The wealth of language and lore about frogs can be used to enrich learning in language arts, science, social studies, and the arts, as well as to investigate values and develop thinking skills. Activities are suggested and a list of appropriate books is provided. (MT)

Describes a learning center game which deals with the needs of dogs and cats in the winter months. Provides background information on the potential risks to pets during cold weather. Contains the game cards, along with assembly instructions and the rules of the games. (TW)

A number of alternative frameworks used by 84 students (ages 12-16) in interpreting phenomena concerned with fluid pressure were identified during interviews with these students. Methodology employed, tasks used to obtain data, an analysis of the results, and implications for physics teaching are included. (JN)

An increase in the cognitive restructuring aspect of field-independence was found to be associated with an increase in formal operational thought in 11- to 12-year-olds who were given materials designed to achieve this result. Materials used (including computer programs) are described in an appendix. (JN)

Offers perspectives on research related to students' ideas about science prior to instruction. Discusses possible origins of prior knowledge, the requirements for conceptual change, and reviews instructional implications. (ML)

Outlines steps for casting insects in permanent molds prepared from commercially available liquid plastic. Also describes dry mountings in glass, acrylic, and petri dishes. The rationale for specimen use, hints for producing quality results, purchasing information, and safety precautions are considered. (DH)

Illustrates a method by which individual students or small groups can make a compact, self-sufficient system supplying all the growth needs for bean sprouts. Outlines several activities that can be completed while the bean sprouts are growing. (DH)

Describes the distinctive characteristics of mammals and compares modern mammals with their prehistoric relatives as well as with other animal groups. Includes activities and ready-to-copy games, illustrations, and diagrams of wolves, vertebrates, and past and present mammals. (ML)

Materials needed, recommended age level(s), subject area(s), and strategies are provided for activities in which dinosaurs are used in art, music, writing, and other creative media (such as using the dinosaur theme to create advertisements). Ready-to-copy student materials are included. (JN)

Provides (1) background information on global winds, air masses, fronts, and pressure systems; (2) five activities on this topic; and (3) a ready-to-copy coloring page and worksheet. Each activity includes an objective, list of materials needed, recommended age level(s), subject area(s), and instructional strategies. (JN)

Presents (1) a list of 31 questions about weather (with answers); (2) a glossary of weather-related words; and (3) a bibliography listing general reference books, children's books, other publications, audiovisual aids, radio/television programs, other activity sources, weather supplies, and items (articles, poems, and things to do) appearing in…

Sixth graders built working "robots" (or grasping bars) for remote control use during a unit on simple mechanics. Steps for making a robot are presented, including: cutting the wood, drilling and nailing, assembling the jaws, and making them work. The "jaws," used to pick up objects, illustrate principles of levers. (DH)

Children in grades two and five explained such weather phenomena as wind, clouds, thunder, lightning, rain, snow, and rainbows during interviews. Results indicate that most students in both grades were at a stage of nonreligious finalism and do not use true causality in explanations. Implications for teaching are discussed. (DH)

Lakatos's methodology of scientific research programs is summarized and discussed for Piagetian schools and alternative conceptions movement. Commonalities/differences between these two rival programs are presented along with fundamental assumptions, auxiliary hypotheses, and research policy. Suggests that research findings should not be merely…

Assesses the benefits of a minizoo project which incorporates an animal lending program. Describes the instructional opportunities made available to teachers and students through this offering. Also explains the functions and activities of an animal club for children. (ML)