The theory of evolution can be a useful basis for developing students' understanding of ecology. Our study used concept maps to examine the development of sixth-grade students' understanding of the Antarctic ecosystem following several evolution 'Science Days' conducted at 'Nature Campus' -- an informal learning environment comprised of a natural…

Sound propagation is not easy for children to understand because of its abstract nature, often best represented by models such as wave drawings and particle dots. Teachers Rebecca Hendrix and Charles Eick wondered how science inquiry, when combined with an unlikely discipline like drama, could produce a better understanding among their…

Although vacuum technology is essential to many aspects of modern physical and analytical chemistry, vacuum experiments are rarely the focus of undergraduate laboratories. We describe an experiment that introduces students to vacuum science and mass spectrometry. The students first assemble a vacuum system, including a mass spectrometer. While…

The cereal box design activity is intriguing both for its simplicity and the resourcefulness that it can generate in young people. Also, it lends itself to a variety of curriculums. It covers both consumerism and Design for the Environment (DfE) concepts broadly and in depth. The activity introduces a wide range of topics. They include graphic…

We report on a two-year NSF-funded project to strengthen connections among science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines. One component of this project was to produce some initial data on the effectiveness of Interdisciplinary Lively Applications Projects (ILAPs) in teaching science and engineering undergraduates. ILAPs are…

This guide contains Parts III and IV of the students' guide to the first year of the three-year integrated biology, chemistry, and physics courses being prepared by the Portland Project Committee. Part III is titled "Energy and Work" and Part IV is titled "Ecology." (GR)

An interdisciplinary art and science program for talented inner-city 11th graders is described through a photo essay. Students are involved in activities such as painting outdoors, rendering instructional charts for use in science classes, illustrating seasonal calendars, gardening, identifying insects, and learning about weather forecasting. (RM)

Describes an open-ended interdisciplinary activity in which students construct a model of an island and then investigate real-life problems and other student selected island projects. Emphasis placed on problem solving. (BR)

Parts I and II of the students' guide to the three-year integrated biology, chemistry, and physics course being prepared by the Portland Project Committee are contained in this guide. A committee reviewed and selected material developed by the national course improvement groups--Physical Science Study Committee, Chemical Bond Approach, Chemical…

This guide contains Parts III and IV of the teacher's guide to the first year of the three-year integrated biology, chemistry, and physics courses being prepared by the Portland Project Committee. It continues the integration of material from the science course improvement projects with that specially prepared for the course by the committee. Part…

Describes Nature-in-the-City (an environmental awareness program) materials and their use by students in the urban environment. The materials include an adventure guide (the teacher's manual) and set of four colorful season cards with activities for students. (JN)

The development of a spaceflight simulation program as part of a research and development course is described. Topics such as space exploration, design, propulsion, aerodynamics of space craft, robotics, communication, construction, medicine, lasers, hydroponics, geology, chemistry, and space physiology are emphasized. (KR)