Describes resources for information and activities involving volcanoes. Includes an activity that helps students become familiar with the principal types of volcanoes and explores how the viscosity of magma affects the way a volcano erupts. (MKR)

Explains why transparency film demonstrates biaxial optical properties. Provides detailed descriptions of the procedure and equipment needed for large-scale optics demonstrations of the polarization interference pattern produced by biaxial crystals. (DDR)

Presents an activity in which students learn about the characteristics of the planet Mars. Challenges students to design and build a model of a robotic vehicle that can travel on the surface of Mars and accomplish an assigned task that will provide information useful for future manned trips to the planet. Outlines mission task cards and progress…

Presents material for a talk and demonstration about the relationship of potato types to their different uses by consumers and processors. Includes background information for the instructor and discussions to accompany classroom exercises. Discusses the history of the potato, potato types and external characteristics, and internal characteristics…

Describes a year-long course called Outdoor Science taught at an American Indian reservation high school that demonstrates to students the connection between traditional tribal knowledge and western science to spark student interest in science. Presents a list that contains references on the subject of ethnobotany. Includes specific references for…

Presents an activity in which students learn about the changes in the state of matter by making taffy the old-fashioned way. (JRH)

Presents a long-term investigation designed to provide practice for students in thinking in a scientific manner about a real problem--the impact that waste products may have on soil. Focuses on student questions that have some connection to the local community. (JRH)

Presents activities that can be used to introduce thin-layer chromatography at the undergraduate level in relatively less developed countries and that can be performed with very simple and commonly available apparati in high schools and colleges. Activities include thin-layer chromatography with a test-tube, capillary feeder, burette, and rotating…

Presents an effective way to demonstrate the difference between direct current and alternating current using red and green LEDs. Describes how to make a tool that shows how an AC voltage changes with time using the afterimage effect of the LEDs. (Author/NB)

Describes a project in which 7th and 8th grade students learned lasting lessons about habitat when they built nesting boxes and erected them in a local park. Students deepened their understanding of environmental issues and gained a sense of pride. Includes instructions for building nesting boxes. (NB)

Discusses the National Science Foundation's (NSF) National Science and Technology Week (NSTW), which provides opportunities for people to discover and express interest in science and technology. Includes information on teaching activities, business partnerships, and community involvement. (NB)

Presents a hands-on activity for children to build and take home a basic model of the human skeletal system. Describes how to make "noodle people" from ordinary materials including pasta, pipe cleaners, straws, and margarine tub lids. (NB)

Describes 10 predator/prey relationships that occur on the coast. Predators are compared to criminals and prey to their victims along with details of crime scenes. Accurately describes the habits and habitats of the criminals and presents games and activities that feature the relationships between predators and their prey. (Author/SOE)

Presents an interactive method for using the periodic table as an effective mnemonic for writing electronic configurations. Discusses the intrinsic relevance of configurations to chemistry by building upon past analogies. Addresses pertinent background information, describes the hands-on method, and demonstrates its use. Transforms the traditional…

Presents a variety of activities, assignments, and mentoring structures to address the challenges of teaching writing while at the same time delivering analytical chemistry content. Emphasizes the importance of students being able to communicate in the language of their chosen field. (Author/NB)