Describes experiments which demonstrate how different diets affect the growth rate of earthworms. Procedures for feeding baby worms are outlined, the analysis of results are discussed, and various modifications of the exercise are provided. (CS)

Discusses the state of the early universe based upon deductions from current observations. (SA)

Various safety precautions for the science teaching laboratory are discussed, including rules for pupils, hazards of some reagents, and electrical safety. (SA)

Describes a convenient method of preparing chlorine water by mixing hydrochloric acid with sodium hypochlorite. (DKM)

Helps middle school students understand the concept of solubility through hands-on experience with a variety of liquids and solids. As they explore factors that affect solubility and saturation, students gain content mastery and an understanding of the inquiry process. Also enables teachers to authentically assess student performance on several…

Investigated the use of a hands-on laboratory program for improving student attitudes toward science and increasing student achievement levels in science knowledge. Findings indicated that students who had laboratory instruction scored higher in achievement and showed a positive correlation between attitude and achievement. No significant…

Uses microcomputer-based laboratories (MBL) to teach Newton's second law and the impulse-momentum relationship with a high degree of precision and accuracy while applying forces that change in an arbitrary way. (YDS)

Integrates concept mapping into the chemistry laboratory and requires students to construct a concept map for each experiment. Reports a decrease in student questions concerning set up and procedure. Recommends using computer software such as Chem Sketch 5.0 which is free and available from the Internet. (Contains 15 references.) (YDS)

Describes visual experiments that illustrate some basic concepts in chemistry and their principles. (KHR)

Investigates whether replacing a single traditional laboratory activity with a widely-used, non-microcomputer-based laboratory, research-based activity could produce improved conceptual understanding of a topic in electricity. Shows that a single instructional experience utilizing the research-based tutorial materials is superior to a traditional…

Discusses some aspects of campus research facility construction that require specialized construction expertise, and which should be considered when reviewing construction proposals. (EV)

Describes an innovative science program that trains teachers to use their own schoolyards as environmental laboratories. (MKR)

Describes the Savannah River Site, a national environmental research park that shelters wild animals and idle nuclear reactors. Outlines research conducted at the site that focuses on the recovery of ecosystems after disturbance related to the operation of nuclear reactors and other land uses. (LZ)

Describes an instrument developed to assess students' or teachers' perceptions of five dimensions of actual or preferred classroom environment: student cohesiveness, open-endedness, integration, rule clarity, and material environment. Instrument is included in the appendix. (ZWH)

Describes a toy shaped like a bird that has an intuitively astonishing property: no matter how far away from equilibrium it is moved, it oscillates back to equilibrium. The behavior of this physical system is explained and is used to illustrate the concept of mechanical stability and the usefulness of making simple, idealized models for describing…