Describes the development and organization of a course begun in 1962 consisting of a sequence of manipulative learning operations. The laboratory operations of Quantitative Physical Science lead the student through the fundamentals of instrumentation and of measurement processes. Principles studied include physical, electrical, chemical, and wave…

Describes the objectives and content of an experience-oriented approach for 9th grade general science students. The emphasis is on the learning of science processes, through field studies and student investigations. Topic areas include measurement, landforms, weather, soil, plants and animals, population relationships, conservation, and pollution.…

The shore crab (Carcinus maenas) is an excellent subject for school study, both in the field and the laboratory. It is easily collected and maintained and can be used for a wide range of investigations. Some background details are given and possible areas of investigation suggested. (Author)

Describes operation of and selected exhibits at London's Natural History Museum. Also discusses activities and services of a special teachers' center at the museum. The center is designed to facilitate contacts between museum staff and teachers who want to bring their students to the museum. (JN)

A fourth-grade science teacher turns a classroom incident of flatulence into a wide-ranging science discussion. He advocates spontaneous, almost random, free-flowing lessons; exploitation of charged subjects (including death, sex, disease); and nonlinear, yet organically organized, purposeful connections of various subjects leading to satisfying…

Provided are activities and demonstrations which can be used to teach infants about the nature of air, uses of air, and objects that fly in the air. The latter include airships, hot-air balloons, kites, parachutes, airplanes, and Hovercraft. (JN)

Provides references and addresses to obtain information to help in the purchase, care, and showing of guinea pigs (cavies). Includes line drawings of six common guinea pigs suitable for class use. (JM)

Discusses seventh-grade weather activities, including comparison of barometric pressure and temperature charts and launching of postcards attached to three helium-filled balloons. (JN)

Discusses paper chromatographic techniques and provides examples of typical classroom activities. Includes description of retardation values obtained during chromatography exercises and suggests using them for math lessons. (JN)

Marine hermit crabs are a simple and exciting way to introduce landlocked students to the ocean. Tips for keeping the crabs in the classroom, crab anatomy/behavior, and student activities (including a challenge to students to race their crabs) are discussed. (Author/JN)

A "grazing occultation" occurs when a star or other astronomical body is covered up by the extreme northern or southern limb of the moon in its easterly motion about the earth. Graze phenomena, organizing a graze expedition, and the scientific/educational value of observing grazes are among the topics discussed. (JN)

Three reproducible calendars for June, July, and August, accompanied by a list of activities that reinforce skills students have developed in school are presented. There are separate activities for primary and intermediate level students as well as suggestions for expanding activities . (JM)

Discusses shell classification exercises. Through keying students advanced from the "I know what a shell looks like" stage to become involved in the classification process: observing, labeling, making decisions about categories, and identifying marine animals. (Author/JN)