Ranger Rick's NatureScope is a creative education series dedicated to inspiring in children an understanding and appreciation of the natural world while developing the skills they will need to make responsible decisions about the environment. The topic of this issue is "Wading into Wetlands." Contents are organized into the following…

This guide contains 19 science-based, multidisciplinary activities that teach what a watershed is, how it works and why we must all consider ourselves watershed managers. An extensive background section introduces readers to fundamental watershed concepts. Each activity adapts to local watersheds, contains e-links for further Internet research and…

Scientific challenges are presented to motivate secondary and college students in creative thinking and scientific problem solving. Student solutions to the "Create-a-Creature" challenge are presented and six new challenges are issued. (PEB)

Describes student projects on applications of solar energy optics to home design. Project criterion (requiring sketches and detailed calculations of time rate of energy flow/production) is that half the heat for the heating season be taken from the solar resource; calculations must be based on meteorological data for a specific location. (JM)

Provides background information and suggestions for concrete experiences to help nonscientists teaching 5- to 13-year-old children. Includes a list of 25 ideas for energy activities and a list of 10 key energy concepts. (JM)

Presents procedures, experiments, demonstrations, teaching suggestions, and information on a variety of chemistry topics including, for example, inert gases, light-induced reactions, calculators, identification of substituted acetophenones, the elements, analysis of copper minerals, extraction of metallic strontium, equilibrium, halogens, and…

National Assessment of Educational Progress data show that, by age 9, girls express interest but do not engage in as many science activities as boys. This continues through ages 13 and 17, paralleled by increasing negative views of science and science classes/careers. Suggestions to eliminate inequalities found are offered. (JN)

A shoe box is converted into a model home to demonstrate the energy efficiency of various insulation measures. Included are instructions for constructing the model home from a shoe box, insulating the shoe box, several activities involving different insulation measures, extensions of the experiment, and post-lab discussion topics. (DS)

Explained are the differences between and offered are examples of longitudinal and transverse sound waves. Described is the construction of the Crova's Disc, a device used in the teaching of the propagation and properties of sound waves. (DS)

Outlines a variety of laboratory procedures, demonstrations, and classroom materials including a three dimensional, moveable cardboard model of the rib cage and diaphragm; a polyphenal oxidase experiment; ringing experiment using Impatiens; enzyme rummy game; and leaf impressions. (DS)

Suggests the use of "action showcases" to attract student interest. These showcases require students to push a button to activate showcase material. Includes several ideas for demonstrating science phenomena. (DS)

Suggestions are given for encouraging parents to participate in their children's science studies, at home and at school. Several sample lessons illustrate the kinds of experiments that require only inexpensive supplies which parents can provide. (SA)

An idea for hands-on activities for families to use in discovering the outdoors together when visiting parks is described. Family packs contain discovery and natural history cards, thermometers, magnifiers, insect boxes, photographs of animals and plants, a pencil, and a feedback form. (SA)

Describes a summer program for prefreshman science students entering Xavier University, designed to develop their problem-solving and academic abilities by emphasizing the connection between reading comprehension and analytical skills. (MKM)

Describes an experimental setup which allows the student to investigate the resonance characteristics of a vibrating plate using a small, circular steel plate clamped around its perpiphery. (HM)