This booklet, geared toward an advanced high school or early college-level audience, explains how structural biology provides insight into health and disease and is useful in developing new medications. This publication contains a general introduction to proteins, coverage of the techniques used to determine protein structures, and a chapter on…

This document describes methods for designing and building two types of rockets--rockets from paper and rockets from bottles. Devices used for measuring the heights that the rockets obtain are also discussed. (KHR)

This paper examines the available literature on the inclusion of gardens within the academic curriculum at the elementary school level. In addition, it attempts to link the need students have for a connection to their environment with a school garden and explores the benefits of integrating curriculum to enhance learning. This paper attempts to…

This issue of Exploratorium Magazine focuses on the topic of motion. Contents include: (1) "First Word" (Zach Tobias); (2) "Cosmic Collisions" (Robert Irion); (3) "The Mobile Cell" (Karen E. Kalumuck); (4) "The Paths of Paths" (Steven Vogel); (5) "Fragments" (Pearl Tesler); (6) "Moving Pictures" (Amy Snyder); (7) "Plants on the Go" (Katharine…

This educator's guide from discusses optics, light, color and their uses. Activities include: (1) "Reflection of Light with a Plane (Flat) Mirror--Trace a Star"; (2) "Reflection of Light with Two Plane Mirrors--Double Mirrors Placed at a 90-Degree Angle"; (3) "Reflection of Light with Two Plane Mirrors--Double Mirrors Placed at a Number of…

This educator guide for grades K-4 and 5-8 presents the basic science of aeronautics by emphasizing hands-on involvement, prediction, data collections and interpretation, teamwork, and problem solving. Activities include: (1) Finding the Center of Gravity Using Rulers; (2) Finding the Center of Gravity Using Plumb Lines; (3) Changing the Center of…

This guide is intended to provide Kids and Chemistry (K&C) with a variety of age-appropriate, fun, and safe demonstrations. It features information on planning a large event and includes safety guidelines. Several activities are included under each major topic. Topics include: (1) Acids and Bases; (2) Unsigned; (3) Kool Tie-Dye; (4) Secret…

Technology has a unique place in the elementary classroom. It provides an unparalleled vehicle for integrating many traditional subject areas. It serves to break down curricular barriers while at the same time promoting situated learning. This paper describes the implementation of a unit that focuses on the technology of the dike systems. Dikes…

This teacher's guide was developed to assist teachers in the use of multimedia resources for the Public Broadcasting System (PBS) program, "Evolution." Each unit uses an inquiry-based approach to meet the National Science Education Standards. Units include: (1) "What is the Nature of Science?"; (2) "Who Was Charles Darwin?"; (3) "What is the…

This paper discusses the risk assessment associated with microbiology instruction based on grade level, general control measures, appropriate activities for middle school and high school students, the preparation and sterilization of equipment, and safe handling techniques. Appended are instructions and figures on making wire loops and the…

This document introduces the Edible Schoolyard Project (ESP) in which students create a garden, watch it grow, and develop a bond with nature. Chapters include: (1) "Implications of the Edible Schoolyard Project" (Wes Jackson); (2) "A World of Possibilities" (Alice Waters); (3) "The Garden Experience" (David Hawkins);…

This publication presents a science activity and instructional information on the mechanics of granular materials, interparticle friction and geometric interlocking between particles which is a fundamental concept in many fields like in the study of earthquakes. This document describes the Mechanics of Granular Materials (MGM) experiments which…

This children's activity book helps students discover Alaska's salmon. Information is provided about salmon and where they live. The salmon life cycle and food chains are also discussed. Different kinds of salmon such as Chum Salmon, Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Sockeye Salmon, and Pink Salmon are introduced, and various activities on salmon are…

This program gives young students a good look at the process of investigation to help them develop the ability to ask scientific questions, investigate the science-filled world around them, and use those observations to build knowledgeable explanations for the questions they pose as an exciting way to help students develop their understanding of…

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 "Wild & Crafty." It contains a variety of craft ideas related to…