Ways to explore blowing bubbles through observation, experimentation, and discovery are suggested to stimulate gifted children, with attention to such areas as the function of film in the liquid and the reason for the common spherical shape of bubbles. Experiments that children can try and tips for the teacher are presented. (SW)

Discusses ecosystem management, including monitoring and assessment, innovative management, humans in the ecosystem, diversity, balance, and cycles. Provides classroom activity ideas. (MKR)

Presents an application of fundamental principles of mechanics for an isolated system in solving problems related to rocket velocity and exhaust elements. (JRH)

Examined 10 introductory college-level, general biology survey textbooks for the coverage of algae to assess the efficacy of coverage. Describes a proposal of seven kingdoms and discusses the disposition of algae among five of these kingdoms. Contends that textbooks should highlight the concept of algae across the five kingdoms. Contains 59…

Presents activities that use antifreeze to introduce students to concepts such as density, specific gravity, solutions, and freezing and boiling points. (JRH)

Describes how the use of a videotape to record the history of a soap bubble allows a study of many interesting events in considerable detail including interference fringes, convection and turbulence patterns on the surface, formation of black film, and the ultimate explosion of the bubble. (JRH)

Study of the science museum exhibit preference of upper elementary children and adults found that girls were more likely than boys to use puzzles and exhibits focusing on the human body and boys were more likely to use computers and exhibits illustrating physical science principles. Contains 56 references. (Author/MKR)

Presents an investigation that engages students in constructing models of houses to examine the dynamics of energy flow patterns. Uses the learning cycle procedure that allows students to experience the processes of science and to use higher level thinking skills. (JRH)

Presents a brief overview of historical and cross-cultural data that points to the universality of some main physics conceptions. Summarizes articles from the science education literature that emphasize the relevance and influence of a number of cultural factors, such as language, world view and traditional beliefs, reasoning patterns, and…

Presents demonstrations that use a blowgun to illustrate scientific concepts relating to acceleration, projectile motion, Newton's Laws, and work and kinetic energy. (JRH)

Describes the use of analogies to explain scientific concepts. Presents the teaching-with-analogies model. (JRH)

Presents an activity that involves making peanut butter in the laboratory as a way to teach students the chemistry concepts of emulsification, solubility, and formulation. Enables students to realize that they can actually create or modify the physical and sensory characteristics of peanut butter and taste the differences in their work. (JRH)

Presents a conversation with philosopher of science Sandra Harding, a major exponent of "feminist standpoint theory." Argues that objectivity is maximized not by excluding social factors from the production of knowledge but by starting the process of inquiry from an explicitly social location--the lived experience of those traditionally…