Suggests the use of a body puzzle as a student-centered and economic way of teaching human anatomy. Provides a full page diagram of the body with illustrations of selected organs. Lists activities that can serve as the basis for inquiry into the structure and function of the human body. (ML)

Identifies the characteristics and components of a quality laboratory program for secondary science students. Suggests approaches, questions, and activities that aim to provide challenging experiences in the sciences. Also provides a listing of recommended laboratory standards and procedures. (ML)

Teachers can help children understand that sound is caused when something vibrates by using the suggested activities to help teach them to see, hear, and feel the vibrations all around them. Suggests reinforcing the lesson by having the children create musical instruments out of simple materials. (JN)

Describes a procedure for the qualitative analysis of aluminum subgroup cations designed to avoid failure to obtain lead or barium chromate precipitates or failure to report aluminum hydroxide when present (due to staining). Provides a flow chart and step-by-step explanation for the new procedure, indicating significantly improved student results.…

Describes an experiment on the simultaneous determination of chromium and magnesium by spectophotometry modified to include the Generalized Standard Addition Method computer program, a multivariate calibration method that provides optimal multicomponent analysis in the presence of interference and matrix effects. Provides instructions for…

Describes the measurement of refractive index of laser light using a glass plate, prism, and a ruler. Discusses the application of Snell's law to the activity. (JM)

Suggests various observations that can be made while at a zoo, including behavior of animals, adaptations to special environments, locomotion, food type, and physical characteristics. Provides a sample data sheet for animal observations, citing the usefulness of organized observation. (JM)

Describes two techniques for making 35 millimeter slides without using photographic film. One method uses clear adhesive contact paper and the other uses transparency film. Both techniques are inexpensive and require only a few minutes of preparation per slide. (JM)

This article contains suggestions for introducing the scientific concept of matter and demonstration acids and bases using low-cost, collectible supplies. Sample questions and experiments are listed to help students explore these ideas. A list of household supplies to be used in the experiments is given. (DF)

Stresses the importance of teaching children respect for and interest in spiders and insects. Recommends activities to study arthropods in their natural environment that will be exciting to students, sharpen observation skills, and promote respect and understanding. Lists potential excursion sites and preparatory procedures. (BC)

Describes an activity which provides opportunities for role-playing as industrialists, ecologists, and government officials. The activity involves forming an international commission on acid rain, taking testimony, and, based on the testimony, making recommendations to governments on specific ways to solve the problem. Includes suggestions for…

Offers suggestions for making good use of a single microcomputer in classes with large numbers of students. Strategies described include in-class demonstrations, laboratory station activities, group activities, enrichment activities, and data collection techniques. Diagrams of room arrangements to accomplish the strategies are included. (BC)

Discusses instructional strategies and activities designed to help students learn to recognize patterns and to create models to explain patterns. These include laboratory investigations and an exercise in which students are challenged to find the model used for the classroom seating arrangement. (JN)

Goals and activities of the Environmental Learning for the Future (ELF) program are described. ELF, developed by the Vermont Institute of Natural Sciences, is a natural science/environmental education program based on curiosity and concerns of elementary-aged children. Also described workshops involving animal pantomime, animal and plant defenses,…

Describes studies at winter bird feeders which enhance instruction of ecology at the University of Michigan biological station. Background material is provided for field activities in which black-capped chickadees are observed and for home range determination and population estimate activities. (DH)