Describes activities which help students understand several basic scientific concepts regarding water. Outlines objectives, materials needed, procedures, and questions to ask about student observations. Investigations include working with the self-sealing property of water, talcum powder, paper clips, and making water wetter. (RT)

Argues the pros, cons, and alternatives to animal dissection. Discusses several cases involving student objections and the enactment of a California state law which upholds the right of a student to conscientious objection to dissection involving the harmful or destructive use of animals. (RT)

Small-scale chemistry employs a modern design philosophy and small, inexpensive plastic apparatus to create a learning laboratory that fosters creativity, invention, and problem solving. This article describes the characteristics of the small-scale activities. A n-solutions chemical reaction matrix is provided with examples of classroom use. (YP)

An activity that can be used to teach plant nutrition and the use of hydroponics is presented. Materials and procedures are discussed. Possible topics for science projects are suggested. (CW)

Reviewed are the features of lasers that make them useful to chemists and in chemistry curricula. Types of lasers are listed. Laser-induced fluorescence experiments are discussed. (CW)

Reviewed are the basic concepts of experimental design, analysis of data, and optimization. Discussed are two-level factorial designs; fractional factorial designs and blocking, additive, linear, and quadratic models; quadratic and composite designs; and designing experiments in design. (CW)

Described is a game designed to test children's knowledge about wildlife native to the United States. Included are directions, 30 question cards, and an answer key. Modifications of the game are suggested. (CW)

Described is an experiment designed to illustrate photosynthesis. The experiment is based on a classic experiment performed by vanHelmont in the sixteenth century. A list of materials, procedures, and concepts are discussed. Variations are suggested. (CW)

An activity for use with the JASON project illustrating the factors which contribute to the instability of ships at sea is presented. The activities of the JASON project for the spring of 1990 are highlighted. Availability of materials and participating museums for the project are listed. (CW)

An open format in which students keep log books to help them become more active in the learning process is discussed. Included are creative thought and language, visualization, and using writing to learn how to learn. Examples of student writing are provided. (CW)

Equipment and procedures for simple astrophotography are discussed. Sample photographs are provided. Suggested are several uses of the slides and the techniques for teaching astronomy. (CW)

Several activities that can be used to teach the science of bar codes are presented. Examples of simple codes are provided. The use of bar code scanners is discussed. (CW)

Presented is an activity in which the composition of margarine is analyzed. Materials and procedures are discussed. An extension activity on emulsions is suggested. Background information on the history of margarine is provided. (CW)

Three population education activities that can be used to illustrate the effects of uncontrolled population growth are presented. Included are "Crowding Can Be Seedy," which uses seeds; "Something for Everyone," which illustrates competition for resources; and "More or Less," which illustrates the relationship between humans and the environment.…

Provided are the directions, game pieces, and a fact sheet necessary for playing this game. Modifications for use with younger or older students are suggested. (CW)