There is a dynamic synergy between the visual arts and the natural sciences. For example, science relies heavily on individuals with visual-art skills to render detailed illustrations, depicting everything from atoms to zebras. Likewise, artists apply analytic, linear, and logical thinking to compose and scale their work of art. These parallel…

Building physical models relative to a concept can be an important activity to help students develop and manipulate abstract ideas and mental models that often prove difficult to grasp. One such concept is "time". A method for helping students understand the cyclical nature of time involves the construction of a Time Zone Calculator through a…

Presents a lesson on toothpick chromosomes as a way to model genetics concepts in a more tangible and accessible way for middle school students. (KHR)

Describes activities designed to introduce cells to students and grab their attention. Provides effective strategies to teach many new terms and unfamiliar words related to organelles. (KHR)

Presents an activity on the study, collection, and analysis of snow. Provides students with opportunities to conduct fieldwork in a collaborative team fashion and develop skills in formulating and testing hypotheses. (DDR)

Explains how solar eclipses occur and provides information on future eclipse events. Also includes a solar eclipse viewing activity. (DDR)

Presents a set of hands-on electrostatics experiments in the form of an activity guide and worksheet through which students discover the different types of electric charge, Coulomb's Law, induced charge separation, and grounding. (DDR)

Illustrates the use of learning contracts with students involved in science projects. For the learner, the contract is a worksheet to help plan the project as well as an agreement that outlines the tasks to be performed. (DDR)

Announces the theme for National Science and Technology Week (NSTW) 1998 and offers a rationale for the choice of the topic of polar connections. Suggests that the poles offer a glimpse of science as high adventure. The poles are often seen as pristine, nearly lablike environments that provide a platform for animal studies. (DDR)

Describes a seventh-grade science course that is based on the phenology of the seasons, uses the outdoors on a regular basis, and uses reference books and field guides. (DDR)

Presents a modification of a procedure for making and launching hot air balloons made out of garbage bags. Student instructions for balloon construction, launching instructions, and scale diagrams are included. (DDR)

Presents ways to incorporate discussion of the lives of famous scientists into the classroom. Suggests a monthly focus on a different scientist with students researching each subject and using the information in a poster or timeline project toward the end of the year. (DDR)

Discusses display gardens and their development by students. Presents guidelines for construction and size consideration and describes details of an outdoor garden, volcanic garden, and shoe box dioramas. (DDR)

Presents an activity that focuses on insects and the choices they make in response to sensory input. Involves students and teachers in inquiry-oriented investigations and presents details of preparation, a discussion of the teacher's role, and a materials list. (DDR)

Details the use of computer technology for classroom presentations to students. Includes tips on software, hardware, and monitoring student opinion. (DDR)