Describes a model that (1) convincingly demonstrates a particle model of gas behavior, (2) can be used by students, (3) can be mass produced, and (4) illustrates other properties of matter such as simple crystal structures and states of matter. (WRM)

Presents the rigor mortis process in brook charr (Salvelinus fontinalis) as a tool for better understanding skeletal muscle metabolism. Describes an activity that demonstrates how rigor mortis is related to the post-mortem decrease of muscular glycogen and ATP, how glycogen degradation produces lactic acid that lowers muscle pH, and how…

Suggests using everyday examples to help students describe the relationships that emerge from the evidence displayed on line graphs during science investigations. (WRM)

Summarizes how a group of teachers prepared a series of elementary-level inquiry experiences that focused on the study of land snails. Recommends and describes the K-W-L and Four Question inquiry strategies for younger and older students respectively. (WRM)

Correlates the kinds of strategies associated with a deep approach to learning science. Analyzes the interactions of two groups of grade 8 students while they were engaged in hands-on science activities during instruction in a chemistry unit. Focuses on two students who showed a deep approach to learning. (Contains 47 references.) (Author/YDS)

Presents some elementary-level science activities that can be used to study moving and falling objects. Provides background information on motion and force for elementary teachers. (WRM)

Discusses physics, earth science, and physical science concepts that are challenging for students and teachers because they are difficult to understand and demonstrate. Identifies ratio and inverse-square as a unifying-concept approach according to the National Education Standards. Supports teaching based on student-centered activities, long-term…

Discusses the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA's) Laboratory Safety Standards as the major driving force in establishing and maintaining a safe working environment for teachers and students. (Author)

Recommends strategies to engage students in science tasks including match games, scavenger hunts, and science songs. Uses an interdisciplinary approach in the science activities. (YDS)

Discusses the merits of the Spectrum Techniques gamma spectroscopy system as used by university students to determine the mass-energy of an electron from measurements of the energies of Compton-scattered gammas. (WRM)

Reports on the agenda of an exemplary teacher as she planned for and implemented a visit to an interactive science center by her class of 12-year-old boys. Describes activity in three sections: pre-visit preparation, post-visit activities and reflections, and during the visit. Focuses on the nature of student learning and participant teachers'…

Describes a series of simple but spectacular chemistry demonstrations designed to capture children's imaginations. The demonstrations take the minimum amount of time to prepare, are relatively safe to dispose of, and reliable. (Author/WRM)

Contends that mud dauber nests--which are widely available, safe, inexpensive, and easy to use--offer a novel and highly motivating way to teach ecological concepts to life science students at many grade levels. Presents background information for teachers, details classroom-tested methods for nest dissection, provides keys to nest contents, and…

Describes a laboratory exercise for undergraduate science students in which they evaluate soil samples for various parameters related to suitability for crop production and capability for retention of contaminants. (Contains 18 references.) (WRM)

Presents an activity that allows students to remove tarnish from silver using the reaction of tarnish with aluminum rather than the abrasion method of commercial tarnish removers. Makes suggestions for adapting the activity to an at-home investigation. (WRM)