Described is how an amateur weather observer measures and records temperature and precipitation at a well-equipped, backyard weather station. Directions for building an instrument shelter and a description of the instruments needed for measuring temperature and precipitation are included. (KR)

Presents an activity in which students use microscopes to examine the diversity of the roundworm species that they obtained from water and soil samples. Discusses the role of roundworms in the ecosystem. Provides a lesson plan for teacher use that includes preparation information, materials needed, lesson procedures, and suggestions to extend the…

The article presents inexpensive activities to teach elementary school students about electromagnets. Students learn to make an electromagnet with a battery, nail, and wire, then different activities help them explore the difference between permanent magnets and electromagnets. (SM)

The study of aerodynamics using a wind tunnel helps students develop an understanding of the basic scientific concepts of lift, drag, and stability and their applications. Directions for building a wind tunnel in the classroom and activities for using the tunnel are provided. (KR)

Uses a compact disc (CD) as a grating in spectroscopy experiments. Suggests using the CD with fluorescent tubes, compact fluorescent light bulbs, incandescent filament light bulbs, and sodium and mercury vapor lamps. Discusses environmental and economic aspects of fluorescent lighting. (MVL)

Describes activities concerning interference phenomena derived from illuminated rotating soap films. Suggests reflecting incident light off of the soap film onto a projection screen. Discusses several possible experiments, how to make soap solutions, and vibrating soap films. (MVL)

Argues for an original structure for field guides, a structure that encourages induction on the part of the student and allows the student to create flexible taxa based on ecologically and evolutionary relevant field marks. Students will become more familiar with the multiple bases of taxonomy. (PR)

Describes easy to implement exercises that are designed to promote interest in physics by changing the laboratory environment. (ZWH)

Describes an activity that demonstrates the effect of specific variables on the acidity of coffee. (ZWH)

Presents a science activity that illustrates the need to collaborate in scientific inquiry. The example utilized describes the methods used by the Roman doctor Galen to treat epilepsy. (MDH)

Presents an activity in which students gather their own snowflake collection in search of matching crystals. Students stretch plastic wrap over embroidery hoops that provide a snowflake-catching surface. Snowflakes are viewed under a microscope and photographed. (MDH)

Presents an activity that is part of the National Science and Technology Week (NSTW) 1993. Students apply principles of biomechanics to find the most effective techniques for performing a standing broad jump and use that analysis to improve their own jumping. Instructions include procedures, materials needed, and possible extensions to the…

Describes the adaptation of thermite (aluminum with metal oxides) reactions from whole-class demonstrations to student-run micro-reactions. Lists detailed directions and possible variations of the experiment. (WRM)

Explains that some metal springs have an initial tension that must be overcome before using the F=kx relationship (Hooke's Law) for experimental calculations in the physics laboratory. (WRM)

Reports on a study of elementary and middle school students' (n=254) intentions to perform science learning activities. Finds that students value different sources of information and support relative to their intention to engage in science learning activities. Contains 40 references. (Author/WRM)