Provides a simple introduction to animals whose habitat is the thin surface film of water. Describes adaptive mechanisms of water striders, whirlygigs and riffle bugs and suggests ways to observe them in the wild or as aquarium animals. Includes basic demonstrations of the nature of surface tension. (JHZ)

Explains how simple models of easily assembled materials can help teach the workings of human joints. Provides specific suggestions for demonstrating the structure and operation of fixed joints, slightly movable joints, and freely movable joints. (ML)

Provides: (1) background information on what makes up the universe, ways astronomers study the universe, and theories about how the universe began; (2) six activities; and (3) four read-to-duplicate pages. Activities include objective(s), recommended age level(s), subject area(s), list of materials needed, and procedures. (JN)

Provides instructions for making tin can radiation detectors from empty aluminum cans, aluminum foil, clear plastic, copper wire, silica gel, and fine, unwaxed dental floss put together with tape or glue. Also provides suggestions for activities using the detectors. (JN)

Presents a module that focuses on the solvent property of water. Indicates the knowledge items, skills, processes, and attitudes that are developed in the unit. Includes background information as well as student directions for an experiment on solubility. (ML)

Offers two experiments centering on the properties of ice for elementary age students. Provides a listing of needed materials and recommended procedures. Suggestions for helping students are also included. (ML)

Discusses various ways in which snacks are used as the focal point of science lessons. They include writing a laboratory report after experimenting (and eating) lollipops and preparing peanut butter and jelly sandwiches following the exact directions supplied by students. (JN)

Discusses various activities using a ripple tank. Offers practical suggestions (not mentioned in standard textbooks) for achieving a clear, steady quality of waves with the instrument. (JN)

Presents information on the moment of inertia of a tennis racket about its principal axes. This information (not available from conventional sources) is useful since it influences how the racket plays and how the racket feels when it is swung. In addition, measurements of motion can be easily made by undergraduate students. (JN)

A game is used to study population control factors on a wolf pack and to explore human competition with these animals. A game board and chance cards to be photocopied for use in the classroom are provided. (DH)

Presents ideas for using model trains as a teaching tool and/or minicourse in junior high school science classes. Students investigate such topics as electric motor operation, electric potential, resistance, electromagnets, transformers, switches, centripetal force, cam mechanism, circuitry and wiring techniques, and ammeters. Directions for…

Using many different media, students can turn leaves into images which can be used for study, bulletin boards, collections, and identification. The simple techniques described include pastel printing, smoke prints, ink or tempura printing, bleach printing on t-shirts, ditto machine printing using carbon paper, and making cutouts. (DH)

Samara (winged seeds from maple and ash trees) can be used for open-ended inquiry or a series of directed science activities. Attributes, observations/inferences, drawing, motion, floating, seed structure, creative design, and measurement are some of the suggestions for classroom use of these seeds. (DH)

Provides: (1) background information on how trees reproduce, what they need to survive, and where they grow; (2) six activities dealing with these topics; and (3) a ready-to-copy page showing trees around the world. Each activity includes an objective, recommended age level(s), subject area(s), list of materials needed, and procedures. (JN)

Provides: (1) background information on plant and animal relationships in forest communities; (2) four activities dealing with these relationships; and (3) five ready-to-copy pages for students. Activities include objective(s), recommended age level(s), subject area(s), list of materials needed, and procedures. (JN)