Discusses an approach to the first day of general chemistry class that utilizes principles of constructivism, collaborative and cooperative groups, and student-centered learning. (CCM)

Describes a set of experiments that enable students to see the effects of soil erosion and some of the measures that can be taken to prevent it. Illustrates ways in which soil and biodiversity can be restored in areas that have suffered severe land degradation. (CCM)

Presents a teaching activity that uses photographs and diagrams to simulate two microscopic laboratory techniques used to observe the structure of chromosomes. Techniques include observation of squashed onion root tips and the salivary glands of some fruitfly larvae. (WRM)

Describes two related color-change reactions that are relatively easy and safe to demonstrate. In the "Sunday School Reaction", a black and a white solution are mixed to form a white solution. In the "South Africa Reaction", a series of black, brown, red, and white solutions are mixed to form a clear, colorless solution. (WRM)

Introduces an activity for fifth grade elementary students on water, cohesion, and adhesion. Provides a list of necessary materials and includes a checklist for performance based assessment. Recommends follow up experiments for testing cohesive property with different liquids. (YDS)

Explains the mechanism of a lava lamp and gives directions for building one using isopropyl alcohol. Provides hints for a laboratory activity and includes questions and answers. (YDS)

Details a lesson that utilizes trigonometric identities to determine the optimal angle between the atoms of covalent bonds. Generates a proof of the optimal angle for a molecule with four identical atoms bonded to a central atom that has a complete valence shell. (DDR)

Presents a set of hands-on electrostatics experiments in the form of an activity guide and worksheet through which students discover the different types of electric charge, Coulomb's Law, induced charge separation, and grounding. (DDR)

Illustrates the use of learning contracts with students involved in science projects. For the learner, the contract is a worksheet to help plan the project as well as an agreement that outlines the tasks to be performed. (DDR)

Announces the theme for National Science and Technology Week (NSTW) 1998 and offers a rationale for the choice of the topic of polar connections. Suggests that the poles offer a glimpse of science as high adventure. The poles are often seen as pristine, nearly lablike environments that provide a platform for animal studies. (DDR)

Presents three activities to teach elementary students about why magnets stick to some things but not others. The activities have students discover what makes materials magnetic, what the lines of force are in a magnetic field, and how magnetic forces penetrate materials such as paper and cardboard. (SM)

Saccharomyces cerevisiae provides an excellent tool for students to enter into inquiry-based science. This very simple organism is used to demonstrate that the principles governing life apply to all organisms. Students learn to design experiments using trypan blue and heat, build upon their findings with new experiments, and refine and repeat…

Begins with the procedure and results from an investigation on the effect of fluoride on the reaction between eggshell (substitute teeth) and dilute ethanoic acid. Describes an elegantly modified and improvised apparatus. (DDR)

Illustrates the use of an inductive approach that leads students to the discovery of Avogadro's number while integrating thinking, mathematical, and calculator skills in the process. An understanding of scientific notation and a calculator are required. (DDR)

Presents a classroom technique designed to aid student understanding of science that involves a flow chart of the scientific method. Affords a conceptual framework for organizing many research concepts taught in introductory science classes. Contains 19 references. (DDR)