Discusses the science of roller coasters, relating gravity, potential/kinetic energy, inertia, and centripetal force to the various parts of the ride, providing tips on linking classroom discussions to field trips. Includes sample student activity sheet and source for additional units using amusement park rides/playground activities to teach…

Provides guidelines for simple acceleration experiments with string and attached weights as a means to stimulate the reticular activating system (RAS) of the human brain. Several methods (discrepant events, curiosity, choices, and doubt) are suggested for promoting RAS high-level thought. String drop experiments provide concrete experiences with…

Provides instructions to build an inexpensive device to demonstrate wave-motion to elementary school children. (MDH)

Presents a unit of three lessons to teach Newton's Laws of Motion. After rotating through learning centers, answering questions, and recording observations, students are asked to generate a "class law" that explains the scientific phenomenon they observed. (MDH)

Describes using Gooyuk--a substance made from corn starch and water--to create a wave tank with slow waves. Explains how to use the wave tank in instruction. (PR)

Presented are two lessons which illustrate acceleration for elementary school students. A poster for use in these activities is provided. Teaching methods used in these lessons are discussed. Student questions concerning automobile racing are presented with answers. (CW)

Describes springs as an inexpensive piece of science equipment to use in a first grade classroom. (BR)

Simple activities are described which use paper clips and straws or a board to demonstrate the properties of the lever. (BB)

Discusses activities with magnets and magnetism for elementary students. (SL)

Presents part of a new series aimed at providing exploratory activities for preschool children as they seek to become acquainted with the world in which they live. (Author/EB)

Presents two views about lenses and optics in attempt to clarify a story written by Carolyn Hermann, "Through the Magnifying Glass." Cites two references for additional reading on students' optics difficulties. (RT)

Sixth graders built working "robots" (or grasping bars) for remote control use during a unit on simple mechanics. Steps for making a robot are presented, including: cutting the wood, drilling and nailing, assembling the jaws, and making them work. The "jaws," used to pick up objects, illustrate principles of levers. (DH)

Describes activities appropriate for involving middle school students as active participants in the learning process. Topics discussed include archaeology, bulletin boards, dramatizations, physics experiments using the human body, oceanography, and ecology. (CS)

Presented are directions for making a flexible lens that can be used by students to show the bending of light rays. Diagrams are included for supplementing the activities. (KR)