Young children are naturally curious about their environment and learn best by exploring the world around them. Magnifiers, or hand lenses, are a valuable tool in this exploration. Discusses the selection, use, storage and costs of magnifiers. Includes suggestions of objects/phenomena to observe inside and outside of the classroom. (JN)

An open format in which students keep log books to help them become more active in the learning process is discussed. Included are creative thought and language, visualization, and using writing to learn how to learn. Examples of student writing are provided. (CW)

An example of how a traditional activity on motion and acceleration can be adapted to the learning-cycle format is described. The three challenge statements given to students to solve are provided. The key learning-cycle steps of exploration, expansion, and extension are discussed. (KR)

Discussed is the management of cooperative learning groups in an elementary school science classroom. Rules for classroom behavior and benefits that can be derived from using this method are suggested. (CW)

A discussion of TV weather forecasting introduces this article which features several hands-on science activities involving observing, researching, and experimenting with the weather. A reproducible worksheet on the reliability of weather forecasts is included. (IAH)

Discusses the need for student research-type chemistry projects based upon "unknown" metal complexes. Describes an experiment involving the product from the reaction between cobalt(II) chloride, ethane-1,2-diamine (en) and concentrated hydrochloric acid. Outlines the preparation of the cobalt complex, along with procedure, results and…

The Science Activities Action Research Group considered problems related to using science activities in teaching/learning of science ideas, problems previously identified and described during exploratory/in-depth phases of the Learning in Science Project. Three specific tasks were formulated by the group, including: investigating wording of…

This teaching guide contains materials corresponding to those found in the nine sections of the grade 3 elementary science textbook. It also contains lesson objectives, instructional strategies, classroom activities, and evaluation methods. Among the topic areas found in the nine sections are: (1) solar energy, electricity, and light; (2) solar…

Presents a teaching strategy to successfully teach the periodic table using nuts and bolts as elemental analogs. Describes activities that enable the student to develop a deeper understanding of the periodic table and how it is organized. (JRH)

Discusses the need for student experiments involving the complete characterization of "unknown" inorganic compounds. Describes a project employing a complex metal compound. The compound contains six different components in both inert and labile complexions. Outlines the complete procedure and the preparation of the unknown compound. (TW)

Proposes methods by which laboratory practical exams may be structured to assess outcomes from laboratory instruction. Presents eight general considerations for writing and using practical exams. Describes four example laboratory exams involving a box camera, circuit boxes, floating objects, and light. (MDH)

A peer review process similar to that used by scientific journals which can be applied to class work is presented. Stressed is the advantage of using peer review when writing skills are a priority but instructor time is limited. Guidelines and examples of comments are provided. (CW)

Teachers are provided with several experiments for primary students that address concepts related to the properties of air, sound, and water. (IAH)

Describes how an integrated approach to scientific investigation was used to provide a better image of science to potential college students. (ZWH)

The high points of the story of RNA are presented. The functions of RNA within the cell, how these functions are carried out, and how they evolved are described. The topics of splicing, self-splicing, RNA editing, transcription and translation, and antisense RNA are discussed. (KR)