Describes the use of recently constructed stormwater detention ponds to conduct a set of field and laboratory exercises in an undergraduate limnology course. Provides a number of logistical advantages that can benefit those teaching aquatic sciences. (JRH)

Presents an activity that uses holiday lights to help students internalize the concept that white light contains a combination of all the colors of the rainbow. (JRH)

Discusses strategies for and benefits of integrating music into science courses. (JRH)

Examines experiences of university students in an outreach program designed to teach science and foster positive attitudes toward science in younger children. Reports positive responses from teachers and children. Highlights the value of providing diverse and challenging experiences for children and the need for dialog and reflection on those…

Describes an activity that combines Mendel's Postulates with Morgan's Chromosome theory of inheritance. Students pair up the mother's and father's genes and learn how the genes line up with each other. Background information on the theories is provided and tips that can be used to aid student understanding are included. (DDR)

Compares the nature of student thinking in confirmation and open-inquiry laboratory activities. Reports that student thinking processes exhibited in confirmation laboratories emphasized procedures and techniques--making sense of and doing the laboratory, whereas student thinking in open-inquiry laboratories emphasized data analysis--making sense…

Discusses Mission Possible, a problem-solving strategy that provides a wide range of learning experiences and encourages students and teachers to explore the use of scientific ideas and principles. Describes setting up a Mission Possible Day for primary students in a rural community. (Author/NB)

Presents an Energy and Change unit developed to assist teaching and learning of why things happen. Uses a series of abstract diagrams that represent thermodynamic change to connect seemingly different situations. Diagrams are intelligible to students, scientifically consistent, useful to teachers, and integrate within science courses. (Author/NB)

Describes a twist on the egg-drop challenge activity for an 8th grade physical science unit. Students engage in active inquiry and explore the laws of physics, develop critical thinking skills, and practice problem-solving tasks. (NB)

Presents a way for teachers to capitalize on children's intrinsic fascination with big things by measuring the world's largest living plants--trees. Students develop an appreciation of nature, work together cooperatively, and practice science process skills. Outlines the procedure and equipment including pencils, metersticks, and string. (NB)

A trip to the zoo can be a terrific way for young children to learn about animals, especially using planned learning experiences. Presents some activities for use before, during, and after a trip to the zoo. (NB)

Explores the basic physics behind pulling a tablecloth out from under a set of dishes, glassware, and utensils without disturbing them. Discusses terminology of Newton's laws of motion and illustrates them using three simple examples. (NB)

Presents an activity to teach buoyancy. The lab determines what mass of sand can be added to the open end of hollow plastic containers of various shapes so that objects just float at the surface, without sinking, with their entire volume submerged. Discusses Archimedes' principle and aligns with current national science education standards.…

Presents an activity in which students in groups explore one planet in the solar system and present their findings to the whole class. Focuses on the planet's location in the solar system, geological features, rate of revolutions, and calendar year. (YDS)

Demonstrates acid rain falling into lakes using vinegar and explores the effects on different types of solids such as chalk, sand, and lime. Includes instructor information and student worksheets. (YDS)