Cookbook labs have been a part of science programs for years, even though they serve little purpose other than to verify phenomena that have been previously presented by means other than through investigations. Cookbook science activities follow a linear path to a known outcome, telling students what procedures to follow, which materials to use,…

Through the author's home science program, MOS, the author aims to widen the walls of the school lab. MOS stands for "My Own Science." It is work that students choose and carry out on their own about once a week throughout the year. They are also responsible for keeping track of the time spent working on the activities using log sheets. With a…

The energy and enthusiasm shown by young students walking through the doors of an interactive science museum is difficult to surpass. Awaiting them is an opportunity to explore, create, discover, and learn about the world. This article presents the interactive science museum project of eight-grade students. Fifth-grade students were the target…

One of the easiest ways to capture students sense of wonder is to provide them an opportunity to participate in scientific research and display their findings in a science exhibition. Giving students the freedom to follow their own interests and develop their own science exhibition projects ensures active involvement in the learning process as…

Introduces the Kids and Chemistry program which aims to increase student interest in science. Features activities for students on the classification of unknown materials and chromatography. (YDS)

Chemistry should be fun and exciting, but much preparation and skill are needed by the teacher and students in working with chemicals. Unfortunately, accidents do happen and things can blow up, but these incidents can help be prevented by knowing and following proper safety procedures. Knowing which chemicals are appropriate for the middle level…

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

Describes Advanced Science for Kids (ASK), a multicultural approach to assessment and programming for a middle school advanced science program. ASK is designed to provide alternative approaches to identification and assessment, facilitate authentic instruction and assessment, and provide minority students with academic and social support as they…

Highlights the 15th anniversary year of Newton's Apple, a hands-on science television program. Includes availability information for curriculum guides and other resources. (DDR)

Describes the PowerTools Project, a partnership program between schools and research scientists at the University of Texas Health Center. Discusses the beginnings and the scaling up of the project. (JRH)

Describes a science program for honors students that offers a blend of both teacher-directed and student-directed activities. Includes information on instructional strategies used, independent student study projects, financial considerations, grading, and student reaction to the program. (JN)

The development of communication skills is a key component in any science program. However, students do not see the connections between writing and science. In particular, students lack the enthusiasm when the time comes to write lab reports. Students say that they do not see why they should have to write dry, boring lab reports following an…

Takes a closer look at Super Science Saturday, held by the Center for Gifted and Talented Native Hawaiian Children/University of Hawaii at Hilo. These children are known to Hawaiians as Na Pua No'eau, which refers to Hawaii's children as "flowers blossoming toward self-discovery." (ZWH)

Using ideas adopted from Project ARTIST (Astronomy-Related Teacher Inservice Training), a teacher develops a sixth-grade astronomy program which incorporates ancient folklore and sky stories from a variety of ethnic backgrounds. (ZWH)