Discusses various ways to use the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) Origin's Education Forum's Electromagnetic Spectrum poster to teach earth science concepts. Includes the poster. (SOE)

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)

Presents an activity involving the observation of moon phases that can provide a one-on-one learning experience and stimulate interaction between a child and an adult family member. This activity can also be initiated by teachers and outcomes can be integrated into the classroom science curriculum. (JRH)

Describes the problems involved in teaching astronomy so that teachers can be informed and forewarned. Focuses on the fact that teachers are not likely to be familiar with the content and unfamiliar with the problems associated with teaching the content. (DDR)

Describes a lesson for ninth-grade science students based on a read-aloud selection about science in space taken from "Lift Off! An Astronauts Dream" by R. Mike Mullane. Discusses specific science and language arts activities related to the selection. (SR)

Presents an astronomy project in which a group of educators and astronomers train high school students to teach astronomy to elementary students and their families. (KHR)

Analyzes the answers provided by (n=98) 12-year-old students to questions on an end-of-the-year science examination. Points out that although students are able to explain day and night, they have difficulties explaining why the moon always presents the same face to Earth. Addresses implications for teaching and learning. (Contains 17 references.)…

Reports on the implementation of a relatively low-cost, versatile, and intuitive system to teach basic mechanics based on the use of a Charge-Coupled Device (CCD) camera and inexpensive image-processing and analysis software. Discusses strengths and limitations of CCD imaging technologies. (JRH)

Presents the Astro-Blaster as a method of the laws of conservation of momentum and energy during the creation of a supernova. Several elastic balls are aligned for a drop, followed by multiple collisions which result in the top ball reaching tremendous heights relative to the drop height. (JRH)

Describes the construction and use of simple optical aids that allow the amateur scientist to safely observe sunspots and solar eclipses and also to measure the sun's rotation. (five references) (JJK)

Presents an excerpt from the book entitled "Lonely Hearts of the Cosmos." Provides narration of behind-the-scenes events in the lives, the scientific debates, and the intellectual triumphs of the two physicists responsible for inventing the concept of the black hole. (JJK)

Discussed is the search for life on other planets similar to Earth based on the Drake equation. Described are search strategies and microwave searches. The reasons why people are searching are also discussed. (KR)

Described is a science fair project in which M- and X-class x-ray flares on the surface of the earth were detected using a Geiger counter. Background information, the problem, hypothesis, a list of needed materials, the procedure, observations, conclusions, and a critique are included. (KR)

Suggestions and tips for novice and experienced eclipse watchers are provided. Discussed are the mysterious shadow bands that occur just minutes before an eclipse. Directions for building a deluxe pinhole projector for observing the eclipse, a reading list, and a glossary of related terms are included. (KR)

Presented is a way to measure the sun's radiation by using a radiometer. Directions for building both simple and complex radiometers, circuit diagrams, and an explanation on how they work are included. (KR)