Assesses student responses to and evaluates effectiveness of exercises designed to develop critical and analytical reasoning skills in the biological sciences. In answering exercises consisting of problems in a multiple-choice format, students are required to write out justifications for acceptance/rejection of each choice. Significant improvement…

Discusses indoor rocketry and use of a vivid model of human birth. Also discusses information (momentum/force) indicating how a motorcycle can be driven up around the increasing slope of an elliptical path, a food testing worksheet, and a worksheet on light for upper elementary/lower middle school students. Includes sample worksheets. (Author/JN)

Describes four body-lever models (biceps, triceps, back lever when lifting, foot lever and Achilles tendon muscle) used in noncalculus physics courses. Instructions for constructing the wooden models are provided. Also describes an improvement on a centripetal-force apparatus so that it is easier to operate. (JN)

Organizing school wilderness and wildlife clubs is suggested as a way to work with students to save endangered species. Typical club activities and ways to start such clubs are discussed. (Author/JN)

Describes a simple model to illustrate several aspects of the biochemical origin of life and the process of evolution through natural selection. The model has students predict the outcome of evolution in populations of beads. Instructional strategies using the model are also discussed. (Author/JN)

The carabid beetle (Notiophilus) preys readily on an easily-cultured collembolan in simple experimental conditions. Some features of this predator-prey system are outlined to emphasize its use in biology instruction. Experiments with another potential collembolan are described in the context of developing the method for more advanced studies.…

Discusses several science experiments/activities and their associated measurements. These include a simple projectile activity, cartesian diver (used to measure altitude and atmospheric pressure), experiment demonstrating atmospheric pressure, and activities using a stroboscope, and electrometer. (JN)

A two-week unit on "Science in Crime Detection" is described. Topics, laboratory activities, and instructional strategies for the unit (appropriate for both chemistry and physical science) are included. (JN)

Teachers can take advantage of students' interest in hair by using activities that focus on human hair in science or biology classes. Facts about the growth, purpose, and nutritional requirements for healthy hair are noted. Suggestions for measuring hair strength, and for making a hygrometer to measure general changes in humidity are included. (PP)

Describes construction of a model that can demonstrate the activities of the human lungs. Among these are the effects of occluding the trachea and respiratory opening, the action of diaphragmatic and negative-pressure breathing and pressure changes. (SA)

Describes ray tracing techniques and the method of virtual mirrors to locate images when using multiple mirrors. (JN)

Suggestions are given for using sand play to teach science related vocabulary and concepts to preschool and primary age children by using dry sand, wet sand, different sizes and shapes of spoons and containers, sieves, and funnels. (DC)

Suggests the use of spores and spore-producing structures to show adaptations facilitating spore dispersal and dispersal to favorable environments. Describes several activities using horsetails, ferns, and mosses. Lists five safety factors related to use of mold spores in the classroom. (DS)

Provides instructions for the construction of a paper mache classroom planetarium and suggests several student activities using this planetarium model. Lists reasons why students have difficulties in transferring classroom instruction in astronomy to the night sky. (DS)

Describes a laboratory exercise which applies Koch's Postulates to a plant disease, bacterial speck. Includes an explanation of Koch's Postulate, list of equipment needed, advance preparation, outline of the three-week activity, and variations of the laboratory exercise. (DS)