Describes the adaptation of thermite (aluminum with metal oxides) reactions from whole-class demonstrations to student-run micro-reactions. Lists detailed directions and possible variations of the experiment. (WRM)

Explains that some metal springs have an initial tension that must be overcome before using the F=kx relationship (Hooke's Law) for experimental calculations in the physics laboratory. (WRM)

Reports on a study of elementary and middle school students' (n=254) intentions to perform science learning activities. Finds that students value different sources of information and support relative to their intention to engage in science learning activities. Contains 40 references. (Author/WRM)

Offers a simple experiment that tests the effectiveness of cleaners that inhibit bacterial growth. Outlines a step-by-step method for preparing culture media that can be used for isolation and propagation of microorganisms. Concludes that kitchen medium is as efficient as the professionally-made medium in supporting colony growth. (CCM)

Introduces the freshwater oligochaete worm, lumbriculus variegatus (common name: blackworms), an organism that is well suited for classroom study because of its closed circulatory system. Describes a set of simple, fast, noninvasive, and inexpensive methods for observing pulsations of the worm's dorsal blood vessels under baseline conditions, and…

Explains how to determine the polarity of static electric charges by using an electrician's tool called the test pencil. (WRM)

Describes the assembly of a simple loudspeaker that can be used to generate high fidelity sound when plugged into a boom-box speaker output. (WRM)

Describes a low-cost activity designed to help students visualize both the kinetic and the stoichiometric nature of chemical reactions at the particle level, by creating a flip book. Suggests ideas for evaluation of student work, and extension activities. (WRM)

Describes an activity in which teams of students locate laboratory safety equipment in a scavenger hunt contest. (WRM)

Describes the "Old Prof" card game, a cross between the "Old Maid" and "Go Fish" card games, as it is used as an icebreaker in an introductory General Chemistry laboratory session. (WRM)

Presents a collection of free-body exercises and solutions covering rotational equilibrium and rotational nonequilibrium. (WRM)

Describes Community Environmental Involvement (CEI), a curriculum of environmental study and community service. The curriculum combines English, social studies, and science. (CCM)

Describes the development and implementation of the Super Science Connections course materials and elementary-teacher workshops at the Institute for Chemical Education (ICE) at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. (WRM)

Rainy days are opportunities to teach campers about weather and to plan activities around a rain theme. Indoor and outdoor science-based activities concerned with rain, water, or water conservation are suggested for specific age groups from ages 5-7 through 11-14. Campers can also develop ideas for activities using questions provided. (CDS)

Discusses barriers to environmental education. Middle school students completed a science-activity-preference scale and a disgust-sensitivity scale. Respondents who expressed the lowest interest in activities that required manipulation of organic substances also had the highest disgust-sensitivity scores. (Author/CCM)