Presents a weather forecasting activity in which students experience the original view and style of weather forecasting. (YDS)

Studies effective inquiry tasks through transforming content, scientific thinking, and resources featured in scientists' authentic practices. Investigates how 59 inner-city 6th grade students performed in real-time forecasting situations involving fronts and pressure systems. Results show that real-world situations that closely mapped onto…

Presents an exercise to demonstrate adaptive landscaping. Describes the effects of selection and genetic drift. (YDS)

Uses a commercially available meat tenderizer for the source of an enzyme that can degrade meat protein and asks students to test the effects of incubating human hair in water with or without this enzyme. Teaches scientific methodology and the importance of experimental controls. (Author/YDS)

Uses trenoids, which are toothpicks colored with ink markers to represent a single taxa of organisms to illustrate ecological concepts in a student-centered learning environment. (YDS)

To familiarize students with the design and use of classification keys, a simple key for the identification of anemonefishes was devised for use in field excursions for marine studies in the Solomon Islands. During field studies students benefited from a locally produced reference. In using this strategy, students were able to master the…

Describes techniques for enhancing the experiences of participants in nature hikes or other outdoor group learning activities. Presents three techniques: (1) "The Caboose Hike" that engages students in sharing information; (2) "The Five Tools" that emphasizes use of the five senses; and (3) "Nature Detectives" that engages participants in a search…

Presents an activity in which students examine factors that may influence their future by analyzing and evaluating four different scenarios of the future. Students imagine how each scenario might affect different people in their community. Provides objectives, procedures, and assessment strategies. (DLH)

Describes a research assignment for 8th grade students on the elements of the periodic table. Students use web-based resources and a chemistry handbook to gather information, construct concept maps, and present the findings to the full class using the mode of their choice: a humorous story, a slideshow or gameboard, a brochure, a song, or skit.…

Describes occultation events involving the moon, when the moon blocks the view of planets or stars. Describes other events such as a partial solar eclipse, a penumbral lunar eclipse, meteor showers, and moon phases. Provides a list of internet resources related to these events. (DLH)

Presents the study of declining Anuran populations as a mystery to be solved by teams of investigators. Student teams research assigned topics and develop scenarios to explain the declining populations. Provides background information on Anurans along with clue sheets. Describes possible extensions for the activity and provides the source for a…

Describes the role that informal interpretative programs and facilities can play in providing inquiry-oriented science experiences. Presents two examples of scientific inquiry programs: investigating wetlands and investigating density. In both examples, participants formulate questions, collect data, and attempt to answer their own questions. (DLH)

Uses Lego building blocks to improve the effectiveness of teaching about protein synthesis. Provides diagrams and pictures for a 2-3 day student activity. Discusses mRNA, transfer RNA, and a protein synthesis model. (MVL)

Describes a laboratory experiment on resistance to teach about evolution and issues of misuse of antimicrobial compounds. Investigates Escherichia coli's response to treatment of triclosan, a biocide used in consumer products. (Contains 12 references.) (YDS)

Describes a science activity on the importance of meiosis for variability. Uses a coin flip to demonstrate the random arrangement of genetic materials and explains how this results in zygotes with a new DNA combination. (YDS)