A set of examples is provided that illustrate the use of work as applied to simple machines. The ramp, pulley, lever and hydraulic press are common experiences in the life of a student, and their theoretical analysis therefore makes the abstract concept of work more real. The mechanical advantage of each of these systems is also discussed so that…

The experience and science expertise of these award-winning authors makes this easy-to-use guide a teacher's treasure trove. This latest edition to the popular What Successful Teachers Do series describes 75 research-based strategies and outlines best practices for inquiry-oriented science. Each strategy includes a brief description of the…

This paper takes a descriptive look at Community Science Workshops (CSWs). This paper discusses what CSW is, how it arose and spread, how local CSWs are structured and led, and what programs and experiences they offer to youth. (Contains 2 footnotes.)

This article describes an interdisciplinary, activity-based lesson plan implemented in a third/fourth-grade classroom. During these activities, students use musical concepts to think about, illustrate, and discuss animal behavior, and they use scientific concepts to motivate musical composition and performance. The lesson ends with small group…

This paper reports on a case study with three dyads of high school students (age 14 years) each collaborating on a plant growth modeling task in the computer-supported educational environment "ModelsCreator". Following a qualitative line of research, the present study aims at highlighting the ways in which the collaborating students as well as the…

This study draws upon qualitative case study to investigate the connections between the "funds of knowledge" that urban, high-poverty students bring to science learning and the development of a sustained interest in science. We found that youth developed a sustained interest in science when: (1) their science experiences connected with how they…

Bioassays are commonly used to test the biological activity of chemicals and other exercises are presented in which students synthesize plant hormones. Lab exercise is conducted using commercially available auxins and auxin regulating compounds.

This book contains over 30 investigations and activities that can be used or adapted for science fair projects. It outlines basic techniques and procedures that can be applied to zoological investigations. Projects and activities described include: finding out how many different kinds of insects and other arthropods live in nearby fields and…

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and its predecessor organizations, Civil Aeronautics Agency (CAA) and the Civil Aeronautics Administration (CAA) have pioneered the use of aviation education in working with schools and colleges of the nation to attain their objectives. This publication includes: a brief history of the role of aviation in…

An outdoor field study program is an exciting way to introduce youth to activities that increase awareness and appreciation for the natural environment. This guide was developed to assist volunteer leaders and educators in planning and conducting outdoor field study programs. Part 1 of this guide should be used with the video, "A Planning…

The SETI Academy Planet Project provides an exciting, informative, and creative series of activities for elementary students (grades 5-6) in these activities each student plays the role of a cadet at the SETI Academy, a fictitious institution. This unit examines the evolution of stars and planets which is an important aspect of the search for…

This instructional packet deals with inventions and presents activities that enable students to learn about past inventions and inventors and also create their own inventions in a variety of ways: centers, individual work, and group work. (JRH)

This book provides laboratory experiments to enhance any food science/botany curriculum. Chapter 1, "Introduction," presents a survey of the techniques used in plant biotechnology laboratory procedures. Chapter 2, "Micronutrition," discusses media and nutritional requirements for tissue culture studies. Chapter 3, "Sterile Seeds," focuses on the…

Many science educators emphasize the need and importance of hands- and minds-on education in science. This document provides numerous hands-on science activities for students and tips for parents and teachers to help take some of the stress out of hands-on projects. Some of the suggestions made to teachers are related to the following concerns:…

Bacterial transformation is a commonly used technique in genetic engineering that involves transferring a gene of interest into a bacterial host so that the bacteria can be used to produce large quantities of the gene product. Although several kits are available for performing bacterial transformation in the classroom, students do not always…