Provides a set of macro-experiments designed to improve students' intuitive understanding of physics and motivation for learning physics. Students become part of the experimental apparatus and experience the physical phenomena firsthand. (DDR)

Perceptions of students in a Year 10 classroom were compared with those of their teacher at each of six schools with regard to the aims, regularity, conduct and assessment of laboratory work. Students in five of the schools had statistically different views from their teacher about the relative importance of 10 aims of laboratory work,…

Presents worksheet activities that enable students to explore the concept of electrostatic induction and learn the meaning of grounding. Students build two classic devices, the electrophorus and the leaf electroscope. (DDR)

Discusses reasons for using spreadsheets in science teaching. Presents a list of possible applications together with examples of these from very simple to more complex uses including animation of dynamic systems. Also provides a list of references for materials for beginners and more advanced users. Contains 12 references. (Author/ASK)

Examines didactic strategies used for introducing preschoolers to the natural sciences. Describes general characteristics of activities based on empiricist or Piagetian theory of cognitive development. Discusses a new sociocognitive approach for developing natural-science kindergarten activities within the framework of Neo-Piagetian,…

Describes a simple circuit based on an inexpensive quad operational amplifier that permits a direct-reading temperature instrument to be constructed using silicon diodes. Encourages the use of this equipment in introductory thermal experiments. (DDR)

Discusses population growth in the U.S. and questions the appropriate time to teach about environmental protection to elementary school students. Introduces activities on conservation, natural resources, and endangered species. (YDS)

Reports on a case study that used archival and contemporary source materials in project activities. Analyzes the curricular science activities as students build and use archives of historical and contemporary naturalist materials. Discusses the feasibility and benefits of using historical source materials in elementary science education. (Contains…

Describes using a computer statistical software package called Minitab to model the sensitivity of several microbes to the disinfectant NaOCl (Clorox') using the Kirby-Bauer technique. Each group of students collects data from one microbe, conducts regression analyses, then chooses the best-fit model based on the highest r-values obtained.…

Describes life in the Mojave Desert. Includes a map of the desert and a poster that can be used in the classroom with drawings and photographs of desert creatures. Presents three lesson plans on mapping deserts, earthshaking events, and weed invaders as well as a section of teacher resources. (SAH)

Presents a multidisciplinary activity for reviewing general chemistry concepts in which students make their own tie-dye cloth. Explores the traditional cultures and customs of Nigeria. (ASK)

Describes the Connecticut Academic Performance Test (CAPT) and explains the reasons for a curriculum change. Introduces CAPT-style labs which require students to identify a problem, ask questions, develop a hypothesis, design and conduct an experiment, analyze data, and draw conclusions. (YDS)

Discusses using web sites to develop active inquiry lessons that mimic some of the tasks and thought processes scientists use everyday. The exercises available at the web sites are designed to develop science process skills and convey basic course content. Exercises stress the interactions between the ocean and the atmosphere. (Author/SAH)

Describes teaching-to-learn activities in a community service setting involving nonscience majors in an introductory natural science course at a community college, middle school students, and a Cub Scout pack of home schooled, elementary-aged children. (SAH)

Introduces the peanut observation activity to teach about the pros and cons of dissection. As an inquiry-based approach, dissection is one way to teach process skills. Lists the progression of the activity as observation, questioning and finding the answer, challenge, discussion, and further examination. (Contains 12 references.) (YDS)