Describes the distinctive features of the common snapping turtle. Discusses facts and misconceptions held about the turtle. Provides guidelines for proper care and treatment of a young snapper in a classroom environment. (ML)

Maintains that inventing, which is a creative problem-solving approach in science, should be a part of the science curriculum. Invention fairs, an alternative to science fairs, can be an exciting and educationally sound addition to the curriculum for a wide range of students. (BB)

Describes the habitats and life cycles of newts. Provides tips on collecting and caring for newts, along with suggestions for observational lessons related to the collection, study, and release of these organisms. (TW)

Determined whether males, females, minorities, and nonminorities are quantitatively and qualitatively represented in the illustrations of seven contemporary elementary science textbooks (grades 1-6) in a manner that is reflective of society as it was, is, and should be. Results (based on examination of over 5,900 illustrations) are reported and…

Provides: (1) background information on insect habitats and microhabitats, examining what they are and why they are important to insects and animals; (2) six activities; and (3) materials (ready-to-copy games, puzzles, coloring pages, worksheets, and/or mazes). Activities include objective(s), recommended age level(s), subject area(s), list of…

Presents background information and six activities that focus on clouds, precipitation, and stormy weather. Each activity includes an objective, recommended age level(s), subject area(s), and instructional strategies. Also provided are two ready-to-copy pages (a coloring page on lightning and a list of weather riddles to solve). (JN)

Provides (1) background information on the many ways birds keep fit and are adapted to survive; (2) student activities on this topic; and (3) ready-to-copy materials (a game, worksheet, and coloring pages). Each activity includes an objective, recommended age level(s), subject area(s), list of materials needed, and procedures. (JN)

Provides: (1) background information on ways people affect deserts and ways deserts affect people; (2) student activities on this topic; and (3) ready-to-copy materials (culture match worksheet and causes worksheet). Each activity includes objective(s), recommended age level(s), subject area(s), list of materials needed, and procedures. (DH)

Presents: (1) a list of 26 questions about deserts (with answers); (2) a glossary with desert-related words; and (3) a bibliography listing general reference books, field guides, children's books, audiovisual aids, charts/posters and supplies, articles and related items appearing in "Ranger Rick" magazine, and other materials. (DH)

Introduces an approach to teaching about the skin that involves making, comparing, and classifying its prints. Outlines the procedures for making skin prints and explains why different kinds of patterns exist in various parts of the body and also among individuals. (ML)

Provides directives for the assembly of a skin sensitivity tester that can be used to examine the skin's function of feeling. Procedures for this experiment are reviewed and a chart for recording the data is also included. (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)

Related how partner-learning is an effective means of individualizing instruction. Describes PLUS (Partner-Learning in Understanding Science), an activity-centered, fact-based approach to science instruction. Provides suggestions for this program's organization and implementation. (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)

Lists a short Applesoft program which uses Hi-Res graphics to help students aged eight and up learn the points of a compass. Program features include help on incorrect responses and display of the percentages of correct responses at the end of a session. (JN)