This article describes a teaching aid made from four colored foam balls mounted on a stiff wire circle used to teach about the changing seasons and earth temperature fluctuations. The spheres represent the Earth at the solstice and equinox positions. (MVL)

Provides the electronic circuit schematic for the construction of a green vegetation sensor, the directions for its use, and suggestions for student projects. (JJK)

Describes the construction of a demonstration apparatus to illustrate the law of strings by using the light from a television screen to slow down the apparent motion of the waves of a string. (MDH)

Provides plans for simple, inexpensive teaching aids and equipment for visually impaired children. Details for building null detectors, electronic thermometers, and calorimeters are included. (DDR)

Examined whether use of robotics had a greater effect on elementary school children's achievement in science concepts and problem-solving abilities than use of battery-powered motorized manipulatives or no manipulatives. Found no significant difference in achievement from use of robotics except in programming language problem solving. Both…

Describes the use of an inexpensive device consisting of a plastic soda bottle and a modified plastic cap in a range of demonstrations and experimental activities having to do with the behavior of gases. (Author/WRM)

Describes a Physics Exploration Center, a space where students solve lecture-related homework problems in a hands-on facility. (CCM)

Observes 16 students from five elementary science classes to examine how students use tools when constructing new knowledge during science instruction, how control of tools is actualized from pedagogical perspectives, how language and tool accessibility intersect, how gender intersects with tool use, and how competition for resources impacts…

Describes the construction of an apparatus that can be used as a quick and easy model of the passage of a longitudinal wave in a steel or aluminum rod. Employs expandable steel springs. (DDR)

Describes a simple, inexpensive modification that changes a brightfield microscope into a darkfield microscope, allowing low-contrast samples to be examined. (WRM)

Describes a short undergraduate course built entirely around a research trip to an astronomical observatory. (WRM)

This article discusses factors in the design, commissioning, project management, and intellectual property protection of developments within a new clinical anatomy facility in the United Kingdom. The project was aimed at creating cost-effective facilities that would address widespread concerns over anatomy teaching, and support other activities…

Automatic Picture Transmission (APT) images are real-time weather pictures transmitted from satellites on a radio frequency in a video format. Amateur radio enthusiasts and electronic experimenters have for a number of years designed, built, and operated direct readout stations capable of receiving APT photographs. The equipment to receive weather…

The guide and the project record book included in this document are designed for 4-H members who would like to start a salt-water aquarium project. The guide includes the following topics: (1) general requirements for salt-water aquariums; (2) directions for making an aquarium; (3) suggestions for where to locate it; (4) pros and cons of using…

These hearings focused on various topics and issues related to the fiscal year 1985 budget request of $1.5 billion for the National Science Foundation (NSF), which represents a 13 percent increase over the 1984 level, as well as on NSF policies. Witnesses, representing government or scientific and technical organizations not directly part of the…