Defines what is meant by the term standards and describes the function of the National Science Education Standards as contributing to the development of a scientifically literate population. Contains 22 references. (DDR)

Focuses on an extended learning experience with worms as the main topic in which students collect and organize information and choose an experimental question. Based on the constructivist theory of learning. Contains 17 references. (DDR)

Contends that cultural contexts determine how science education goals can be met in any particular region. Describes the basic tenets of the nature of science and how these ideas can be incorporated into the Turkish curriculum. Contextual adaptation would include incorporating more hands-on science projects, focusing on scientific literacy skills,…

Describes a simulation activity based on the hypothesis that human habitation on Mars is a realistic future public policy issue and a reasonable consequence of space exploration. Uses cooperative learning. (DDR)

Describes an upper-level high-school science course that provides students with hands-on experience in applying classroom physics to practical problems. Explores how the course prepares serious science students for future work while they have fun. Past projects have included establishing a speed trap on campus, restoring the school's observatory,…

Describes the Alabama Science in Motion Program (ASIM) which provides hands-on science laboratories to high school students. Discusses the benefits of the program for host teachers and its impact on students and preservice teachers. (YDS)

Argues that the transfer of plasmid from a bacterium to a plant cell has received little attention. Presents an experiment for studying this type of genetic transformation using the causative agent of crown gall, a malignant plant tumor. (DDR)

Reports on the use of GLOBE, a teaching tool that enables students to use hands-on, inquiry-based methods to gather and interpret scientific data. Summarizes the results of teacher workshops. (DDR)

Provides rationale for environmental education in early childhood settings. Suggests ways teachers can introduce the natural world to children. Focuses on: using children's literature to encourage close observation; examining the concept of change; using one's senses to learn about the world; and developing caring attitudes for the natural world.…

Describes an outreach program in which high school students visit elementary schools to promote chemistry and science. (WRM)

The Minnesota Zoo's School of Environmental Studies is an optional, interdisciplinary program open to juniors and seniors from four comprehensive high schools. The problems posed, like those in the world, require students to think across disciplines. Students measure, analyze, map, photograph, display, and present findings to the local community…

Suggests ways in which a teacher or visitor can tell whether children are gaining from their science activities: classroom presence of real things to learn from, children working with these materials, and more talking by students than by the teacher. Lists observational questions about student work, behavior, and communication that can be used to…