Mechanically-minded middle school students who have been studying electromagnetism can construct inexpensive telegraphs resembling Samuel Morse's 1844 invention. Instructions (with diagrams), list of materials needed, and suggestions are given for a simple telegraph and for a two-way system. (DH)

Provides: (1) background information on how forests are managed and some of the problems facing forests around the world; (2) three activities dealing with these topics; and (3) three ready-to-copy pages for student use. Activities include an objective, recommended age level(s), recommended subject area(s), list of materials needed, and…

Provides: (1) background information on how trees have influenced human history and how trees affect people today; (2) four activities dealing with these topics; and (3) a ready-to-copy page related to paper and plastics. Activities include an objective, recommended age level(s), subject area(s), list of materials needed, and procedures. (JN)

Rather than emphasize specific facts, teaching science should help develop the whole person. Children learn science best when they are able to choose what they want to know. Suggestions for "living science" rather than parroting facts are offered. (DF)

Presents criteria that science teachers can use to decide where a given classroom activity falls in a continuum from concrete to abstract. The system is intended as a way of selecting appropriate tasks for children based on their previous experiences and their level of development. (JM)

Describes a two-semester course designed to meet the needs of future elementary teachers, home economists, and occupational therapists. Laboratory work includes homemade calorimeters, inclined planes, and computing. Content areas of the course include measurement, physics, chemistry, astronomy, biology, geology, and meteorology. (JN)

Discusses goals of Project WILD, an environmental and conservation program emphasizing wildlife. Includes instructions for using and sample of "dilemma cards" which allow students to read, discuss, make judgments, and write about hypothetical dilemmas concerning wildlife and/or natural resources. (BC)

Describes an instructional framework based on concepts of energy, ecosystems, carrying capacity, change, and stewardship. Stresses the importance of determining what is really important (basic) for each student to experience or learn in relation to each concept and grade level. Student-centered learning activities and sample lesson on energy…

Computer programs were developed for a science center nutrition exhibit. The exhibit was recognized by the National Science Teachers Association Search for Excellence in Science Education as an outstanding science program. The computer programs (Apple II) and their use in the exhibit are described. (BC)

Explains: (1) the "standard" atmospheric pressure demonstration using an empty duplicating fluid can and heated water; and (2) a variation of this demonstration using an aluminum soft drink can. (DH)

Suggests chemistry of cooking and analysis of culinary recipes as subject matter for introducing chemistry to an audience, especially to individuals with neutral or negative attitudes toward science. Includes sample recipes and experiments and a table listing scientific topics with related cooking examples. (JN)

Describes a weekend wilderness experience that is part of an outdoor education program on fall and winter survival techniques. Training includes such classroom reinforcement and outdoor exercises as fire and shelter building, map and compass work, group cooperation initiatives, rock climbing, search and rescue techniques, and identification of…

Discusses approaches to science projects designed to eliminate negative reactions, improve topic selection and problem identification, and create excitement. These include creating classroom resource centers, bulletin boards, and student committees to help students develop their projects by narrowing broad topics to specific problem statements and…

Describes an experiment for plotting equipotential curves in which the normally used electrometer is replaced by a null-deflecting potentiometer, and in which the uniform resistance wire is substituted by carbon-impregnated conductive paper. Procedures and sample plot/results (including graphic analysis) are provided. (JM)

Describes a science unit which centers around Halloween festivities and materials. Includes several science activities which use apples and pumpkins to examine such areas as frame of reference and latitude and longitude. (JN)