Discussed is the construction of a simple apparatus, the sky window, which can be used to investigate astronomy concepts. Activities using the sky window are suggested. (CW)

Ideas for the collection of hands-on science materials and their storage in sealable plastic bags are presented. The advantages of using this method of preplanning and prepackaging science lessons at the elementary level are explored. (CW)

The Iowa Chautauqua Program was developed in 1983 with support from National Science Foundation (NSF) which awarded the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) a major grant to study an inexpensive in-service model for stimulating reform in K-12 science classrooms. Iowa was one of the six Chautauqua sites which were modeled after a program…

In this paper we develop materials to address student interest in the Indian Ocean tsunami of December 2004. We discuss the physical characteristics of tsunamis and some of the specific data regarding the 2004 event. Finally, we create an easy-to-make tsunami tank to run simulations in the classroom. The simulations exhibit three dramatic…

This book contains hands-on science laboratory activities for grades 4 through 9 that use discrepant events to challenge students. All of the "puzzlers" are based upon science principles and include directions for building gadgets that explain the "puzzlers." Topics covered include: volume conservation, magnetic phenomena,…

This document contains biology labs, demonstrations, and activities that use low budget materials. The goal is to get students involved in the learning process by experiencing biology. Each lab has a teacher preparation section which outlines the purpose of the lab, some basic information, a list of materials , and how to prepare the different…

Comments on events, materials, and publications of interest to teachers. (RH)

Describes a forthcoming textbook in scientific German, bilingual in form, with a workbook "neutral" in content (emphasizing no one science), a reference book (reference grammar and high-frequency lexicon), and texts in specific fields. It begins with word-building, then by comparing texts develops a minimum grammar. (Text is in German.) (IFS/WGA)

Illustrates how various common objects can be used in the classroom to demonstrate physical science concepts. Describes the use of toys, ice cubes, light bulbs, meter sticks, and wine bottles as teaching aids. (MLH)

Presents a way of displaying the dimensions of quantities in graphical 3D form. Quantities represented include length, time, and mass. (GS)

Describes bonding properties that account for the difference in toxicity between hydrogen cyanide and carbon monoxide. Uses the concepts of intermolecular and intramolecular forces in explaining the operation of pressure sensitive adhesives. Gives a definition of a cubic crystal class. (GS)

Presents an investigative sequence of experiments addressed to the topic of photosynthesis. (BR)