Presents an experiment that challenges the claim that sprouting radish seedlings release chemicals into the environment that inhibit germination of lettuce seeds. Reports that although no simple allelopathic demonstration was observed, the experiment provides fertile ground for further experimentation in inquiry-based laboratory experiences. (JRH)

Presents investigations of leaf surface wetness that provide ideal opportunities for students to explore the relationships between leaf form and function, to study surface conditions of leaves and plant physiology, and to make predictions about plant adaptation in different environments. Describes simple procedures for exploring questions related…

Discusses the need for students to develop understanding of science by designing their own laboratory experiments. Lists examples of concepts that can be taught through student-designed biology experiments. Also gives suggestions and guidelines to ensure that laboratory time is manageable and productive. (DH)

Examines (in the form of a hypothetical dialog between a teacher and a student) the nature of the mantle and the spectral content of the glow which lights up both beam and mantle. These phenomena are associated with excitation of helium gas in the presence of electromagnetic and electrostatic fields. (JN)

Presents and discusses the following six questions to focus students' inquiry experiences: (1) What do you think will happen? (2) What actually happened? (3) How did it happen? (4) Why did this happen? (5) How can we find out which of these hypotheses is the most reasonable? (6) How can you relate the investigation to your daily life? (PR)

Animals Alive! is designed to help teachers develop an inquiry-oriented program for studying the animal kingdom in which, whenever possible, live animals are collected locally, studied, observed, and then released completely unharmed back into their natural habitats. By careful selection and modification of the chapter questions, activities, and…

This book contains the teacher's guide of the Environmental Inquiry curriculum series developed at Cornell University. It is designed to teach learning skills for investigating the behaviors of non-native and native species and demonstrate how to apply scientific knowledge to solve real-life problems. This book focuses on strange intruders…

Describes an investigation in which students predict and verify the effect that the number of clicks of a toy copter gun has on the height that the copter will attain. Provides follow-up questions for the students. (MDH)

This book of life science activities introduces a new experimental animal--the WOWBug, "Melittobia digitata"--that is commonly found in nature but has never before been used in the precollege classroom. It includes 20 activities and experiments for grades 5-12, that cover topics from basic orientation to ecological interactions, from physical…

Describes the working of the Science Task Group on the place of investigation in the National Curriculum in England and Wales. (PR)

Describes an inquiry lab that helps students discover the chemical nature of enzymes. (PR)

A demonstration is described that encourages students to engage in inquiry in biology. Using chemicals and an overhead projector, the instructor can simulate a living organism projected onto a screen. The reaction can aid students in defining the characteristics of life. (SA)

This book was written to make it easier for classroom teachers to teach students the skills they need to successfully conduct, analyze, and report an experiment and to carry out independent research; it also presents strategies for holding successful science competitions. Part 1 contains field-tested teaching strategies for developing student…

An experiment accompanied by a series of writing exercises that engage students in activities that characterize scientific research is described. The exercise emphasizes experimental design and data analysis over technical manipulation. Possible issues for discussion and opportunities for collaboration and peer review are discussed. (KR)