Illustrates how concepts about the motion and expansion of gases can be taught to elementary school students through experiments based on the opening a bottle of soda. (BB)

Uses diagrams to aid in describing a simple, rapid technique for staining the nuclei of pollen grains that have been germinated in vitro. (ZWH)

Describes the creation and use of a cost-effective model for demonstrating osmosis using a beaker, wire screen, oats, and bean particles. (WRM)

Presents a case study of a mini-project that was effective in preparing students for their project work, although many felt demoralized by the experience. Identifies a number of factors that might improve the effectiveness of mini-projects. (CCM)

Suggests two methods for measuring the specific latent heat of ice fusion for high school physics laboratories. The first method is an ice calorimeter which is made from simple materials. The second method improves the thermal contact and allows for a more accurate measurement. Lists instructions for both methods. (Author/YDS)

Defines the vibrations of a tuning fork against a computer monitor screen as a pattern that can illustrate or explain physical concepts like wave vibrations, wave forms, and phase differences. Presents background information and demonstrates the experiment. (Author/YDS)

Describes the importance of eating properly. Presents two middle school level activities: the first activity has students record what they eat for nine days; the second activity includes listing the foods according to the food pyramid and discussing their decisions. Recommends three Web sites. (YDS)

Describes an experiment in an algebra-based introductory physics course to determine the power expenditure formulation for a person walking on a treadmill. (YDS)

Presents a simple method for making capacitors and measuring their capacitance. (Author/CCM)

Reviews the booklet "The Study of Matter" produced by the Institute of Physics as part of their Shaping the Future series. This booklet is designed for teachers of chemistry, physics, design and technology, and biology. (Author/CCM)

Introduces a format for inquiry that uses a question wheel and allows students to ask questions driven by their curiosity. Explains an activity that relates to a chromatography experiment. (YDS)

Studies the parameters involved in a presentation of the greenhouse effect and describes a simple demonstration of this effect. Required equipment includes a 100-120 watt lamp, a 250mL beaker, and a thermometer capable of recording 0-750 degrees Celsius together with a small amount of chloroform. (Author/SAH)

Uses a talk show activity for a final assessment tool for students to debate about the ozone hole. Students are assessed on five areas: (1) cooperative learning; (2) the written component; (3) content; (4) self-evaluation; and (5) peer evaluation. (SAH)

Introduces a science lab activity in which students dissect fresh squids in groups of four and observe the anatomy. Parent volunteers cook the squid mantle for kids to taste. Includes directions for squid dissection. (YDS)

Introduces an activity unit in which students observe the moon in different time frames and collect information. (YDS)