Plastic baggies, especially the sealable variety, seem to be a ubiquitous part of human culture. The zipper-type seal on plastic baggies is an example of an unappreciated engineering accomplishment that is relevant to everyday life. In fact, the challenge of fastening two pieces together probably dates back to the making of tools and clothing by…

This article discusses how, as part of a National Science Foundation-funded internship program, the authors translated smart papers into an exciting and informative activity for the middle school classroom. This activity opens students' eyes to an everyday technology and inspires them to ask questions about other hidden technologies that they…

The ballpoint pen is an ideal example of simple engineering that we use everyday. But is it really so simple? The ballpoint pen is a remarkable combination of technology and science. Its operation uses several scientific principles related to chemistry and physics, such as properties of liquids and simple machines. They represent significant…

Describes ideas for applying research from space programs to life science instruction including plants in space, exercise and diet on space flights, environmental advantages from space exploration, and the effects of microgravity on health. Discusses space spinoffs used in medicine including digital imaging processing and the Ingestible Thermal…

Describes a three-week activity unit on earthquakes that addresses the National Science Education Standards. Includes mantle convection, crust, plate tectonics, and faults concepts. (YDS)

Provides an example that focuses on temperature and illustrates how in-depth study can meet multiple content standards for middle school science and mathematics in the subjects of measurement and data analysis. (DDR)

Presents suggestions for a schoolwide Olympic curriculum that uses an interdisciplinary approach and takes advantage of student interest in the Olympic games. (JRH)

Presents a list of outstanding science trade books published in 2001 for use in the K-12 grade levels. Includes the areas of archaeology, anthropology, and paleontology; biography; life sciences; integrated science; physical sciences; science related careers; and technology and engineering. Provides information on the books and the selection…

Discusses the work and inventions of Thomas Edison and their use in making teachers and students aware of the importance of electrotechnology in their lives and in their futures. Enables students to learn about science, experimentation, research, the process of invention, and the thrill of discovery. Describes educational resources available from…

Discusses the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) Implementation Plan for Education which provides support to inservice teacher educators in the areas of technology and science. (ASK)

Points out that a shift toward inquiry-based learning is one of the main tenants of a new approach to science education that also includes technology and the history and nature of science. Includes a sample lesson of how science educators can incorporate the Internet into the classroom. (DDR)

Describes the Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE) program, which is designed to use satellite data for activities. (KHR)

Introduces an activity in which students learn measuring skills. Debates how to find an accurate method of determining the volume of an orange. (YDS)

Presents an activity that is part of a unit on topography and land masses in the earth science curriculum. Involves students learning about scientific inquiry, comparing a model with what it represents, making and interpreting scale drawings, learning how to use new instruments, and learning about computation and estimation. (JRH)

Presents an activity from the track and field unit of the Science of Sporting Events program in which teachers and students experiment with four broad jump techniques in order to determine which method will allow them to jump the farthest. Enables students to use a variety of math and science skills including observing, predicting, measuring, and…