Presents the study of declining Anuran populations as a mystery to be solved by teams of investigators. Student teams research assigned topics and develop scenarios to explain the declining populations. Provides background information on Anurans along with clue sheets. Describes possible extensions for the activity and provides the source for a…

Describes the role that informal interpretative programs and facilities can play in providing inquiry-oriented science experiences. Presents two examples of scientific inquiry programs: investigating wetlands and investigating density. In both examples, participants formulate questions, collect data, and attempt to answer their own questions. (DLH)

Uses Lego building blocks to improve the effectiveness of teaching about protein synthesis. Provides diagrams and pictures for a 2-3 day student activity. Discusses mRNA, transfer RNA, and a protein synthesis model. (MVL)

Describes a laboratory experiment on resistance to teach about evolution and issues of misuse of antimicrobial compounds. Investigates Escherichia coli's response to treatment of triclosan, a biocide used in consumer products. (Contains 12 references.) (YDS)

Describes a science activity on the importance of meiosis for variability. Uses a coin flip to demonstrate the random arrangement of genetic materials and explains how this results in zygotes with a new DNA combination. (YDS)

Explains forest fragmentation, the destruction of physical habitats for animals such as birds and points out the importance of studies on habitat and biodiversity. Introduces project ideas for songbird populations and their habitats which can be conducted in backyards or schoolyards. (YDS)

Presents a science activity on collecting micrometeorites from rainwater using magnets. Includes procedural information. (YDS)

Describes how to differentiate a planet from a star and presents an activity in which students investigate whether Pluto is a planet. (YDS)

Parents can do a lot to help children learn about science. Ten tips from experts suggest home activities, excursions, learning aids, and TV shows which can help children discover and enjoy science. (IAH)

Several across-the-curriculum activities, with a penguin theme, are described. Research, discussion, science, writing, math, and art activities are listed. Included is a list of resources which gives sources for books and posters. (IAH)

Describes a project that predicts the orbits of satellites using a TI-85 calculator. Enables students to achieve a richer understanding of longitude, latitude, time zones, orbital mechanics of satellites, and the terms associated with satellite tracking. (JRH)

Describes the construction and use of homemade kaleidoscopes using film canisters and microscope slides. (JRH)

Provides an activity using concrete examples to help students understand Dalton's atomic theory and explore its link to finding empirical formulas. (ZWH)

Presents an overview of an interdisciplinary animal behavior unit on wolves, including aspects of science, social studies, and language arts. Includes sources of wolf information. (MKR)