Stresses that observation and information processing skills in young children may be enhanced by first hand contact with animals, freedom of time, and careful preparation by teachers for the experience. (CS)

Provides twelve instructional objectives useful in structuring a woodworking center for young children. Suggestions for field trips and further activities are included. (CS)

Ascertains the interplay between scientific experiences and participation in school science among girls in the first year of secondary school. Results indicate that girls in science tend to participate in activities that relate to biology and are academic, and that they rarely engage in tinkering. (DDR)

Focuses on the interactive science center and its history over the last four decades. Traces the original idea to Francis Bacon. Recommends the use of cross-site studies to develop a model of learning in this setting. Contains 141 references. (DDR)

Presents a new approach to an older demonstration involving the reaction of sodium with water. Materials list, procedures, and a discussion of hazard and disposal considerations are included. (DDR)

Describes a paper-and-pencil activity that helps students understand DNA sequencing and expands student understanding of DNA structure, replication, and gel electrophoresis. Appropriate for advanced biology students who are familiar with the Sanger method. (DDR)

Outlines an activity which requires students to monitor what they eat for 3-5 days, tabulate the nature and quantity of their food, trace the food's ingredients to their source, calculate the ecological footprint of their food intake, and extrapolate the effect on the earth if everyone ate as we do. (AIM)

Discusses writing for learning within science classrooms. Presents a model that can be used by teachers to promote a greater variety of writing types. Includes examples of its use and an explanation of learning strategies students use in these activities. Discusses the value of the model in framing the planning of writing-for-learning tasks.…

Describes classroom activities that involve student movement to demonstrate principles of kinetics. This classroom method can be used for any topic related to dynamic processes. The method used in this activity illustrates Brxnsted-Lowry acid-base theory and redox reactions. Takes advantage of analogies between proton and electron transfers. Use…

Describes a year-long, schoolwide project that brings the ocean environment into the classroom and develops cross-disciplinary understandings for students. Presents details of the physical environment within the school, the history of the project, and the rationale and advantages. (DDR)

Children's activities related to science, nature, and technology were studied via structured interviews of parents and students in pre-school through upper-elementary grades. Interviews can be used to construct profiles of students to be used as a platform upon which to build instruction. Describes how interviews were developed, what type of…

Describes the constructivist approach and how it can be implemented in a science activity on calcium carbonate, hard water, and the polyphenols extracted from boiling tea bags. (DKM)

The American Chemical Society (ACS) Committee on Professional Training presented results from an industrial roundtable which showed that one of the key experiences industry seeks in new hires is team problem solving. Undergraduate chemistry education, however, historically stresses individual work. Offers suggestions for improving student learning…

Describes a guided inquiry activity that addresses the law of reflection. Laboratory experiment is included. (DKM)

Presents an activity in which students create a slogan, sentence, or phrase using the name of an element in its place. Explains the origin of the idea for this activity, provides an extension activity, and a rubric for the oral presentation component. (DDR)