Definitions for the terms open-ended, problem solving, and investigations are considered. The interaction between these terms and teaching styles are discussed. Student influences over the learning process in this type of investigation are examined. (CW)

Studies magnetic oscillation using an air track. Ceramic magnets are attached to the cart and also are used as dampeners in place of the springs. The resulting oscillations are fairly sinusoidal and is a good example of simple harmonic motion. (MVL)

Explains that trial and error learning is an important way for children and adults to learn. Open-ended activities have great opportunities for error and eventual feedback for error reduction. (PR)

Provides easy to teach and understand laboratory exercises for three fundamental concepts (plate movement, rock mechanics, and geologic time) that are often left out of the geology and Earth science curriculum. (ZWH)

Describes how an elementary school class investigated different soap solutions and then developed their own business to sell their own brand of soap. (PR)

This note describes an inexpensive means for making high resolution analog voltage measurements using the parallel printer port of a standard IBM PC or compatible. (PR)

Describes a project of creating an "Amazing but True!" bulletin board display. Students create miniposters of interesting scientific facts. (PR)

Describes making paper with simple materials. (PR)

Describes making yogurt and extension activities for biology instruction. (PR)

Uses models to illustrate the possible "migration route" of the sugar maple in response to predicted global climate change. Curriculum activities for students are provided that specifically address the sugar maple forests of the Great Lakes regions. (ZWH)

Describes an exercise that enlists students and teachers as local experts to predict the effect warmer temperatures will have on agro- and natural ecosystems with which they are familiar. Students will gain an understanding of the "greenhouse effect" and identify factors that determine which organisms occur naturally together. (PR)

Presents an elaboration of the "Dancing Raisins" activity, that features a discrepant event. Ingredients in the stew include baking soda, water, vinegar, raisins, pasta, popcorn kernels, and food coloring. (PR)

Presents activities to familiarize elementary students with some basic concepts regarding human inheritance. (PR)

Proposes the use of conceptual discrepancies to stimulate student inquiry into scientific concepts. Provides a list of 20 examples of conceptual discrepancies from the biological sciences that have encouraged self-regulation in biology students. (Contains 12 references.) (MDH)

Describes three activities to help students understand plate tectonics. (PR)