This column provides background science information for elementary teachers. This month's issue discusses electromagnetic waves.

If one looks at a rain cloud with the Sun behind one's back, the sunlight and water drops may interact just right, revealing the familiar arc of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet. Many of people have been pleasantly surprised to see a rainbow in the sky, but probably have not considered why they occur. Rainbows are caused by…

Introduces a lesson plan on astronomy and scientific research. Explains how astronomers conduct research and the detection methods they use. Provides demonstrations and ideas for students to build a giant model of the solar system. (YDS)

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)

Presents activities that utilize balloons to encourage students to explore questions related to scientific concepts. Concepts explored include light, heat, charged ions, polarization, and the sense of smell. (MDH)

Uses a projector, a prism, and two screens to demonstrate the composition of white light and detect color. (MDH)

Describes an activity in which young children explore the concepts of light by predicting the shape of shadows. Different configurations of light sources are used and objects are held in different positions. Sample questions to be asked of the children before, during, and after the activities are included. (TW)