Describes a science activity on polyploidy targeting middle and high school students which can be used to discuss topics such as chromosomes, cells, plant growth, and functions of stomates. Integrates mathematics in data collection. (Contains 13 references.) (YDS)

Discusses the issues related to animal dissection and explains the alternative options to dissection like anatomical models or virtual dissections. (YDS)

Describes absorption spectroscopy experiments that allow students to explore the mechanisms by which sunscreens and sunglasses provide protection from ultraviolet radiation. Exposes students to absorption phenomena in an engaging way. (DDR)

Describes the structure of events during cooperative-learning activities in a graduate-level thermodynamics course and explores what these activities mean to students. Details the structure of the sessions and delineates the findings which emerge from the student perspective. Contains 25 references. (DDR)

Describes an ammeter that can be built for less than a dollar with commonly available parts to be used in circuits with 3-volt light bulbs. (WRM)

Discusses the use of problem-solving activities in elementary-level science lessons. Sample activities include "Sparkling Christmas Presents,""Who Left the Message?," and "Parachute Descent". (WRM)

Describes a science activity in which students make a non-Newtonian fluid (slime), which has both solid and liquid properties. After reviewing the shape and volume of solids and volume of liquids, students make the slime using glue, liquid starch, and food coloring. They can experiment by rolling and dropping slime balls and by pulling the slime…

Describes a simple, inexpensive modification that changes a brightfield microscope into a darkfield microscope, allowing low-contrast samples to be examined. (WRM)

Describes the construction and use of an inexpensive, portable photometer designed specifically for estimating population sizes in yeast cultures. Suggests activities for use with the photometer. (WRM)

Defines six types of investigations: (1) classifying and identifying; (2) fair testing; (3) pattern seeking; (4) exploring; (5) investigating models; and (6) making things or developing systems. Challenges the dominance of fair testing in school science investigations. (Author/WRM)

Describes an exercise designed to allow for student introductions at the beginning of a new semester while simultaneously revealing ways in which research questions can be constructed to collect data. (WRM)

Describes a tree studies program in a fourth-grade classroom. Students collected local tree seeds and seeds from supermarket fruits, researched growing conditions, and grew seeds under various conditions. Students kept journals on local trees, observing seed dispersal mechanisms and examining rings on trunk slices. Inquiry-based tree studies…

Without experience, students struggle to understand climate change. Uses the school environment as a starting point to explain the causes of climate change and involves students in activities concerning indoor and outdoor environments. (YDS)

Presents an activity in which students create posters to explain their understanding of electromagnetic radiation corresponding to real world items. (YDS)

Introduces the computer software program Learning and Understanding through Computer-based Interactive Discovery (LUCID) which is designed to increase student engagement in the learning process. Evaluates the effectiveness of LUCID on student attitudes and grades. (YDS)